Local Walks
Classic Dunnerdale Fells walk straight from the door. Crossing the stepping stones strike up hill to the road. From the saddle walk up the grassy rake and then straight up to the Cairn. This is Stickle Pike. Walk back down from the cairn the way you came and turn south down a steep rake and cross a wide expanse of boggy ground towards the high ground which is Great Stickle. From Great Stickle walk south west down a steep path and then follow the path west towards the valley floor; there many paths ahead, all are ok. Follow the road to Ulpha Bridge. You can either carry on along the road back to High Hurst or follow the track north east passed Birks and above the River Duddon retracing your route back to High Hurst across the Stepping Stones. Note. If the river is high the stepping stones will be impassable, use bridge at Hall Dunnerdale or Ulpha bridge to gain the south bank of the River Duddon.
Coniston Fells Walk. This walk is one of our favourites and, apart from the top of the Old Man, is crowd free. In fact you'll only see a handful of walkers. Park at the bottom of the Walna Scar road by the packhorse bridge-space for 5 cars so might be busier on a weekend or later in the day. Walk up the Walna Scar road passed the old mine workings, worth a visit if you have time, and then north to the saddle. climb north to the small summit of Brown Pike and follow the ridge path to the summit of Dow Crag; careful not to venture to far east to the rock face, you'll get a great view of Dow Crag's Bastions from the Old Man. Descend to Goat Hause (option to return north via Little Pikes and Seathwaite Tarn from here). Walk up the slanting track south east towards the summit of the Old Man. Retrace your steps north to Brim Fell and follow the path up towards Swirl Howe. Follow the ridge around to the summit of Great Carrs below which is the memorial cairn to a crash wartime bomber the wreckage of which lies to the east in Broad slack. Now follow the wide track west to Grey Friar. From the cairn follow the path west until Seathwaite tarn comes into view and descend to the dam via Troutal fell. The path will be almost non existent so make sure the Dam can be seen to avoid the crag further east. From the Dam follow the well made track back to parking.
Harter Fell Walk. A short but satisfying walk which can be enjoyed in either direction but best done anticlockwise steep bit first!. Park at the Hardknott Forest carpark. You have the option of following the forestry track to below Mart Crag or the footpath via Birks and lovely Birks Bridge. Once above Birks Farm the path ascends north from the forestry track and is steep! but the height gained is quickly done passed Maiden Castle and the wooden steps over the dry stone wall. Keep going up and the summit will suddenly appear into view. The summit cairn is set amongst a number of craggy tops. From the tops descend north west and follow the path down to the north side of the forest. Follow the path through the forest where it joins the forestry track in a clearing. Follow the well defined forestry track back to parking. If it is a hot day have a go at wild swimming by Birks bridge.
Devoke Water. A lovely walk which takes in stunning views to the Scafell Range to the North. From the parking spot walk west along the well formed track to Washfold Point. The walk goes passed the old boat house and follows around the south side of the lake. At the west side of the Water turn north and cross the stream and follow the path onto Water Crag. Look east and walk to Rough crag and then down to the track and back to parking.
CAW. Caw is an great climb and this walk can be combined with taking light refreshments in The Newfield Inn. Straight from the door. Crossing the stepping stones strike up hill to the road. From the saddle take the distinctive track north west. From the narrow saddle beneath Brock Barrow look across towards Caw. Pick a route and climb the hill direct. The summit cairn gives some great views. From the summit descend directly north to the old slate quarry and then follow the miners track west. At the T junction of tracks by the dry stone wall turn north down to Seathwaite and the Newfield Inn. From Seathwaite walk along the road and just passed the School house take the path on the right and cross the concrete footbridge. Follow the path and cross the river via the stepping stones or the whale backed stone bridge. Follow the path towards High Wallabarrow Farm, remembering to say hello to Chris Chinn the farmer, and then continue along the metalled road back to High Hurst.
Sca Fell Walks
Sca fell and Sca Fell Pike are England’s highest mountains and attract a huge number of visitors each year. They are arduous hill walks and it is recommended that the Mountain weather is checked and that you are equipped properly for the days walk. Below I’ve outlined a couple of recommended routes to the tops, there is no direct route between these tops don’t be tempted to attempt it using Broad Stand as this is a notorious accident spot, instead walk via Foxes tarn if you intend to bag both the Sca Fells. Have no doubt Sca Fell Pike can be a dangerous place for the unprepared and ill equipped; in poor weather and low visibility go for a walk around the Lake or better still prop up the bar in the Newfield Inn and walk back to your holiday cottage at High Hurst with tales of what might have been!
This is the classic route from Wasdale. A gentle path to begin with which increases in steepness towards the start of Piers Ghyll. Follow the well marked track on the east side of the Ghyll; all the way keeping it on your right hand side. Don’t be tempted to enter the Ghyll as it is impassable. Continue on the increasingly steep and rocky path to the summit. Retrace you way back to Wasdale the way you came.
This route takes in Sca Fell and Sca Fell Pike from Wasdale. A long grassy walk to begin which develops into a very worn track. Descend from the summit of Sca Fell towards Foxes Tarn and climb towards Sca Fell pike. Don’t be tempted to go direct descent east or north as the ground is very steep and potentially dangerous, on no account try and use Broad Stand as a route between the two-you’ll only get stuck!. From the Pike descend back to Wasdale via the path to the east of Piers Ghyll but keep out of the Ghyll as it’s impassable and dangerous.
This route is rarely visited yet gives a grand day out without the crowds. Park at Brotherkeld in Eskdale and follow the path along the River Esk passing too many waterfalls and plunge pools to count. Follow this long path along below Cam Spout Craguntil you reach Little Narrow Cove and climb the tortuous path to the summit of the Pike. Descend towards Broad Stand and then south towards Cam Spout Crag and return to Brotherkeld via the River Esk.
Lazy Day Walks
Well, not quite. These walks are ideal for those rainy days when the hills are shrouded in mist and you fancy something a bit less steep.
Duddon Woods Walk
The first walk takes you through ancient woodland, by an early example of the industrial revolution, and along a couple of old pack horse routes. Start at
Duddon Bridge Blast Furnace car park and take in this wonderfully preserved early blast furnace. From the Furnace take the path through the trees. The route beyond is an old Packhorse route in a time when long teams of packhorses accompanied by their master stopping at each inn on the way slowly plodding their way across the fells. Continue the walk through the ancient coppiced oak and hazel woodland, peaceful now, but in in the early 18th Century was an active industry as Charcoal Burners produced fuel to power the blast furnace. As required five tons of wood to produce 350lbs of iron from half a ton of ore it was easier to ship the ore by boat to Duddon Bridge. Carry on along the easy to follow path keeping an eye out for deer and red squirrels.
Swinside Stone Circle
Park on the old road just south of Broadgate and take the country lane towards Cragg Hall.continue along north towards the stone circle.
sat in the fields just off the track the circle is on private land but the view is spectacular all the same. Follow the bridle way south passing the small Knott Hill which is on open access land and may be claimed if you wish. Once at the busy A595 continue into the pretty village of Hallthwaithes. The large church dedicated to St Annne, reflects the riches once enjoyed from the wool trade. Once through the village and after crossing the beck follow the path north parallel to Black beck back to parking.
Frith Hall
Wallabarrow Round
Seathwaite Round
One of our favourite walks out from High Hurst which is a round trip of 4 miles to the Newfield Inn and back. Best done through High Wallabarrow first to take in the magnificent Wallabarrow Crag. Cross the River Duddon either by stepping stones or the lovely memorial bridge with super views up the gorge. From the pub walk back along the valley road through Hall Dunnerdale and over the wide span bridge beyond.
This walk takes in the old slate mine workings above High Hurst and gives superb views across the valley to Dow Crag and beyond. Don’t be tempted to go into the many mine openings or the little watchkeepers hut at the top of the first zig-zag track-they are dangerous. On the track to Grimecrag note the large crater from a long collapsed mine cavern, local folklore says it still contains the remains of the mine owner but it probably collapsed a number of years after the mine was closed and sealed. Pass Grimecrag farm and lament its passing and imagine the folk who worked it over a century ago when it was abandoned. Continue down to the National Trust Farm of Hazel Head and note the old Packhorse Bridge Grimecrag bridge. Cross the road and over the new stile walk directly toward Baskell Farm. Follow the track above the farm and left keeping to the drystone wall with great views up and down the valley. Walk into the woods along and follow the indistinct muddy path keeping the fence on your right. You’ll eventually descend towards a clearing continue towards it keeping the wall to your right. Cross the fence over step stile and then over the wall via a large step stile. Follow the indistinct path down till you meet the main track which leads left into Rainsbarrow Wood. Follow the muddy track down through the woods until you reach the main forest track. Go and have a look at the old Bobbin Mill on the right by the fast flowing river. Continue your walk through the woods eventually coming to the road. The building on the right, was until recently the valley’s General Store and Post Office; now sadly, converted into another holiday home. Follow the road up the hill back to High Hurst.
A walk which is best walked anti-clockwise with the setting sun lighting up the red hues of the mountains ahead. Walk down to Crosby Bridge and enjoy the views up and down the beck. Note the new building over the bridge; this is a hydroelectric power station installed by the National Trust in 2019 and is one of three in the Lake District. Cross the River Duddon via the stepping stones and follow the path up the hillside passing New Close Cottage on your right. Above the cottage turn left at the junction with the main track and follow this up hill. After about a quarter of a mile notice the square walled spruce enclosure, this is a Quaker Burial Ground-no headstones inside but inside there are seating stones made into the walls to allow visitors quiet reflection. Continue on walking gentle up hill through Far Kiln Bank farmyard and up onto the road. Now follow the track right over the beck and follow this left through the gate. Carry on along this enchanting track descending steadily towards the valley bottom and towards Low Hall Farm. Onto the road right towards Hall Bridge and back to High Hurst. Note the Waterworks run be United Utilities which extracts water from the river bed and on to Barrow in Furness, the river level is controlled by releasing water from Seathwaite Tarn’s dam.
A walk which is only 5 mins from High Hurst which takes in spectacular views across the Sca Fell Range. Park by the cross roads and walk down the narrow metalled road towards High Ground Farm. Turn right towards Birkerthwaite with its collection of charming cottages..Walk down the old packhorse track over the beautiful Ellerbeck Bridge and continue to Low Ground Farm. Follow the well presented track down to the new viewing platform which sits above Stanley Force. The views into the gorge are spectacular and the National Park Authority have done a great job clearing the Rhododendron bushes and building the platform. The walk is now reversed back to Low Ground and directly towards High Ground and onto to parking.
