Plan your walk |
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DISTANCE: 4 miles (6.4km) TIME: 2 hours START/END: NY173007 Dalegarth station car park or a car park on the Dalegarth road TERRAIN: Moderate; some rough sections MAPS: |
There are two possible starting points. One is in the car park beside the terminus of the narrow-gauge railway (‘La’al Ratty’) at Dalegarth Station. Turn right down the main road and then turn left by the small war memorial. Alternatively, start from the Trough House Bridge car park which is down the road going to Dalegarth Hall. In this case turn back right out of the car park and cross the bridge.
From these starting points you approach a bend in the road from opposite directions. In both cases turn east off the road onto a footpath, signposted ‘St. Catherine’s Church’.
A Chapel was established in Eskdale as long ago as the 12th century. In the 15th century the chapel was promoted to a parish church. This upgrading followed a successful petition to the Pope which complained about the hardships experienced in traveling to St. Bees for burials and baptisms. The church was rebuilt in 1881. In the churchyard there are two interesting gravestones to two notable huntsmen, Tommy Dobson and Willy Porter.
On leaving the church, follow the path to the left (east), beside the river.
There are some beautiful clear pools in the river bed. Look for the restored mine bridge. This is a wooden footbridge built on the top of girders that used to carry the tramway which transported the ore. The bridge was rebuilt in 1990 in memory of Geoffrey Berry, a former secretary of the Friends of the Lake District.
Don’t cross this footbridge but continue on the riverside path for another 1km until you reach Doctor Bridge. Cross this bridge and turn right onto the track signposted ‘Public Bridleway: Dalegarth’.
Doctor Bridge is an attractive arch bridge made of local stone.
Just above Low Birker Farm, bear right onto a clear track between walls.
The track continues parallel with the river, passing an attractive little tarn with a seat.
Signs of mining activity around include very red earth, and waste tips.
At the junction continue straight on, across a shallow ford and then to a footbridge.
Cross the footbridge but don’t go through the gate. Instead turn left and follow the path up through the woods beside the river.
Cross two bridges and then go onto a third, which is the viewpoint bridge. The main path turns here, but the fit and agile might scramble with care up the far bank for more views of the falls, though they must then return to the bridge. Retrace your route for a short way, then go up the steep steps. Turn left at a T junction, over a small footbridge and up to another viewpoint.
Those with no head for heights will have to be content with standing back and children should be closely controlled. There is a sheer drop into the ghyll at this point, and there is a grand view northwards over the Eskdale valley, which is framed by trees.
Leave this viewpoint and continue up the path to a stile over the fence, and shortly afterwards you arrive at a good track.
Turn right and follow the track down.
At the crossroads carry straight on, then go past the entrance to Dalegarth Hall and back to either starting point.
