Favourite Walks - Chris Jones

In the introduction to Wainwright's book 'Walks From Ratty' the famous chronicler of the Lakeland
fells says this about Eskdale - 'It is the finest of all valleys for those whose special joy is to travel on foot and a paradise for artists.' The following six walks are a starter pack of personal favourites, starting with three that are, virtually, on the flat.

ALONG THE BANKS OF THE RIVER ESK

This walk follows the wooded path from Dalegarth Hall to Doctor Bridge beside the loveliest and most varied stretch of the River Esk.

Start at the car park by Trough House Bridge, or from the station at Dalegarth. Shortly after passing Dalegarth Hall you will come to an open crossroads of bridle ways. Turn left here, cross the narrow wooden bridge and the broad path will guide you straight to Doctor Bridge. Cross over and follow the opposite bank back as far as St. Catherine's church. Walk up the lane a little way, and then take the walled path, crossing the fields, to Trough House Bridge.

STANLEY GILL FORCE
A two mile walk through woods and a ravine with the final reward of one of the loveliest waterfalls in Lakeland. The walk has the same start as the riverside walk, above, but, instead of turning left, cross the opening to a gate in the left hand wall which leads into Stanley Gill Woods. A rough track follows the side of the beck up into a ravine. Three wooden bridges cross the river and a final scramble up the bank reveals the full splendour of the falls.

THE ESKDALE GREEN ROUND
An ideal stroll if you are staying in Eskdale Green, with a wide variety of scenery and views. Being a circular route there are a number of starting points, but I have taken the car park at Forge Bridge. Take the sign posted track up to Milkingstead. Cross the Esk at the first bridge and follow the field wall to Fisherground. Keep to the left of the farm buildings, over the Ratty line and on to the fell path that heads up to the Outward Bound's wall. A gate at the top brings you to a track called Smithybrow. Turn right, down through Low Holme's gates, to the narrow Miterdale road. Go left and presently you will pass the bobbin mill, a farm and the school. At the main road turn left and then right towards Irton Road station. Carry on over the bridge, along the lane to Forest How and on over to Muncaster Head Farm. Turning left the track leads you back to Forge Bridge.

BLEA TARN
The tarns of Eskdale are quite diverse in character - from the tiny pool that is Fox's Tarn, high on Scafell, to the vast mirror of Burnmoor Tarn. Of all of them, though, Blea Tarn is the most immediately attractive. It nestles high on the granite shoulder above Boot and, while the path is steep, there are ample excuses to pause and admire the view. Start the walk at Beckfoot, a stop on the Ratty, or a short walk from Dalegarth. Cross over the railway line and head up the grassy path. After a short while the path turns left and proceeds as a series of zigzags up the side of the fell. Sooner than expected you are high on the shoulder with Blea Tarn sparkling at your feet.

UPPER ESKDALE FROM SILVERYBIELD CRAG
Now little known or used, this route follows one of the oldest paths to Upper Eskdale and Esk Hause. It is rather like being 'backstage' at Eskdale's grand theatre. There are crags, becks, dubs and mosses but with no semblance of order. Then suddenly, at Silverybield Crag, you will find yourself transported up to the 'gods' with the full glory of the Scafells and Upper Eskdale unveiled before you. The walk starts at Taw House where a farm track leads to the bridge at Scale Gill. A steep zigzagging track will leave you breathless but the rest of the route is quite gentle. At the top the path heads north-west, skirting Damas Dubs until, after a final rise at Silverybield Crag, the view unfolds. When you run out of film return by the same path.

LOW BIRKER TARN
The low fells and outcrops that border the valley, to the south, from Harter Fell to Stanley Gill are seldom visited by walkers. This is the final fling of the volcanic rocks that make up the massive crags of Scafell and Bowfell. Here, on Green Crag and Crook Crag, the outcrops share the same qualities but are more accessible. Start at the Woolpack Inn and cross the Esk at Doctor Bridge. Turn right up the bridle path as far as Low Birker and then take the grassy footpath to the left. This climbs up the slope, between juniper bushes, until a fell gate is reached. The path heads up steeply to the right before easing into a gentle traverse to the lip of Birker Force. Low Birker Tarn is now only a few minutes away and the rocky crest of Crook Crag is in sight. In fine weather, skirt Tarn Crag, to Kepple Crag, and down to Penny Hill Farm.

The walk described here, making use of the Ratty Railway ( a treat in itself ), is from Ravenglass to Eskdale by way of Muncaster Fell. Although the walk can be taken in either direction this way gives the most spectacular views ahead.

From Dalegarth Station, or Irton Road Station (which would shorten the walk by about two miles ) take the Ratty to Ravenglass.

There is a mile or so of road walking from the station along the A595 towards the entrance and car park of Muncaster Castle. At the bend in the road there are two bridle paths on the left. Take the one sign posted to Eskdale which is a track of Roman origin, known as Fell Lane and edged by old walls and much vegetation.

Continue upwards until the rhododendron grove is reached, where Muncaster Tarn, although half-hidden by trees can be seen on the left. Go through the wicket gate past the fence enclosing the young trees on the left. It is from here that the magnificent panorama of the western fells begins to unfold. The path veers to the right to avoid Hooker Crag - the highest point of the ridge. A detour to the top of the Crag will award the climber with glorious scenery in all directions ( apart from the intrusive aspect of the power station at Sellafield ). Westward is Ravenglass, the estuary where the River Esk meets the sea, and the Isle of Man, and in the other direction the upper Esk, Scafell, Miterdale and the Coniston mountains.

Continue along the path to the raised stone slab inscribed ' Ross's Camp 1883'. Supposedly this monument ( which bears no archaeological significance ) was raised by members of a shooting party as a table for lunch! This is an excellent spot from which to admire the view up the valley. Pass through the gate at the junction of walls and follow the path, which is often boggy, on its descent by the wall.

When the cart track is reached turn left and the path leads to Irton Road Station. Turn right to return to Dalegarth and continue down the track to Muncaster Head Farm , turn left onto the road for a short distance and then take the river path which is sign posted at Forge Bridge. Follow the Esk, a river of great natural beauty and variation, to Dalegarth turning left past the car park, crossing over the river and down the track to the road , turn right for Dalegarth Station and Boot.

Mountain biking

If the roads of Eskdale are too tame then take to the fells! But first remember that one road out of Eskdale is probably the steepest road in England, rising from 94 metres to 393 metres in a distance of only 2 km. Hardknott Pass as it is named is a challenge, either up or down and can be included in a good road loop or as part of an off-road adventure. Here are 2 of my favourites:-

RIVER ESK ROUTE

This short but entertaining route can be started from anywhere between the King George and Wha House, it is quite technical with lots of tree roots, rocks and streams to negotiate, but with no steep hills it is ideal for beginners and as a warm up or evening ride. Starting from Dalegarth carpark, ride on tarmac upto Wha House Bridge, cross the bridge then take the bridle way off to the right. The first stream is soon reached and can usually be ridden through. The path continues into an oak wood then turns right over another stream and on down to Penny Hill Farm. At this point a track is reached which is followed upto Low Birker, watch out for the steep rocky accent just after the cottage. It is mainly down hill from here, splashing through several small becks and stopping to open a few gates until Stanley Gill is reached. This beck is quite deep and requires some skill (or luck to get through, if in doubt take the bridge. A track leads on through Dalegarth woods to a rocky descent just after a gate. The next section is narrow with lots of roots and puddles, but the interesting bits are all too soon past. When Forge Bridge is reached turn right and follow the road back up to the start point.

Distance approx. 14km

BURNMOOR TARN ROUND

This route uses the well known "Corpse Road" which is a track once used to carry coffins from Wasdale to the burial ground at St. Catherine's. Again this route may be started from anywhere along the valley. From the carpark in Eskdale Green the route begins with a steep accent up Giggle Alley followed by a quick descent into Mitredale, turn right up the valley and follow the road upto Low Place, keep on the left of the river upto Bakerstead then turn left up into the trees. Follow a steep grassy path through fields then out onto the fell, the path is still following the valley but is now well above the beck. The route is narrow in places with some little steps and streams to cross. On a clear day the view gets steadily better as the path turns towards Wasdale and more height is gained. At some points the path may feel a little bit exposed. Do not drop all the way to Wasdale unless you fancy a pint! Instead turn right at Maiden Castle Cairn and head for Burnmoor Tarn, go round the left of the tarn then up the path and back towards Boot. This section is grassy at first but soon deteriorates as it starts to descend with rocky sections, boggy sections and some boggy rocky sections! The final descent into Boot is quite sharp with lots of rocks and eroded areas. From Boot ride back down the road to the starting point or you could go round the previously described route! Overall it is fun, muddy and not too strenuous.

Distance approx. 18km

The Woolpack Walk

DISTANCE - 30 KM (18.75 miles) ASCENT - @2040m (6700ft)

MAP: The English Lakes - South West Sheet 1:25000 or OS Sheet No. 89

A full days walk - Free pint in the Woolpack Inn for completion in less than 9 hours.

A superb walk encompassing Scafell, Scafell Pike, Broad Crag, Esk Pike, Bow Fell, Crinkle Crags, Hard Knott and Harter Fell in a hard but very satisfying high level circuit around the upper Eskdale Valley

Start from the Woolpack Inn early in the morning and head north east to Stony Tarn slowly gaining the feeling of more and more isolation from the valley. The walking is easy but navigation not so (keep to the edge of the large flat marshes) the landscape draws you into it and enshrouds the view until you stumble across Stony Tarn, hiding in a westerly bowl. After topping up water bottles pass the tarn on the north west side and continue in a more northerly direction to attack the steep blunt nose of Slight Side.Keep to the higher ground above the plateau of the Cow Cove tributaries and don't expect to see Cat Cove Tarn, it doesn't really exist any more due to extensive vegetation now creeping towards it's centre. Time for a quick break after climbing Slight Side and a first real chance to observe Wasdale, Eskdale and the beauty and uniformity of the upper Esk landscape.

Continue more steadily to the summit of Scafell, each step revealing the beauty of what lies below. To the southwest is Mitredale, a little visited valley with Burnmoor Tarn at its head. To the east the whole of the Woolpack walk can be seen threading it's high route over the summit and col to the spines of the Crinkle Crags before it's descent to the lower confines and security of Hard Knott and on!

A decision has to be made on Scafell, Broad Strand is not recommended without a rope and knowledge of how to use it correctly (hire a guide), still challenging and thought provoking is Lord's Rake to the west. The easier and more direct route from the summit is descent via Foxes Tarn (a useful watering spot on a summers day). From whichever descent is used, gain Mickledore, location of a Mountain Rescue Wooden Box. Now the ascent can begin on England's highest Summit, Scafell Pike (977m). Keep zigzagging up through the rocks until on the summit. From here in the west is Wasdale, with the Isle of Man in the distance. Northwest reveals the Solway and Galloway peninsular of Scotland, north is Skiddaw, and northeast is Helvellyn. Windermere can be seen snaking along its length in the west and southeast shows the Old Man of Coniston.

Once you have appreciated this 360 degrees panorama to the fullest, descend steep scree to Broad Crag Col. From here Broad Crag itself is only a couple of contours away and only a slight deviation off the path. Rejoin the good flat path to arrive at Esk Hause, one of the Lake District's best known cross roads between Eskdale, Langdale, Borrowdale and Wasdale, also the home of some bad navigation errors in bad weather.

Scramble southeast to the standing boulders atop Esk Pike and down to Ore Gap, easily recognised by the colour of the earth and the rocks surrounding it. Bow Fell is an easy walk from here except for the scramble up the last 20-30 metres to the real summit with plentiful large boulders to provide shelter from any wind direction. The summit commands superb views down Langdale and onto the Langdale Pikes and the view to the west brings a smile as you can virtually see all the route done so far.

Care must be taken in descending to Three Tarns. Do not head south too soon as the Bowfell Links gullies are difficult, loose and steep. The correct descent is well cairned, but even this is steep and loose in places.

The ascent of Crinkle Crags meanders across, many different paths, no one any better than the others. Can you spot the Woolpack from here?

There is a bad step at the at the southern end of the main summit, but it is not severe and can be avoided easily to either side, or by scrambling underneath (without a rucsac). The step itself involves a 3 metre vertical wall with a jammed boulder at it's top (it is descended from the north). You can leave the ridge after several hundred metres and head for Stonesty Pike or Adam-a-Cove. From here, traverse down carefully through rough fell and broken scree to arrive at the head of Mosedale. Major summits are now over and Hard Knott is a pleasant amble on firm ground. The route passes near to Eskdale Needle, an impressive tooth of rock sticking up from the fell.

Weave your way from the summit of Hard Knott steeply down to the crest of the famous pass and then more gently on and up to Harter Fell, whose summit never seems to arrive, each false summit revealing another, until eventually you are stood on the top and have a chance to survey the whole of your walk now that there is only descent left to go. From Harter, Fell, the highest point in the valley, a straight line can be seen down the River Esk to the sea at Ravenglass. In the south, the Duddon valley does the same.

A sumptuous feast at the Woolpack Inn should now be beckoning. Head west and then descend the old miners track to Penny Hill Farm before walking along the flat valley floor to cross Doctor Bridge and then return to the Woolpack Inn for much needed refreshment.

Congratulations, please enter your details in the Log Book at the Woolpack Inn.

Lots of other routes are possible, for local advise call at Brook House Inn or email gareth@brookhouseinn.co.uk

			Climbing
		Eskdale has some of the best climbing in the Lakes, not only with access to Scafell and all the surounding crags, but also the valley has several fast
	drying crags including Hare Crag which has some excellent bouldering as does Fell End just above Fisherground. Linbeck crag has many routes on sound rock and is near the road. In a good winter Eskdale provides well for the mountaineer with grade 3 ice forming on several waterfalls, Cam Spout is pictured above. The gullies and buttresses of Scafell and The Pike are within easy walking distance, and Wasdale is only 20 minutes drive from Eskdale Green.

Scrambling
The valley has lots of scrambles including the classic3 star route up the Eskdale Gorge. This is a great day out but you will get wet unless it has not rained for about 3 months!. Easier routes include Cow Cove Beck which starts with a hard pitch, this is best avoided unless quite dry, but the route from there is good and can form part of a circular route or as an interesting way onto the Scafell range. Birker Force is a grade 3 and quite exposed near the top, a rope would help. Many of the crags in the area have excellent routes which can be varied to suit the weather and ability.

18 Hole Par 69 parkland course that reaches 5,494 yards in length.
Henry Cotton three times Open Champion in the 1940's, helped in its development and held it in great affection.
Stunning views attract golfers each year and combined with a layout that will test the most skillful player, Eskdale will provide a great game.
The signature hole is undoubtedly the 151 yard 14th. An elevated tee looks towards a green set within a vast trout pond which requires an accurate shot to stay out of trouble. Eskdale prides itself on a quiet and relaxed feel.

Open from 1 April to 30 October
by appointment only
Price £25 per person per round

Bookings for the exclusive use of the golf course can be arranged

Contact Details
For further information and to enquire about bookings please use the details below:
Eskdale Golf Course
Ravenglass
Cumbria
CA18 1RL
Tel / Fax :
01229 717680
or click rere to email us