555 StagePath the family way to walk

Transcription

1 555 StagePath the family way to walk Ride & Stride with the Lakeland Pathfinder bus

2 555 StagePath the family way to walk Ride & Stride with the Lakeland Pathfinder bus INTRODUCING the first walking route dedicated to a Lakeland bus service. Eight walk stages link the regular bus stops for the 555 Stagecoach bus between Windermere and Keswick. This is perhaps the most popular bus journey in England and certainly one of the most scenic. Now you can use the bus to enjoy both the picturesque scenery and an inspirational health-giving walk. The walking route includes such iconic and exquisite locations as Orrest Head, Brockhole, Rydal Water, Grasmere, Dunmail Raise, Thirlmere and Castlerigg Stone Circle pure magic every step of the way, to enjoy with family and friends at any season of the year. The two-way route description in this booklet gives you the flexibility and freedom to walk either north or south from each bus stop. The whole walk tracks the bus largely at valley level, gaining only modest height above the road to take advantage of viewpoints. The gradients are easy and the paths firm and well-marked. Although it s not proper fell-walking it would nonetheless be wise to carry a light daypack with a snack and drink, and wear comfy boots. Some measure of weather protective clothing will come to your rescue if the elements wind, rain or intense sun threaten to spoil your off-bus adventure. Taking the bus is relaxing if you sit upstairs the views get even better and if you walk one stage at a time you can have fun building up the stages to complete the whole romantic 26-mile journey both on foot and by bus. The walk can also be studied in greater detail online by visiting and clicking on Ride & Stride StagePaths. Window-gazers can also reflect on the walk and mountain scenery with the aid of the 555 s unique guide to the ride leaflet From A to B to SEE. 555 StagePath STAGE 1 Windermere Brockhole miles 3 hours STAGE 2 Brockhole Ambleside 3 miles 2 hours STAGE 3 Ambleside Rydal miles 1 hour STAGE 4 Rydal Grasmere 2 miles hours STAGE 5 Grasmere Wythburn miles 3 hours STAGE 6 Wythburn Thirlspot miles 2 hours STAGE 7 Thirlspot Dale Bottom 4 miles 2 hours STAGE 8 Dale Bottom Keswick miles 2 hours ALWAYS Check the timetable - usually displayed at each bus stop - to confirm bus times for the beginning and the end of each walk stage. You can also phone TRAVELINE Or visit for advance planning. The StagePath in the booklet has been carefully researched and described for clarity of route finding. The maps on the other hand are very basic. There is no substitute for carrying and referring to the correct Ordnance Survey Explorer Map. Make sure you get hold of OL7, OL5 and OL4 and/or the handy Harvey Lake District Outdoor Atlas before you start. Map Key Line - Journey of the 555 bus service Dashes - The route of the StagePath Dots - Request and Timetabled bus stops

3 STAGE 1 NORTHBOUND A leisurely three hours up hill, down dale Windermere Station > Brockhole National Park Centre An inspiring start to your StagePath adventure climbing to the top of Orrest Head to survey the great lake with its inspiring backdrop of Lakeland Fells. A thrilling moment enjoyed by early tourists from well before the arrival of the railway, there could be no better stagesetter. Leave Windermere from the Railway Station bus stop. Walk past Booths Supermarket (go under the canopy) to reach the road junction with the Gateway Tourist Information Centre to your left. Turn right, carefully cross the main A591 via the traffic island, overlooked by The Windermere Hotel. Turn left along the footpath, after 50m spot the Footpath to Orrest Head notice on your right. Follow its pointing hand and ascend the metalled lane. Ignore the path fork and continue to follow the yellow Windermere Way waymark and Orrest Head Viewpoint white arrow. The road winds uphill passing the entrance to Orrest How to enter woodland. Stay on the road. Pass a cottage selling refreshments and hand-crafted ironwork. The road becomes a track after a yew tree before the woodland. At the edge of the woodland turn right at the wall. Here the path becomes confined leading to a metal kissing-gate (with Heywood memorial stone) and you enter the Orrest Head Viewpoint enclosure. Ascend the rough steps to the bare rock summit, with seats facing in various directions to suit the appreciative audience. Sadly the topograph for all the legendary view is devoid of legend! The plinth points north-west over the head of Lake Windermere to the stirring heights above Great Langdale. The panorama is amazing. Linger awhile, regain your breath and restore your belief in our wonderful world. Note the vertically-tilted and cracked bare rock beneath your feet indicating the effects of glacial smoothing. The place-name Orrest is a very rare instance of the Norse orrusta battle, meaning a meeting of armies. Brockhole Troutbeck Bridge Head north, straight on over the top, and, taking the left-hand fork, descend to a kissing-gate and wall-stile in the enclosure corner. Cross the wall-stile signed Causeway and go gently downhill, keeping the wall Orrest Head Windermere Station

4 Windermere from Orrest Head left. Cross a stone flag over a gill to arrive at a wall-stile onto the road. This was the original Roman way from Medibogdum (Watercrook Roman Fort, near Kendal) and Galava (the Roman fort at Ambleside). Turn right, take the road to Near Orrest was this the battleground referred to in the name Orrest ie near the battleground? Traversing the high wall-stile on the left signed Far Orrest, pass the large bank-barn and after the kissing-gate cross the next paddock to a further kissing-gate, and continue via a small open copse to a wall-stile. Traverse the damp pasture to a wall-stile, advancing with the wall now to the right, cross a ladder-stile then step over a wall-side gill. Traverse the field half-right, cross a second ladder-stile and follow the left-hand wall to a kissing-gate/gate close to Far Orrest. Turn right to a second kissing-gate/gate. Turn left and pass on behind the farmhouse to a third kissing-gate entering a walled green lane. Stay in the green lane to the kissing-gate beside a field-gate. Do not go through the obvious gate opposite. Keep the wall close left. Glance over the wall for a fine view towards the head of Windermere; they are hidden from view but you are directly above Holehird, the Lakeland Horticultural Society s beautiful gardens, maintained by volunteers and open to the public. Go through a new field-gate and follow the open track across the field ahead, descending to a galvanised gate onto the road. Turn left and follow the road downhill passing the entrance to Low Longmire, Fusethwaite Yeat (which is Viking for cow-house clearing, gate ) and lower down, ironically, High Longmire. Cross over the junction at the foot of the hill, turn right along the path to a bus stop (The Kirkstone Rambler 517 summer bus service) and kissing-gate. Descend the green track into the valley bottom to a hand-gate and cross two foot-bridges over Trout Beck for one brief moment you are on an island! Ascend the sunken path to the western end of Troutbeck village. Some 400m right is Townend, a beautiful vernacular yeoman farmhouse (National Trust). Ascend the facing brick-cobbled drive beside Townfoot. As it rises through a gate it becomes a confined bridle-path to the road. Turn left and, as the road swings right, go straight on down the bridle-way, Wain Lane. This rough-tracked way passes several handsome old barns, narrowing as it goes to pass the well-screened Middlerigg Tarn. Cross the main road carefully and follow the cycle/footway to the north-bound bus stop at Brockhole (meaning the badgers set ).

5 STAGE 1 SOUTHBOUND Brockhole National Park Centre > Windermere Station Ascending by old lanes to catch a brief glance of Troutbeck, one of Lakeland s most authentic vernacular villages. The route then crosses Trout Beck itself, before climbing again to venture through quiet pastures and to stand on top of Orrest Head, the acknowledged classic Lakeland viewpoint. Here you can survey not just the greatest girth of Windermere but also the distant mountain heart of Lakeland a sight to gladden the heart and feast the eyes. Carefully cross the road and walk left along the cycle/footpath some 170m. Cross back over the busy road with the utmost care. Enter Wain Lane with its blue bridle-way sign (and discouragement to motorcycles). This walled lane leads via a barn, over a stone flag bridge to pass Middlerigg Tarn, gaps in the wall permitting glimpses of the shy waters and resident swans. The lane rises by several handsome old stone field barns before emerging onto a minor road. Go forward find a bridleway signed right as the Windermere Way. Descend the confined path via a gate and down the cobbled drive by Townfoot, a well-tended traditional farmhouse. The village of Troutbeck is a string development of traditional barns (many converted) and yeoman s houses lining the road for a good mile to the north. Sadly all the Townend pix to come... Westmorland bank-barn in Wain Lane places of refreshment lie at the furthest end two pubs and a village shop tea room. Cross straight over and down the sunken path to reach Trout Beck, a lovely spot to linger with two footbridges linking across an island. Go through the hand-gate and ascend the green way to a kissing-gate beside a bus stop (The Kirkstone Rambler service 517, summer only). Go right with the footway to the road junction. Cross and walk up this road (no verges so watch for traffic). Pass up by Fusethwaite Yeat, and directly after the entrance to Low Longmire find a signposted footpath Far Orrest on the right. Go through the galvanised field-gate and follow the open track to a gate. Continue with a wall to the right and pass through a kissing-gate/field-gate into a walled lane. Follow the lane to where a footpath crosses, go though the left-hand kissing-gate and turn right. After 60m arrive at a kissing-gate/gate on the right. After Far Orrest farmhouse, go through the immediate kissing-gate ahead. Advance with a wall on the right to cross the ladder-stile and maintain your course to a second ladder-stile, this time with a tiny gill in front. Continue to the wall-stile in the next corner and cross a damp pasture to a wall-stile into a small spinney leading through to a kissing-gate. Advance right to Near Orrest, via a kissing-gate to the right of a muddy farmyard entrance gate. Continue passing the large bank-barn to cross a tall wall-stile onto the road. Turn right for 200m to cross a wall-stile beside a field-gate on the left, signed Windermere Way. Orrest Head forms the horizon. Follow a green track and cross a stone flag over a gill by the wall, keeping fairly close to the right-hand wall rising up to a wall-stile in the field corner.

6 Entering the Orrest Head enclosure follow the green path flanked by bushes and bracken to the summit. Wow what a wonderful all-round panorama! The topograph plinth points north-west over the head of Windermere into the heart of mountain Lakeland. Cross straight over the bare rock top descending the flight of steps to the kissing-gate and follow the path right. Entering a woodland watch for a left turn immediately before the path steepens. This leads onto a track that smartly becomes a metalled road. Passing a cottage descend the winding road to the main road. Go left along the footway 50m and cross the busy road via the pedestrian refuge. Bear left into the railway station car park by Booths supermarket to catch your bus. The second footbridge of the two-part crossing of Trout Beck STAGE 2 NORTHBOUND Allow two hours, gently undulating Brockhole National Park Centre > Ambleside Another steady climb rewarded with memorable views over the upper reaches of Windermere visiting Jenkin Crag in Skelghyll Wood, which provides a wonderfully intimate view of the backdrop of the lake, the beginnings of mountain Lakeland. Ambleside From the southbound bus stop follow Mirk Lane as directed on the bus stop post. This private metalled road leads past Merewood Lodge (holiday lets). As the road ends after Merewood Cottages bear up the narrow path flanked by an old wall, climbing as a rough lane between Newclose Wood and pasture. Stay on the lane leading down to a gate and cross the flagstones over a stream and beside the garden walls of Wood Farm. Stepping onto a roadway turn left, signed To Troutbeck & Holbeck Lane. Respect the privacy of Brockhole the large residence. Keep ahead, off the road and up the winding lane via a gate, still with woodland left and pasture right. Leaving the woodland at a stile/gate the walled track, hereon known as Grand Ma s Lane, rises to Castle Syke Farm, with the barn conversion farmhouse right and bank-barn left. At the road turn left, following Holbeck Lane (minor road) with handsome views over Windermere. After Jenkin Crag, the perfect place for a family picnic

7 STAGE 2 SOUTHBOUND Get away from the crowds and lakeshore traffic to survey Windermere and the grand backdrop of mountain Lakeland from on high. The route having climbed to Jenkin Crag and High Skelghyll progressively descends by a series of lovely lanes to Brockhole, where you may fill your mind with the wonders of Lakeland for another day. Ambleside > Brockhole National Park Centre Family walking in Skelghyll Lane 220m bear off right along the private road signed Skelgill Farms and flats only. Shortly after Close Cottage the Langdale Pikes come into view ahead; further along are grand westward views over Windermere s Pullwood Bay, backed by Black Fell and the Coniston Fells. From a gate the unenclosed road leads on passed an isolated bank-barn rising via a hand-gate/gate, going under Low Skelghyll then up by a bank-barn and gate, winding to cross Hol Beck kissing-gate/cattle grid. The roadway passes a bridleway sign Ambleside miles then enters High Skelghyll farmyard, an active working environment. Redouble your respect for the occupant s privacy, as the right of way runs close to the farmhouse. Continuing via the gated sheep pens, contour on the path to a gate into open woodland with a clear view down to the Low Wood Hotel, and down the lake to Gummers How and Claife Heights. The path descends easily, levelling beside a low wall. The National Trust sign by a gap gives access to Jenkin Crag, a rocky headland and a must-see. It overlooks the upper reaches of Windermere with Wray Castle and Blelham Tarn intimate features in view across the placid lake, and westward to the Coniston Fells. The track continues winding on the old pitched way. Keep down left at a lateral path junction and cross a culverted bridge over Stencher Beck. Duly the track draws by a laurel hedge and wall into Skelghyll Lane. The lane becomes a walled road descending to the junction with Old Lakes Road. Turn right passing between Heart of the Lakes/Organico and the Ambleside Mountain Rescue Base at Fisherbeck. Continue on down to the main Lake Road, cross and go right. Turn left along Kelsick Road by the Homes of Football Gallery to arrive at the glass-canopied bus stop. Walk up Kelsick Road, turn right by the Homes of Football gallery, bear left at the road sign Old Lakes Road. This side road rises and descends by Ambleside Backpackers and the Heart of the Lakes offices in Fisherbeck. Notice the Norwegian cabin across the public car park on the far side of the main road. This was originally located in Coniston and was used as W Heaton Cooper s studio (see his distinctive watercolours in the Grasmere studio shop). Pass on behind the Mountain Rescue base and look for Skelghyll Lane, the branch road rising left at a white-washed house. The speed limit sign is signed Jenkin s Crag, Skelghyll and Troutbeck bridleway. Climb steadily, keeping right at the bridleway sign Jenkin s Crag and Skelghyll Woods. Enjoy the handsome views over Ambleside Waterhead and the upper portion of Windermere. The metalled road becomes a rough lane entering Skelghyll Woods (National Trust). Keep rising by Family walking in Skelghyll Lane

8 STAGE 3 NORTHBOUND Walking time, barely half-an-hour Ambleside > Rydal A gentle wander through Rydal Park with the bonus of Rydal Hall s lovely Old School Room Tea Shop and Rydal Mount, Wordsworth s final home. Windermere from Jenkin Crag the wall, later a laurel hedge, then by a low level metal sign at a path fork. The roughly cobbled path rises, crosses Stencher Beck and comes level with a wall on the right. Take the opportunity to slip through the signed gap to visit the Jenkin Crag rock ledge viewpoint and revel in the gorgeous prospect over Windermere. Return via the gap onto the broad path and go right, signed Troutbeck via Robin Lane. The path rises a little further, passing a seat to leave the woodland at a gate. The contouring path enters High Skelghyll farm s gated farmyard. (Please respect the privacy of the people living here, it is still an active farm.) The ensuing open road leads past a three-way sign. Proceed along the metalled road via the kissing-gate and cattle grid. Descend by the barn and beneath Low Skelghyll via a gate. Still on an open road descend the next pasture to a further bank-barn, passing through a gate into a walled lane. Follow this private road via Close Cottage and turn left at Holbeck Lane, a public road. Continue to the bridle-lane branching right at Castle Syke Farm. A sign with naïve lettering indicates that this is Grand Ma s Lane. Follow the track down between the farmhouse and large bank-barn via a gate into the edge of woodland, hereon known as Mirk Lane the dark way. Wind down via a further gate to the metalled roadway at Wood Farm, a private residence with an ornate garden. Leave the road at the green Private no right of way notice and low set public footpath sign to bear right by the garden wall. Cross a gill via flagstones and pass through the gate. Follow the lane beside the woodland leading down to the roadway at Merewood Lodge and continue to the main road at corresponding bus stops (with pedestrian island). Rydal Walk through the car park, along King Street and turn right up Church Street. Notice a wall-plaque recording The Office of William Wordsworth as distributor of stamps for Westmorland , below Greggs on the right. Turn left along the main street rounding by The Market Hall and the Post Office-cum-Tourist Office, Ambleside offering plenty of retail diversion to lure you off the straight and narrow. Wander on down the street passing the tiny Bridge House (National Trust). (Built as an apple store for Ambleside Hall it was set on the bridge to evade land tax.) After the roundabout pass (or visit) the Armitt Museum, then follow the left-hand roadside footpath beyond the Medical Centre. Cross to the Lodge at the gated entrance to the Rydal Hall drive just after the 30mph limit signs and the bridge over Scandale Beck. Follow the fenced drive through parkland with handsome views ahead to the ridge-end Nab Scar and the high fells at the head of Rydal Beck valley. Go through the camping site car park, cross over cascading Rydal Beck, via the Old School Room Tea Shop, behind Rydal Hall to reach Rydal Lane. Turn down left by the entrance to the lovely Rydal church, with its famous daffodil gardens. The bus stop is at the foot of the hill. Rydal Park

9 STAGE 3 Rydal > Ambleside SOUTHBOUND The ultimate stroll giving you time to indulge in Rydal Church, Dora s Field, Rydal Mount and the tea shop, before venturing through the gracious park and Ambleside, where another pleasurable hour can be spent in the Armitt Museum before availing yourself of the many retail and refreshment outlets in this popular little Lakeland town. Dora s Field daffodils after an Easter snowfall Ascend Rydal Lane. For an early diversion go left through St Mary s churchyard for a simple stroll around Dora s Field, abundant with daffodils in spring. Higher up the hill is Rydal Mount, one of Cumbria s cultural treasures, dedicated to the life of William Wordsworth. The worldrenowned poet lived his final years here and was responsible for laying out the romantic gardens. It remains in the care of his descendants (entry fee/café). Ignore the first access to Rydal Hall and take the lane above, clearly waymarked footpath to Old School Room Tea Shop. What more inducement do you need? Pass close behind the imposing Rydal Hall, which is now Carlisle s Diocesan ecumenical conference centre, retreat, and youth centre. Enjoy Rydal Beck s dancing waters, tucked in beside the tea room, before heading on along the track waymarked footpath to Ambleside accessed via the camp site car park. At a gate the footpath becomes a fenced lane leading to a Hall Lodge and gate onto the main road (request bus stop). Cautiously cross the main road, go left along footpath, keeping left cross Scandale Beck to duly enter Ambleside. Pass the Health Centre (request bus stop) to reach the roundabout by the Armitt Museum, another treasure well worth investigating. Pass Bridge House (The National Trust s smallest property) and follow the main road lined with shops. Crossing Rattle Gill go up by the Post Office/Tourist Information Centre, swinging down right by The Market Hall. Turn right into Church Street by Greggs bakery, noticing the wall plaque to William Wordsworth immediately below. Coming to the former Ambleside Conservative Club turn left along King Street to reach the Kelsick Road bus stop. STAGE 4 NORTHBOUND Allow an hour for this easy undulating stroll Rydal > Grasmere Most of this stage runs comfortably above the road providing romantic views over Rydal Water and the backing Loughrigg Fell, delightfully distanced from the traffic at lakeside and coming easily down by Tow Top and Dove Cottage to enter Grasmere along Stock Lane. Ascend Rydal Lane from the bus stop, passing the entrances to Rydal Hall and The Mount. Climbing the short concrete way turn immediately left along lane above Rydal Mount, with the bridleway sign Grasmere. Go through the gate and along the high walled lane, briefly glimpsing Wordsworth s romantic style landscaped gardens over the left-hand wall. After a second gate the lane opens with the path winding on ahead, with lovely views through the trees to Rydal Water. The undulating path is never in doubt and leads to a gate at a wall corner. Contouring on through an open gateway the path leads by two stone benches, the backing stone of the first being the base of a coffin rest, now somewhere for you to rest your legs too! After another gate, the path now runs on close to a wall leading via a hand-gate to a path junction below Brockle Cottage. Continue on the track, then metalled road at Dunnabeck leading by Skater s Tarn at the junction with the bridleway from White Moss (bus stop). Flanked by trees and bracken the road leads via How Top with the lovely view of Silver How ahead, across Grasmere lake. Winding downhill the road passes by Dove Cottage and Coffin rest on old Coffin Route

10 STAGE 4 Grasmere > Rydal SOUTHBOUND The easiest stage yet, and for many the most romantic. For all the popularity of the Wordsworth story, there is a magic in the air as you walk by Dove Cottage and embark on the far-frommorbid Coffin Route. This bridle-path leads on well above the busy road to give enchanting views over Rydal Water to Loughrigg Fell to reach to Rydal Mount, an experience to be enjoyed at any season. the Wordsworth Trust s contemporary visitor centre in Grasmere Town End (tea rooms close by). Cautiously cross the main road. From the roundabout turn into Stock Lane. The footpath leads into Grasmere. Follow on Grasmere Sarah Nelson s Grasmere Gingerbread Shop White Moss round by the church and Sarah Nelson s Gingerbread Shop, branch right along College Street to the crossroads by Sam Read Bookseller. (The northbound bus stop is facing and the Rydal southbound to the left, opposite the Heaton Cooper Studio.) Walkers soak up the view from How Top From the crossroads by Sam Read s book emporium, walk south along College Street, passing Sarah Nelson s little shop, source of a much-loved gingerbread. William and Dorothy Wordsworth s grave can be seen in St Oswald s Churchyard. Continue along the footpath beside Stock Lane leading to the main road roundabout. Keep to the right and immediately cross the main road into Town End, passing the Wordsworth Trust s smart contemporary visitor centre. The road leads via Dove Cottage and ascends the hill to How Top. Keep left, climbing with the road by Skater s Tarn. Continue along the level road, which becomes a gravel lane after Dunnabeck then leads on to Brockle Cottage. After a hand-gate the bridleway continues as a wall-side path, effectively contouring along the hillside. Never in doubt, the path leads through a gate to reveal two stone seats. The block of stone at the back of the second was originally the basis of a coffin rest. You might wish to rest your bones here temporarily to enjoy the lovely view over Rydal Water! The level path leads via a further gate, rising by fallen trees to a gate into a lane. Glance over the tall wall to glimpse Rydal Mount s beautiful landscaped Skater s Tarn

11 STAGE 5 NORTHBOUND Three hours of comparatively wilder country walking Grasmere > Wythburn Quiet back road to the entrance of Ghyll Foot. After the entrance to Greenburn Dale you are almost fell-walking on the climb over the shoulder of Steel Fell to reach the top of Dunmail Raise. An easy descent via the cascading Birkside Gill gains entry onto a fine forest track running on well above the road with marvellous views over Thirlmere. Wordsworth Trust Visitor Centre garden just before passing through another gate. Continue by the back wall of The Mount and bear right down the concrete roadway beside the Rydal Mount car park. This is a prime opportunity to visit this famous house (café) and traditional ornate garden, or, to visit the Old School House Tea Room, go left along the lane behind Rydal Hall. Otherwise descend Rydal Lane straight to the bus stops at the foot of the hill. Helm Crag from Grasmere Townend From Sam Read s bookshop walk Wythburn north along Easedale Road Church passing the entrance to Butharlyp Howe Youth Hostel and Glenthorne Quaker Guest House. Armboth road-end Slip through the hand-gate left, follow the fenced footpath adjacent to the roadside hedge and emerge at a further hand-gate cross Goody Bridge. Turn right at the next road junction (brown sign Thorney How YH 400yds). Follow this quiet byroad, a real contrast with the A591 heading north over Dunmail Raise across the valley. Thankfully it makes little impact here. Pass the active farmyard of Underhelm and then descend towards Low Mill Bridge. Go left immediately prior to the bridge at the road junction, advancing by Ghyllfoot cottages to where a private drive meets the road. Bear up this gravel track beside tree-screened Helmside, then via two cattle grid hand-gates. Pass by two cottages at Turn Howe (date plaque 1577) to reach the fell-gate, at this point entering Greenburn Dale (National Trust sign). Ignoring the inviting green track Dunmail Raise Grasmere leading into the wild dale beside the wall, veer right up the grass path, the start of the south ridge of Steel Fell. Family walking along the lane from Ghyllfoot

12 Helm Crag from Easedale Road The StagePath has no such overarching ambition, but for walkers with a head for heights the full ascent and summit ridge traverse may be undertaken, crossing by Dead Pike and descending the corresponding steep grassy north ridge to Steel End Farm to reach the Armboth road-end bus stop. StagePaths are tailored for country walkers not mountain trekkers but nonetheless, it is necessary to follow the path, beating back the bracken, up through the fell enclosures to reach a kissing-gate/gate in the intake wall. Climb on, only a matter of sixty strides, to a pace or two short of a clump of rushes. Find a sheep path branching right, through bracken; this comes alongside the top of the intake wall and contours beyond where this wall swings downhill. The sheep path duly eases downhill and, coming close to an obvious pile of rocks, veers downhill more purposefully over Cotra, a marshy hollow, thankfully not too soft. Upon joining a green tractor track, turn left after skirting glacial moraine, to cross a minor ford. Bear down right along the minor track to ford Raise Beck. Continue left with the wet track to reach a gate in the fence, and thereby arrive beside the roadside barrier. Turn right and carefully cross to the lay-by (and request bus stops). Nearby is the Achille Ratti Climbing Club hut, and a rare 1950s AA call box (now a Grade II listed building). But motorists have no need to feel stranded there is always the 555! Crossing the light fence-stile go left, parallel to the road fence coming level with the ancient Dunmail Raise cairn, traditionally associated with Dunmail, the last king of Cumberland. Go through the Wythburn Dale and Armboth road-end from the forest track Helm Crag from Dunmail Raise Family walking along the forest track above Wythburn Church

13 Birkside Gill from the Thirlmere forest track hand-gate in the wall; bear half-right to cross the footbridge over Raise Beck, re-aligned to boost water catchment into Thirlmere. Turn left at the wall corner with the permitted footpath sign; follow the clear path running on north, parallel to and above the enclosure wall. Continue up, under the small plantation, to cross the two footbridges spanning the foot of Birkside Gill. The gill is renown for its marvellous waterfalls. It is tempting to detour up the fellside to have a look. Proceed to the forestry track via a hand-gate. A left turn leads down to the southbound bus stop at the Armboth road-end. The northbound bus stop is reached by following the forestry track ahead, with numerous delightful elevated views over the upper reaches of Thirlmere. The path from Wythburn Church crosses the track at a gate. Descend left via the cobbled way entering the car park behind the church by hand-gate. Follow the access roadway left to the Grasmere-bound bus stop. Family walking along the field-edge path beside Easedale Road STAGE 5 SOUTHBOUND Wythburn > Grasmere From forest track to open fell with a smidgen of adventure in climbing over the shoulder of Steel Fell. The stage concludes along a quiet back road beneath Helm Crag. There are request bus stops at the southern end of Dunmail Raise, enabling you to break this stage in two. From Wythburn Church (southbound bus): follow the access roadway into the car park behind the church. Pass through the kissing-gate and ascend the pitched path to reach the forest track at a kissing-gate. Turn right along the forest track to reach a big blue signboard. From the Armboth road-end (northbound bus): carefully cross the A592 and follow the facing forestry track rising south. This curves left to reach the big blue signboard. Turn right as directed for Grasmere. Go through the kissing-gate, cross successive footbridges over the excited waters of Birkside Gill. Above is a majestic sequence of cascades, well worth a closer look. The path continues on a gently rising line close to the intake wall with Helm Crag visible over the road pass ahead. At the wall-end turn right crossing the broad footbridge and observe the beck s unnatural structure: Raise Beck was redirected when Thirlmere was constructed. Bear half-right to the kissing-gate at the right-hand wall-end close to the road and the massive Dunmail Raise cairn. Continue beside the roadside fence crossing the original course of Raise Beck, now a dry stony bed. Ignore the ladder stile, advance to a light fence stile beside a gate and cross to the large roadside lay-by, just short of the climbing club hut and the historic AA kiosk, now a Grade ll listed building (request bus stops either side of the road). Cross the wide road to the barrier: be alert. Turn right to find a short track leading left down to a gate in the fence. Witnessing two 555 buses crossing Dunmail Raise

14 STAGE 6 NORTHBOUND Allow two hours Wythburn > Thirlspot Thirlmere s surroundings have been radically improved over the last year with strategic tree felling restoring the intrinsic wild mountain demeanour of the valley. Centre-stage, the formerly sombre mere has become less the reservoir, more a Lakeland lake. The StagePath leads on as forest track, forest trail and firm fellside path. Dunmail Raise from the intake wall leading off the south ridge of Steel Fell From the gate follow the green track leading left, latterly following a stream and cross a ford in the southerly-flowing Raise Beck. The track continues rising to a track junction at a smaller ford. Follow the green track left rising round glacial moraine onto a low ridge on Cotra. Skirting a shallow marshy hollow bear off right over undulating ground to ascend the bracken bank with evidence of a sheep path. This climbs easily up the fellside slanting leftwards. Contour above the intake wall, soon to unite with a grass path on the south ridge of Steel Fell. Turn left, descending through the kissing-gate/gate passing down the ridge via gateways with Greenburn Dale to the right and Helm Crag ahead. Note the Lion and the Lamb rocks prominent on the skyline. At the foot of the ridge join the Green Burn valley track beside a wall, go through the fell-gate (National Trust Green Burn sign) and descend the gravel lane from Turne Howe, the white-washed cottage. Proceed via two hand-gates beside cattle-grids adjacent to Helmside. At the road at the foot of the slope, turn right and follow the valley road past Ghyll Foot Cottages. Notice the pollarded willows in the pasture to the right. Traditionally branches were cut not only to create sheep hurdles (see fence) but also as a source of minerals for sheep, extracted by chewing the bark. At the next road junction, adjacent to Low Mill Bridge, turn right gently rising by Helmside Farm then past several cottages near Thorney How Youth Hostel to a road junction. Turn left crossing Goody Bridge and go immediately through the hand-gate, along the fenced footpath beside the roadside hedge. At the far end a hand-gate opens onto Easedale Road. Pass on by Glenthorne, guest house, and the entrance to Butharlyp Howe Youth Hostel to the crossroads in Grasmere (northbound bus stop immediately left, southbound bus stop right opposite the Heaton Cooper Studio). From Armboth road-end Thirlspot (northbound bus): follow the forest track leading south directly opposite the bus stop. This links up with the path from Dunmail The Swirls Raise, with the blue signboard directing to Swirls. From Wythburn Church (southbound bus): follow the access track-way leading to the car park behind the church and pass on via the hand-gate up the cobbled bridle-path in the forest to meet the forest track (see text above). Turn left accompanying the newly surfaced track, quickly crossing Comb and Whelpside Gills to the double footbridge crossings of Mines Gill (Whelpside refers to the historic high breeding ground of wolves ). From the ensuing kissing-gate the bridleway becomes a cobbled forest path that winds slowly through the tangle of conifers. Ultimately the path comes StagePath crossing Mines Gill Wythburn Church Armboth Road-end

15 down via a man-made rock step onto a forest track, signed Thirlmere, Swirls. Head on north up this track, duly descending into The Swirl car park via a kissing-gate (request bus stops left). Go through the car park and cross the footbridge signed Helvellyn, Stanah, Sticks. Continue following the Helvellyn sign to a kissing-gate in a wall. Rising a few yards to a fork follow the public footpath Sticks Pass, Stanah sign. The man-made path gently angles up the rough fellside, with retaining stones giving a firm footing. Cross a small footbridge and come alongside an intake wall. Where this dips down contour on with the new path enjoying handsome views towards the tree-shrouded Great How, and in the distance an impressive view of Blencathra through St John s in the Vale. Coming to a wall encounter a path junction and bear down left, signed Thirlspot Farm. The sloping pitched path leads to a gate and then a gated crossing of the Thirlmere leat, gathering the waters of a string of streams north from Castle Rock that would otherwise have missed the reservoir catchment. Head down to a gate and gill, crossing left of the static caravans to pass through the farmyard by gates. Bear right to a hand-gate beside the farmhouse and continue along in front of the King s Head Hotel to reach the corresponding bus stops. Free-running path along the fellside above Thirlspot, looking north to Great How and through St John s in the Vale to Blencathra STAGE 6 SOUTHBOUND Thirlspot > Wythburn Beginning as a fellside path entering the forest running along the western flanks of Helvellyn to admire Thirlmere from an elevated trail. Judicious tree felling has enhanced the reservoir s surroundings restoring its wild mountain heart, from both road level and on high. As a further bonus this is a national sanctuary for our native red squirrel. These delightful creatures are actively protected from the unwelcome advances of the American grey squirrel, carriers of the squirrel parapoxvirus that destroys populations of reds. From the bus stops immediately north of the Thirlspot walk back to The King s Head Hotel and pass the entrance to a hand-gate with a bridleway sign. Enter the gated lane leading through Thirlspot Farm. Cross the gated gill beside a trio of static caravans and ascend the pasture to a gated crossing of the Thirlmere Leat, carrying water seemingly up-dale to join Helvellyn Gill and thus enter the reservoir. Continue up to a gate in the intake wall, joining a pitched path climbing to a path junction at the top of the adjacent rising wall. Turn right, signed Swirls Car Park, to follow the stone-edged contouring path, which then comes alongside an intake wall with consistently handsome views, particularly north towards Skiddaw and Blencathra. The wall dips away but the path continues contouring and crosses a small footbridge before descending to a sign where the popular path to Helvellyn branches left. From here go right, down through a kissing-gate and subsequent hand-gate. Crossing a footbridge over Helvellyn Gill enter The Swirls car park. StagePath joining the forest track to The Swirls

16 STAGE 7 NORTHBOUND One brief climb, otherwise largely level going, allow two hours Thirlspot > Dale Bottom The StagePath starts by climbing back above the intake wall to visit the wild waters of Fisherplace Gill, before descending with the Sticks Pass bridleway to cross St John s Beck and then wandering on firm tracks by Shoulthwaite Moss and the old road under High Rigg. Approaching Thirlspot upon the high intake wall path Pass through the car park taking the first kissing-gate left, with a big blue signboard permissive path to Wythburn. Joining the forest track enter the woodland on a rising line that later descends to a broad gate. Go left onto the bridle-path. Initially level, it rises and weaves through the mature conifers with a firm cobbled base and steps and one small footbridge. After a kissing-gate, cross successive footbridges spanning Mines Gill and join the forest track a welcome chance to restore a comfortable stride. Continue to Whelpside Gill and immediately after crossing the gill take the bridle-path that crosses the track. For the southbound bus turn down right to Wythburn Church and follow the access roadway left to the bus stop. For the northbound bus stop, continue with the forest track and as the forestry ends swing down right to reach the Armboth road-end bus stop. The crags of Ullscarf and Thirlmere from the forest track Pass the entrance of King s Head Hotel and go through a hand-gate with bridleway sign at the end of the building to enter Thirlspot Farm s gated farmyard (somewhat cryptic thirlspot means the giant s hole ). Exit through the gate to the right of the three static caravans, ascending the pasture to a gate and cross Thirlmere Leat. A short rough stony pasture leads to a gate in the intake wall. Climb the pitched path to a path junction where the wall levels. Turn left on a footpath signed Stanah, Sticks Pass. Follow the clear path above the wall duly dipping to cross a gated footbridge over Fisherplace Beck. There are two massive waterfalls above and it s well worth climbing up for a closer view of the action. Contour forward as directed by the waymark soon coming alongside the intake wall. The path descends lining up with the Sticks Pass bridle-path at a signpost. Do not go through the hand-gate directly below; instead keep right by the wall to cross Stanah Gill by an old bridge. Bear left down to a stile/gate over the Thirlmere Leat (At this point the leat had to be bored through a massive bedrock bluff.) Descend the pasture and cross the ladder-stile onto the farm lane leading down by Thirlmere Community Hall and adjacent car park. From the cottages turn right, along the road, and pass the redundant timber building, originally a youth hostel. After some 250m find a footpath signposted from a hand-gate, enter the valley pasture and follow the Dale Bottom left-hand wall towards the main road. Cross the wall-stile and climb the steps up the embankment. Turn right and follow the verge, past a request bus stop, and then carefully cross the main road. Turn left with the signed Public road round the lake leading past a caravan park at Bridge End Farm. Immediately after the toilet block on the left, go Shoulthwaite Thirlspot

17 through the double gates right into the farmyard, following a footpath signed Smaithwaite. Keep to the track by the large barns, bearing down right to a hand-gate. Now with a wall on your left descend to cross St John s Beck, the outflow of Thirlmere Reservoir, over a sequence of three footbridges. Notice the water flow monitoring station, left. Keep the fence, then wall, to the left, as you rise to a gate. Proceed along Thirlmere Leat above Stanah a green-way via a gateway and then a gate into the farmyard at Smaithwaite (which means the small clearing ). Pass on between the white barn, date-stone 1692, and the new-build footings to a gate to the right of a second barn. Follow the open track to a hand-gate onto the road. Turn right for 60m then go left along the forest access track (United Utilities blue permissive path signboard). The track runs level along the edge of Shoulthwaite Moss, coming in to the forest edge via a kissing-gate. Watch for the fork where the forest track begins to rise and keep to the low path leading to a kissing-gate into the farmyard at Shoulthwaite Farm. Pass on between the barns (notice the humorous string weather station on the barn) and swing right from the caravan park along the access lane to meet the main road (request bus stop). With the utmost care cross straight over via the wall-stile beside Shoulthwaite Beck bridge and cross the brief meadow to a further wall-stile into the old road lane. Turn right for 50m, then left via the hand-gate with its advice for dog owners. Spot the old stone-arched Rough How Bridge ahead, walled off and totally redundant. Keep left to the gate as the track forks beside the right-hand fence. The ensuing green-way becomes an undulating path beneath the bank leading to a hand-gate/stile and then alongside the level wall to join a track becoming a road passing Brownrigg Farm (cottage) and Shaw Bank. On coming to a T-junction turn left with the gated road, passing Broadstones and winding on to pass by Dalebottom caravan park to the main road. Go right along the verge to the bus stop. STAGE 7 SOUTHBOUND Dale Bottom > Thirlspot For the main part this is a dale floor walk, journeying with a lost road and along the edge of a peat moss before climbing above the intake wall to survey the greater Thirlmere setting, with the added excitement of the option to visit the crashing cascades of Fisherplace Gill. Follow the verge south from the bus stop and bear left down the side road leading between Dalebottom Farm and the caravan park. The road twists and turns passing Broadstones, and, rising by a road-gate, opens to a T-junction. Turn right on a bridleway ( no through road sign). The lane passes Shaw Bank and Brownbeck Farm cottages, becoming a green track advancing to a stile/hand-gate. The bridleway continues below a bracken-clad bank becoming a lovely green-way to reach a hand-gate/gate. Veer right as a green track converges from the left, pass the old single-arched Rough How Bridge, to reach a hand-gate/gate onto the old road. Cross the newer bridge spanning Shoulthwaite Beck, and immediately cross the low wall-stile left. Traverse the brief pasture to a second low wall-stile onto the main road verge (request bus stop) and cross straight over into the lane leading to Shoulthwaite Farm (caravan park). Bear round to the left between the barns to a kissing-gate into woodland. Take the obvious level path ahead, which shortly merges with a forestry track. Continue with Shoulthwaite Moss left, passing by two further kissing-gates to meet a minor road. Turn right and first left after 60m, via the hand-gate on the left with a footpath sign. Follow the open track to a gate left of a Castle Rock of Triermain from Smaithwaite

18 STAGE 8 NORTHBOUND A little under two hours of easy country walking Dale Bottom > Keswick An opportunity to visit Castlerigg Stone Circle by a less-frequented field path, continuing down into Keswick with the ancient main road and concluding at the former railway, closed in 1964 and now a popular cycleway. Walkers crossing the valley bound for Legburthwaite barn, passing between the footings of a building and an old white-washed barn, to a gate. Follow the green-way via a gate, descending with a fence close right to cross a triple-gated footbridge over St John s Beck, the outflow of Thirlmere. The central section is the remnant of a broader stone structure note the stepping stones to the left not a right of way so do not cross over here. The footpath rises via a hand-gate onto the farm track leading by barns onto the road opposite the caravan park. Turn left following the road past Bridge End Farm to meet the main road (with request bus stops). Carefully cross the main road and follow the broad verge path right. Advance to find a footpath signed left, descend the embankment and cross over a wall-stile. Traverse the valley pasture with a wall close right and go through a hand-gate onto the St John s-in-the-vale road. Turn right and, at the small car park before cottages and Thirlmere Community Hall, leave the road left. Follow the lane rising towards Stanah Farm. Crossing the ladder-stile at the top ascend the pasture to a hand-gate/stile beside the Thirlmere Leat. Note the huge rock bluff right. The reservoir engineers had to bore through to create the water channel and one suspects this was not an easy process! Continue up and cross a stone bridge over Stanah Gill beside the wall the ravine above has one massive double waterfall, but to see it you have to stay within the gorge. Be warned it is slow, rough going. The StagePath rises to the wooden signpost for Swirls Car Park and forks up right, off the ancient Stick Pass route the highest range-crossing bridle-path in Lakeland, reaching 750m/2460ft. Our path comes above the intake wall then dips, but the path contours to a footbridge crossing of Fisherplace Gill. This is another ravine famed for its waterfalls. When walking you need to climb up from the path, but they can be clearly seen from the bus. The path reconnects with the intake wall, coming to a three-way sign where the wall breaks down. Take the bridleway Thirlspot Farm descending on a pitched path via three gates recrossing the leat to enter the farmyard beside the trio of static caravans. Exit through the hand-gate right, beside the white-washed hote. The bus stop is at the far end. Directly opposite Causewayfoot Farm cross the stile beside the gate leading into a lane and follow the Keswick lane past a barn to a further stile/gate close by the static caravans. Turn left along the track, lightly fenced to the right. This leads to field-gate. Keep to the open track, via a level stream crossing, to a wooden field-gate. Go through the gate, and climb up the pasture by the wall, then fence, Castlerigg stone circle Dale Bottom then wall to the right, rising to a stepped wall-stile. Continue to a hand-gate. On reaching the main road turn right along the verge. You can advance dry-shod and swiftly to Castlerigg Stone Circle by crossing and following the roadside footpath uphill, branching right along the narrow Castle Lane. The far more pleasing option, with the emphasis on quiet country perspectives, turns right, into the lane leading to Low Nest. Immediately after crossing the cattle-grid go left via the hand-gate and follow the Castlerigg stone circle

19 Blencathra from the path between Castlerigg and High Nest hardcore track up the pasture to a green-way, bearing right to a gate with three-way footpath sign. Once through the gate follow the road-way passing High Nest old farmhouse and converted barn, to a gate entering a short lane. This opens into pasture with Blencathra straight ahead. Contour to a hand-gate beside the conifer copse. Continue by two further wall hand-gates, followed by a long traverse across a wet rush pasture to reach a gate onto the road by a stone sheepfold. Turn up left and take the opportunity to visit Castlerigg Stone Circle in the pasture enclosure on the left. This National Trust property contains the most famous, and certainly the most visited, ancient monument in Cumbria. Notice the shallow rigg and furrow grassy corrugations, reputedly the result of Dig For Britain ploughing during the Second World War. The stone circle is a massive attraction for many visitors, especially at sunset and dawn when the spiritual magic is at its most tangible. Follow the minor road beyond the junction along Castle Lane, coming down by a Welcome to Keswick on Derwentwater sign. The road descends to converge with the modern main road. Cross this and follow the A591 footpath to the junction with the A592, keeping on downhill. Before crossing the road-bridge, short of Travis Perkins, cross the road and go through the hand-gate down onto the Keswick Railway Footpath. Keep ahead, cross a bridge over the River Greta with a lovely view right towards Latrigg with the Keswick Bridge Timeshare near left, and Calvert Bridge. The railway trail reaches the old railway station and Keswick Leisure Pool beyond. Go left onto Station Road and follow the roadside footpath bisecting Fitz Park to cross the Greta again. Join the main road, cross via the pedestrian crossing into Station Street, and bear right at the end. Pass through the pedestrianised Market Place, with the Moot Hall (Tourist Information Centre) and keep forward to the road roundabout. Turn left to reach Booths supermarket car park and the all-important bus terminus. STAGE 8 SOUTHBOUND Keswick > Dale Bottom The StagePath takes leave of Keswick along the Railway Trail, climbing the ancient ridge-way to Castlerigg Stone Circle on the brow, then ventures via field-paths to revel in an amazing surround of mighty mountains from Blencathra to Helvellyn stirring stuff indeed. From the bus stop beside Booths walk towards the town by advancing along Tithebarn Street to the mini-roundabout. Turn right with the main street to enter the Market Place centred upon the eye-catching Moot Hall (Tourist Information Centre). Leave the pedestrianised area taking the left-hand exit to St John s Street and turning first left with Station Street. Use the pedestrian lights to cross the main road to enter Station Road ahead. This crosses the broad River Greta slicing through Fitz Park and rising to the entrance of Keswick Leisure Pool. Bear right to step onto the old railway passing through the car park beside the old Railway Station platform. The original canopy from the age of steam remains. Steam on along the cycleway, once again crossing the River Greta, and catch a glimpse left of the Keswick Bridge Timeshare apartments and Calvert Bridge backed by the tree-clad slopes of Latrigg. Just before the trail goes under a bridge, turn right on the rising path leading to a hand-gate onto the main A591 road. Cross and follow the roadside footpath bearing left at the road junction with the Penrith Road, and fork up right with the side road with blue signs directing to Castlerigg Stone Circle. This is an ancient ridge-way River Greta from the Keswick Railway Trail

20 ascent climbing easily up from the latter-day housing to gain spacious views over the Greta gorge. Reaching the crest the lane levels, and passing the end of Castle Lane comes beside the enclosure containing the stone circle. Do make time to pause on your walk and stroll around the circle to sense for yourself the very special spirit of place resonating from the stones, accentuated by their majestic setting. Continue with the road. As it begins to descend find the gate on the right beside a walled sheepfold with footpath sign High Nest A591. There is a clear path on the ground, initially with a fence right then straight on across the pasture, with much evidence of rush growth indicative of damp ground. A sequence of three hand-gates through pasture brings the path beside a conifer coppice. Follow on to enter a short lane reaching a gate beside a converted barn. Walk through the yard at High Nest and along the approach drive. Go through the gate immediately left of a cattle-grid with a three-way footpath sign A591 St John s in Vale. Follow the green-way bearing down with the rough hardcore track to a hand-gate and the Low Nest access drive. Cross the cattle-grid and venture onto the road bearing left along the accommodating verge to a hand-gate signed public footpath. A clear path descends to cross a wall-stile continuing down to a gate. Follow the open track leading to a gate then along a lane. Approaching the caravan park turn right via the stile/galvanised gate. Go along the fenced lane by a barn to the stile/gate onto the main road, opposite the entrance to Causeway Foot Farm and reach the Dale Bottom bus stop (lay-by and telephone kiosk). When walking the 555 StagePath put the bus to the back of your mind until you have completed your stage or stages. The day-time frequency of the service is such that you can be certain that, in time, a bus will roll up and gently and scenically speed you on your way. This StagePath is not a formally designated route. It has no special waymarks. The onus is on the individual walker either to follow the suggested route, or to choose options of their own. Be safe and show respect for others and the landscape through which you walk. Take pleasure from your time walking whatever the weather there is always something unique to see, hear, sense and enjoy. Have fun. Keswick Moot Hall 555 StagePath researched Jan/Feb 09 StagePaths Mark Richards 2009