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Eskdale currently holds an AA 5 Pennant Award and a 5 Star Visit Britain Award.
Walkers can reach England’s highest peak – Scafell Pike – and England’s deepest lake – Wastwater – from Site. There are also walks for those who prefer flatter paths, including one which follows the route of the River Esk.
The Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway – La’al Ratty – terminates at Dalegarth Station, a few minutes’ walk from Site.
Hardknott Fort was constructed by the Romans in the second century.
Hardknott and Wrynose Pass offer a thrilling car ride over the mountains to Ambleside and Windermere.
The waterfall Stanley Ghyll Force is 60ft high in a dramatic deep and narrow gorge.
Fold End Gallery exhibits the work of several local artists.
Eskdale Mill is a rare example of a working, two-wheel water corn mill. It houses an exhibition explaining the milling process from corn to flour.
Muncaster Castle has an interactive facility in the Old Dairy. It gives visitors more information on the castle, gardens and owls as well as games and quizzes.
Cycle on the newly-created Eskdale Cycle Trail which runs between Eskdale and Ravenglass.
Boot boasts three traditional Lakeland pubs within easy walking distance of the site. The Boot Beer festival is in June.
The quiet undiscovered coast of Cumbria and the Roman harbour at Ravenglass are a short drive away.
Go Gorge Walking, Canoeing, Abseiling, Archery, Rock climbing, Kayaking, Sailing or Biking with River Deep Mountain High outdoor activity provider.

Walks Nearby

Climbing Scafell from Eskdale. An excellent route up one of the Lake District giants.

Craggy frolics above Eskdale .Explore the rugged fells above Eskdale in this unspoilt landscape

Eel Tarn above Boot. A beautiful tarn tucked in the craggy hills above Boot

Derwentwater via Walla Crag.  Visit some of the iconic sites of the Lake District including Surprise View and Ashness Bridge

Area Information

Eskdale, Wastwater & the Duddon Valley

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moon-over-pike-o'stickle

Many thousands of walkers trail up to steep eroded path to Stickle Tarn and complete a circuit of Pavey Atk and Harrison Stickle before heading back down the steep eroded path. As worthy a walk as this is much of the appeal of the Langdale Pikes is missed and I prefer a leisurely ascent up Mickleden and approach Pike O’ Stickle from the more remote moors to the west. The paths are so much more pleasant, the scenery ever changing with the full perspective of the Langdale Valley witnessed and enjoyed whilst the dramatic rock scenery is viewed rather than risked; the descent between the underrated Loft Crag and Harrison Stickle offering some dramatic views including in to the proper Dungeon Ghyll. My most recent climb was in the snow which adds drama and excitement to the route.

Recommend: There are 2 possible extensions to the basic circuit, my favourite is to add Rossett Pike although the climb up Rossett Gill is tortuous whilst a full circuit of the Langdales can be made by continuing over Pavey Ark and the easy descent to the east.

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Photos of Mist…..

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lady-of-the-mountain

Photos of the Langdales in the snow….

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moon-over-pike-o'stickle

Previous posts on Mist the Border Collie:

Winter Woes Dec 2011

Frollicking around Eskdale Oct 2011

Mist’s Summer Frolics Sept 2011

Mist Heads North July 2011

Early summer stay in Wasdale. May 2011

Mist & the outdoors in Spring. Apr 2011

Training Mist. Mar 2011

Pleasures & Problems. Jan 2011

Early Days of Mist, October 2010

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ingleborough-from-the-lower-track

In my eyes Ingleborough is the best and most interesting of the 3 Peaks with a good variety of ways to the top, fabulous limestone scenery and views across in to the Lake District as well as the Dales themselves. Climbing Ingleborough from Ingleton is also a verty straightforward and safe way to the summit, it is almost impossible to get lost and only in the final 100 foot steep enough to cause any concern – of course the summit area is vast and a bit of accurate compass work may be needed to find a descent in the mist. However those who go up and then retrace their steps back to Ingleton miss the great appeal of this mountain and therefore I would suggest carrying on North West over the summit area and dropping North East in to the wonderful limestone pavements of Raven Scar. Here I stick to the pavements and take a return route a few hundred feet above the road and between the two main scars, the only disadvantage being that it soon becomes a very gradual ascent!

Recommend: It is perfectly possible to start the walk in the centre of Ingleton but if you have transport save yourself a mile each way.

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keswick-from-dodd

Up to the age of 7 we holidayed in the idyllic little hamlet of Millbeck staying with my gran so any visit to the area known as Underskiddaw brings back plenty of memories. I do remember never quite understanding why Dodd, of all hills, had to have its coat of trees when all else was bare but I would urge anyone on this walk to take to its steep slopes and climb to the top – the views are superb once you break out of the trees with a few hundred feet of climbing to go although be aware that in forestry tracks marked on a map are not always there! We had to take to the steep slopes at one point. Walking in the floodplain between Bassentwaite and Derwentwater is easy and clear to follow as a number of people clearly follow the Allerdale Ramble which links Seathwaite in Borrowdale and the Coast. This is a really good wet weather walk when the clouds are over the high summits, full of interest and adventure.

Recommend: Have a look for the house in Millbeck called Rowling End – what a magnificent place, why did the family ever sell it!

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The Cumbrian Way passes through the village of Caldbeck and traverses the slopes of two rounded humps that really mark the terminus of the Northern Fells and the start of a Scottish dominated landscape. Faulds Brow gets a mention in Wainwright’s Outlying Fells but fortunately is not of sufficient interest to attract the crowds. The walk itself has some lovely riverside sections at the start and finish, woodland and plenty of open farmland with great views to Skiddaw and Blencathra and north over the Solway Firth. Caldbeck (named after Cold Beck) itself provides an idyllic base for the walk and I thoroughly enjoyed discovering more about the lands nearby – it was virgin territory for me but worthy of further visits.

Recommend: On your return take note of the gorge the limestone gorge known as the Howk and the remains of an old waterwheel at Bobbin Mill.

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Over the years I have met many many walkers/climbers on a huge variety of walks – whether short walks around lakes, longer ones over the fells or around the local beck with the dogs – and normally the conversation goes something like; “Hi beautiful/awful day” with a response along the lines of “What could be better/better than being inside”. Mundane and pointless stuff but actually a sure sign that most people out on a walk are in a happier, more positive frame of mind (or at least feel they should be) than if they are stuck indoors. Folk are undoubtedly happier when they are out and about; fresh air combined with exercise gets the blood flowing and is healthy – sadly a recent health report I read stated that less than 5% of people exercised/walked for more than half an hour a day. Actually I was surprised it was as much as this. Walking  is a minority experience.

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coire-ghunndra

As is somewhat typical in society today people tend to look for excuses not to do something rather than a reason to do it – going for a walk (the simplest form of exercise) involves an effort, it may involve getting in the car/taking the bus, it certainly will mean putting on some appropriate clothes and footwear and it does take time (and of course none of us have any time!). When faced with the decision the silent majority just do not believe that it is worth the effort and it is so much easier to find something else to do, particularly if it is raining.

This came to mind the other day whilst I was leading a group in horrific weather, driving rain and high winds hastening the visit to the pub. However one of the chaps announced that he loved it like this – he loved the challenge of bad weather and often became bored just walking on a ‘nice’ day. He thrived on challenging himself and getting that adrenalin buzz from pushing himself. Accepted, enjoying bad weather is unusual but the principal behind what he was saying was that his motivation for being out was about the ‘buzz’ and excitement of the walk rather than the intrinsic beauty of the scene. It had me thinking about what motivates me to get out and walk/climb. Four reasons sprung immediately to mind:

• Fresh air and exercise – returning from a walk/or any form of exercise may make you tired but certainly makes you feel better. I have rarely if ever come across someone after a walk who has not got a smile on there face (albeit a tired one!).  There is no better feeling than sitting in a pub or a tea shop having been out and about with that feeling of well being which comes with it.
• Socialisation – being with people – like minded friends/families definitely brings them closer together. Children love it and for them being out and about certainly provides many of the best memories of any childhood, certainly they were for me. However lifestage does not matter because a walk is a shared experience and that always brings people together.
• The lovely scenery – whether walking on your own or in a group our countryside is lovely to look at and, without becoming too spiritual, delightfully peaceful and thought provoking. Coast, mountain and lakeside, our country offers a superb contrast of views which you simply cannot get elsewhere.
• Walking the dog – most proper dogs need a couple of walks a day regardless of the weather and once out it is rarely a disappointment. I would not be without a dog!

So why do more people not get out and walk, either on a daily basis, or if that is impractical at weekends and for holidays. If asked people tend to come up with a number of reasons that can be narrowed down to just a few; “nothing nearby”, “too boring”, “not sure where to go/will get lost”, “no time”. In reality all of these come down to one thing – there is not an effective enough pull for those people to go on a walk.

As John Craven would say “there are always answers but they may not be straightforward” . Try these for size:

• National government promotional campaign highlighting the benefits of walking (or other exercise) in the outdoors. This could be regionally based and look at some of the fabulous areas in every part of the country.
• Increasing numbers of day trips from schools; these could take the form of navigation exercises, understanding the countryside or even more lively visits. Add in some overnight stays (there are many unused barns ripe for simple development just awaiting a visit). Clearly the practicalities are more difficult in the big cities (London in particular) but a 2 night trip into the country staying at some newly set up outdoor centres has to be possible…if there is a will.
• Finally if walking is still deemed a little tedious by some maybe the countryside does need some enlivening. In the Lake District the excellent Go Ape activities at Grizedale and Whinlatter forests offer excitement whilst private companies offer walking/climbing/boating holidays where the emphasis is on having fun. Even the proposed (and rejected) 1,000 foot zip wire at Honister should be reviewed.

There is a financial cost to the above but, of course, the financial payback is a healthier population and lower NHS bills. Cameron talks a lot about building a better society for the future; well here is a splendid way to achieve it.

With money tight, health on the decline and indoor sports taking over visiting our great outdoors surely is a no brainer.

For an American (thereby alternative!) view click here

Previous Posts:

Fell Top Assessors. What do they do and how are they funded

Windfarms – simply no need. As wind farms continue to be built why are we doing it?

Inspired by Autumn Watch? Some photography of animals in the countryside and the pleasures of limestone walking

Extending the National Parks. Views and news on the decision to extend the national parks of the Lakes & Dales

Using a map to navigate. Why using a map and compass adds so much to a good walk.

Walks for the family. How to educate your children to enjoy the great outdoors.

Away from the Crowds. Some tips and suggestions on where to still find peace and solitude when many walks are crowded out.

My favourite villages in the Dales. The villages in the Yorkshire Dales which are extra special.

Delighting in photos. Why it is so easy to enjoy photography these days.

More than just a walking heaven. Different reasons why people take to the fells and dales.

Watch out for the little blighters. Sheep ticks continue to be a growing menace.

Map Reading Skills on the decline. Impact of new technology on traditional navigation.

Hidden Yorkshire Dales. The joys of walking in my favourite lesser known dales.

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walking-above-watendlath_0

The lands between Watendlath and the Borrowdale/Langstrath valleys offers some really good walking terrain, showcased by two lovely sheets of water. Whilst Watendlath tarn is large (for a tarn) with easy access to anyone prepared to make the single track drive to the small hamlet bearing its name, Dock Tarn is shy and retiring and rather lovely. I often forget the tarn is there and come across it by accident whilst heading for the nearby fells of Great Crag and/or High Crag but it is always a pleasant surprise whether lounging by its shores picnicking for the afternoon with the family or fighting my way past in to the teeth of a gale. The pull up from Stonethwaite to Dock Tarn is steep nut soon over and thereafter the walking is typically Lakes and highly enjoyable

Recommend: After Dock Tarn it is worth a small detour over the craggy top of Great Crag which has excellent views

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views-over-keswick-from-barf

The Bishop of Barf always catches my eye on the road from Keswick to Cockermouth; a splash of white washed rock on steep screes and surrounded by what looks like dense forestry. This is a steep climb but the rewards are many as the path breaks out on to the flatter lands near the summit. The walking between Barf and Lord’s Seat is exceptional, as are the panoramic views with an airy feel uplifting the spirits. The path from Thornthwaite is a good pull and in the wet can be a little unpleasant (particularly when it navigates a large uprooted tree) but I climbed it recently with the children and they thoroughly enjoyed themselves, particularly messing around in Beckstones Gill. The Bishop itself lies off the main track and is not a recommended route of ascent (a grinding scree slope) but the story behind the whitewashed rock is good: apparently in 1783 the Bishop of Derry killed himself and his horse whilst trying to drunkenly ride direct to the summit….mmm.

Recommend: If time permits carry on from Lords Seat in to Whinlatter Forest and drop slowly down to Braithwaite, if they have not altered the forest roads!

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coledale-exterior

Standing above the village of Braithwaite and nestling within the fells of Newlands and the Coledale Round lies the Coledale Inn. The inn is full of character, being built at the beginning of the Victorian era and starting life as a Woolen Mill it has retained its charm and historical feel. The bar and restaurant offer a pleasant and relaxing end to a big day on the fells and with its prime situation amongst many of the best walking in the Lake District is a great midweek or weekend break for those wanting to enjoy the area.

Families are very welcome and the inn will provide a packed lunch for those heading out for the day.

Walks Nearby

The Coledale Round. One of the Lake District’s classic circuits with outstanding views from Braithwaite.

Flanks of Newlands .Explore the slopes of Ard Crags fom the pretty valley of Newlands

Barrow from Braithwaite. An excellent easy fell climbed directly from the village

Derwentwater via Walla Crag.  Visit some of the iconic sites of the Lake District including Surprise View and Ashness Bridge

Area Information

Keswick & the North Area Information