trails in the western lake district
DESCRIPTION
ÂTRANSCRIPT
Before setting off on any of these walks please make sure you have plotted the route using the appropriate map and a compass.
black beck With a sunny southerly aspect and wonderful views out over the Duddon Estuary this valley is a delightful place to explore. A network of paths and bridleways traverse around the side of the valley, and when joined together give a gently graded walk that takes in some amazingly diverse scenery. The walk can be done in either direction but navigationally it is easier done clockwise. There are many highlights along the way but one that must not be missed is the Stone Circle at Swinside.
Start/finish: Beck Bank on the old A595 (GR SD 184 867) Park along the old A595 - park with care
Distance: 8.7km (5.4 miles)
Time: 3 hours Height gain: 260m
Maps: OS Landranger 89 & 96, OS Explorer OL 6, Harveys’ Superwalker Lakeland West (1:25 000), British Mountain Maps Lake District (1:40 000)
1. From the old (disused) section of the A595 take the footpath down to Beck Bank Farm and pass between the buildings to cross the stepping stones across Black Beck. Follow the path beside the beck a short distance, then up the field to join the road. Turn right and follow the road for 400m to a bridleway on the left.
2. Join the bridleway and follow it up hill for about 1km to the Swinside Standing Stones (permissive access off the track through a side gate).
3. From the standing stones continue up the track to Swinside Farm. Just past the farm turn right off the bridleway and follow the path to cross a footbridge. Continue towards Fenwick.
4. Turn right before Fenwick and follow the track/path to join the road just past Windy Slack. Turn left and follow the road up hill to a junction.
5. Leave the road and join the bridleway, which is followed to a junction with a path on the broad col near Wrayslack.
6. Turn right off the bridleway and follow the path for 700m to a fork. Take the left branch, which leads down to Graystone House. Join the track/bridleway and continue to the A595.
7. Turn right onto the A595 and walk along the verge for 150m to a turning for the old section of the A595 on the right. Follow this for a further 150m back to the start.
START/FINISH
N
One km
One Mile
One Km
One Mile
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
SwinsideStoneCircle
SwinsideStoneCircle
WindySlack
Mere Crags
Fenwick
CraggHall
Knott Hall
GraystoneHouse
Boadhole
Broadgate
ThwaiteYeat
Barrow
A595
Beck BankFarm
Lath RiggPeathouse Beck
Bla
ck B
eck
WindySlack
Mere Crags
Fenwick
CraggHall
Knott Hall
GraystoneHouse
Boadhole
Broadgate
ThwaiteYeat
Barrow
A595
Beck BankFarm
Lath RiggPeathouse Beck
Bla
ck B
eck
Wrayslack
footbridgefootbridge
The Punchbowl Innat The Green
START-FINISH
1
One Mile
One Km
One Mile
One Km
32
4
5
6
7
NN
Black Combe
Whitbeck
Bootle
TownendKnotts
Whichham
A595
Bootle
Little Fell
A595
Black Combe
Whitbeck
GreatGrassoms
Silecroft
TownendKnotts
Hall Foss
Whichham
Kirkbank
HentoeHill
Pen End
Blac
k Cr
ags
Blac
kcombe Scre
es
A595
A5093
Horse Back
TownendHall
Moor Gill
Little Fell
A595
Black Combe
Whitbeck
GreatGrassoms
Silecroft
TownendKnotts
Hall Foss
Whichham
Kirkbank
HentoeHill
Pen End
Blac
k Cr
ags
Blac
kcombe Scre
es
A595
A5093
Horse Back
TownendHall
Hentoe Beck
Moor Gill
Townend G
ill
Townend G
ill
8
black combe Between sea and mountains, this modest peak has some of the best views in the country. Its stand-alone position gives a full 360˚ panorama, which on a clear day includes parts of Scotland and Wales, the Isle of Man, north Lancashire, the western Pennines and most of the Lake District peaks. Once height is gained walking is easy over rolling grassy fells. Take in the views before heading to Silecroft or Millom for a hearty meal and a well deserved beer.
Start/finish: Silecroft (GR SD 130 819) Parking is available near Whicham Church
Distance: 15.2km (9.5 miles)
Time: 5 hours Height gain: 665m
Maps: OS Landranger 96, OS Outdoor Leisure 6, Harveys’ Superwalker (1:25 000) Lakeland South & Western Lakeland, British Mountain Maps Lake District (1:40 000)
1. From Miners’ Arms follow road to A5093. Turn left for 250m to a junction. Turn right, follow the A595 for 700m to a lane on the left for Kirkbank.
2. Take the lane at the side of the church for 500m to a small group of houses. Follow the lane around the back of the houses to a junction.
3. Follow the bridleway which splits off right and climbs steeply up the side of Moorgill Beck. After 1km the track levels off.
4. The track continues north and begins to climb; follow it for 2km to the summit of Black Combe (shelter and trig point). For a shorter walk retrace your steps back to Silecroft.
5. Descend to the northeast; follow the vague path as it skirts the top of Black Combe Screes and swings to the north. Continue for 1.6km down the steep grassy slope and past the head of Hentoe Beck to a rough access track.
6. Follow the track across fell side for 2.5km to cross a ford. Follow the good track for 3.2km past Whitbeck to join the A595 at Townend Hall.
7. Follow the A595 for 2.4km to the turn off for Silecroft. Turn right, through the village to the railway station.
8. If the A595 is busy: turn left at Townend Hall and follow the path beside Townend Gill. Above the intake wall the path swings right and climbs steadily across fell side to a level shoulder. Continue across the shoulder then follow the path down a steep hairpin bend to the Black Combe bridleway. Turn right and retrace your steps back to Silecroft Railway Station.
One km
One Mile
START/FINISH
N
1
2
3
4
5
6
Blacksmiths ArmsBlacksmiths Arms
Great Stickle
StephensonGround
JacksonGround
Riv
er L
ickl
e
BR
OU
GH
TO
NM
OO
R
The Knott
Caw
Brown Haw
BrackBarrow
HallDunnerdale
HollinHouse
Seathwaite
WallowbarrowCrag
Broughton Mills
StaintonGround
CarterGround
D U N N E R D A L E
F E L L S
Caw Moss
Hesketh Hall
Ball Hall
Walna Scar RoadNewfieldWood
NewfieldInn
HosesThe
Hawk
LongHouse
Turner HallFarm
Green Bank
KnottEnd
The Knott
Black Sike
Dawson Pike
Great Stickle
StephensonGround
JacksonGround
Riv
er L
ickl
e
BR
OU
GH
TO
NM
OO
R
The Knott
Caw
Brown Haw
BrackBarrow
KilnBank
HallDunnerdale
HollinHouse
Seathwaite
WallowbarrowCrag
Broughton Mills
StaintonGround
CarterGround
D U N N E R D A L E
F E L L S
Caw Moss
Hesketh Hall
Ball Hall
Walna Scar Road
NewfieldWood
NewfieldInn
HosesThe
Hawk
LongHouse
Turner HallFarm
Green Bank
KnottEnd
The Knott
Black Sike
A593
Dawson Pike
One km
One Mile
circuit of caw The modest summit of Caw manages to hold its own as the most prominent peak in the Duddon Valley. Its concave and craggy profile gives a dramatic look and it appears far bigger than it is. A circular tour gives views from all sides. Broughton Mills is slightly off the beaten track but accessible from the main road at Broughton in Furness. Walk up the eastern flanks of Caw onto the high point on the Walna Scar Road and most of the work is done before lunch.
Start/finish: Broughton Mills (GR SD 222 905). Parking at the Blacksmiths Arms (please let the pub know you are undertaking this route before setting off)
Distance: 16.6km (10.3 miles)
Time: 6 - 7 hours Height gain: 730m
Maps: OS Landranger 89 & 96, OS Explorer OL 6, Harveys’ Superwalker Lakeland West(1:25 000), British Mountain Maps Lake District (1:40 000)
1. Head up the lane from the Blacksmiths’ Arms to a junction, turn left. Cross the River Lickle then turn right at next junction. Follow the lane north for 600m up to another junction. Turn right; follow the lane for 2.7km up to Stephenson Ground.
2. Beside the old barn there is access to two bridleways, go through the gate and take the bridleway that swings right and climbs above the River Lickle to a broad col beside Dawson Pike.
3. The path levels and skirts across the flanks of White Pike to join the Walna Scar Road. Turn left; descend to road head at Long House Gill. Follow road to the Duddon Valley road. Turn left; follow road to Seathwaite
4. At the bend in the road, just behind the Newfield Inn, is the start of a bridleway. Follow it as it climbs to a junction towards the top of Old Park Beck.
5. Take the right fork, cross Old Park Beck and join Park Head Road (bridleway), follow this over the rise and down to Kiln Bank Road.
6. Turn left on to the road and follow it to Broughton Mills.
START/FINISH N
NOne km
One Mile
One km
One Mile
1 2
34
5
6
DevokeWater
Knott EndKnott End
A595
Rough Crag
Water Crag
Raven Crag
CraggFarm
Ellerbeck
The Knott
White Pike
Woodend Height
Stainton Fell
Stainton
Barnscar(Settlement)
Riv
er Esk
B I R K B Y F E L L
BroadOak
Dyke
StaintonTower
Blac
k Beck
Blac
k Beck
Rough Crag
Water Crag
Raven Crag
CraggFarm
Ellerbeck
The Knott
White Pike
Woodend Height
Stainton Fell
Stainton
Barnscar(Settlement)
Rive
r Esk
B I R K B Y F E L L
BroadOak
Dyke
StaintonTower
Waberthwaite
7
8
circuit of devoke water Devoke Water is the largest tarn in the Lake District. It sits on the open moors of Birker Fell with the coastal plain on the west side and the deep trench of Eskdale to the north. A circular walk around the tarn including a brief climb to the nearby summits of Rough Crag and Water Crag makes for an exciting excursion. Keep your eyes peeled as you approach the rocky knoll at Barnscar as this moorland rise is the site of an ancient British settlement and the remains of hut circles and cairns are visible.
Start/finish: Dyke, A595 (GR NY 113 951) (on road parking, please park considerately)
Distance: 14km (8.7 miles)
Time: 6 hours Height gain: 400m
Maps: OS Landranger 89 & 96, OS Explorer OL 6, Harveys’ Superwalker Lakeland West(1:25 000), British Mountain Maps Lake District (1:40 000)
1. From the A595 take the bridleway and follow it through the farmyard at Dyke. The track then climbs to a fork; take the left branch up through the trees and through zig-zags to another fork. Take the left branch and follow the bridleway to pass through a gate between stone walls.
2. Follow the bridleway through a bend and along side a wall. It becomes a boggy enclosed lane; follow it to go through a fell gate. Follow the path (still boggy) alongside the wall to a junction.
3. Turn right and follow the boggy path across open moorland to drier ground at the remains of an ancient settlement at Barnscar.
4. A drier, but in parts vague, path leads across moorland to Devoke Water.
5. A bridleway skirts the southern shore, follow it all the way round to the boathouse at the eastern end. Join the access track and follow it for about 500m past the end of Devoke Water.
6. Turn left off the track and make the short steep climb directly to the summit of Rough Crag. From the summit a pleasant ridge leads to the summit of Water Crag.
7. After enjoying the views descend to the mouth of Devoke Water, cross the outlet beck, and re-join the bridleway at the western end of the tarn.
8. Re-trace your steps to the start on the A595 at Dyke. Why not visit Waberthwaite next for a pint at the Brown Cow Inn and a visit to Woodall’s butchers (holders of the royal warrant for the production of Cumberland sausage and hams!).
Establishments taking part in the Beer n Bangers Festival
beer ‘n’ bangerstrails in the western lake district
Useful informationGetting here and staying here
Visit www.traveline.org.uk or call 0871 200 22 33 to check transport information. The scenic Cumbria Coastal Line runs between Barrow-in-Furness and Carlisle with stops close to the start of some of these walks. Timetables are available from www.northernrail.org Remember, there are no trains on Sundays!
Visit www.golakes.co.uk/stay to search for local accommodation. Further information about the Western Lake District can be found at www.western-lakedistrict.co.uk
Weather
The weather in Cumbria can change quickly, particularly on the fells where clear morning skies can rapidly give way to rain, sleet or even snow on the summits, so be prepared. Changes in weather can dramatically alter the difficulty of a route so please consider this. Call 0844 846 2444 or visit www.lake-district.gov.uk/weatherline to check the forecast.
Practical information
Appropriate clothing can make all the difference. It is important to be warm, comfortable, and dry when out exploring so carry the appropriate kit and plenty of layers.
A rucksack should hold everything needed and be carried comfortably. Have extra layers, a hat and gloves, enough food and drink, and a first aid kit. A compass, map and the knowledge to use them can prove invaluable.
Mobile phone reception isn’t always good. Leave route details and expected finish time with a buddy, if delayed please let them know. This will prevent mountain rescue, a team of volunteers, being called out unnecessarily.
If mountain rescue are needed, get a message to the police (999) as soon as possible and keep the injured or exhausted people safe and warm until help arrives.
Beer ‘n’ Bangerstrails in the western lake districtWelcome to the Adventure Capital - the Lake District, Cumbria. Famous for its stunning landscapes of lakes and fells this is the country’s biggest adventure playground.
This leaflet contains four walking routes which combine the stunning scenery of the Western Lake District with local ales and hearty Cumbrian fare for a brilliant way to experience the area.
the western lake districtThe Western Lake District is perfect for a weekend of walking, good food and real ale. Peaceful fell tops, an amazing coastline and stunning views offer an opportunity to escape the crowds and discover an unspoilt corner of Cumbria.
Local producers and micro breweries offer lots of tasty treats to refuel after a day in the hills, from award winning real ales to traditional Cumberland sausages. Many pubs and inns are also home to micro breweries, cosy accommodation and even the odd beer festival!
Visit www.golakes.co.uk/adventure and www.western-lakedistrict.co.uk to find more free walking routes, book great accommodation and discover this wonderful part of the county.
on foot
pedal or paddle, hike or climb, conquer your competitive spirit or just get out there and enjoy
for more information, visit www.golakes.co.uk/adventure
supported by
on foot
on wheels
on ropeson course
on water
where to get on in the adventure capital
Beer ‘n’ Bangers Festival Join the annual celebration of local breweries and sausage makers each October. Experience, savour and enjoy fresh local food and drink at venues across the south western Lake District.
This is an area with outstanding examples of different styles of beer and sausage. Try sausage and bacon from Woodalls of Waberthwaite (suppliers to the Queen!) and distinctive local specialities from Bewley’s of Bootle, Patton’s of Millom and Tyson’s of Broughton.
Visit breweries famous among ale drinkers throughout the UK to sample awarding winning ales and discover more about this fascinating area through the unique names and the regional tales behind them.
The Beer ‘n’ Bangers festival takes place annually in early October.
www.beernbangers.com Images: Cum
bria Tourism / Brian Sherwen
Devoke Water, Birker Fell, West Cumbria Walking near Muncaster Castle, Ravenglass
promoting effective, welcoming communitiessouth tourismcopeland
MuncasterDrigg
Foxfield
Seathwaite
Bootle
Walk start locations