Tag: North West England Hiking

Lake District – High Street – No shops here but 3 to 5 Wainwrights in the Far Eastern Fells

This is a beautiful and lesser-trodden horseshoe in the Lake District. Ideal if you are looking to bag a few Wainwrights, it includes Mardale Ill Bell, High Street, and Kidsty Pike. If you are keen to maximise your numbers, you can also take a short detour to include The Knott and Rampsgill Head. If you simply want a scenic high-level route, this is a rewarding option that’s not overly demanding. Just be mindful, it can get quite windy up there, so it’s best saved for a clear, calm day. And for wild swimming fans: consider doing the loop in reverse so you can end with a refreshing dip in Small Water.

View on the way to High Street. Looking at Small Water and Hawswater. This route takes in 3 Wainwrights: Mardale Ill bell, High Street and Kidsty Pike. Can easy extend to include The Knott and Rampsgill Head — Click on the picture to see the full slideshow and route video

Superb views across the Lake the District from the top. Click here to open the route on Komoot or contact for the link on other walking apps. — Click on the picture to see the full slideshow and route video

Stats

Difficulty	Moderate to Strenuous – No technical skills required. But a fair amount of Elevation. And some alpine paths. There is a very mild scramble on the descent.
Length	7.9 mi – 12.2 km
Total elevation	2,687 ft – 819m
Highest point	2,703 ft – 824m
Walking time	5h00
Terrain	Walking paths, Alpine paths (including some very mild scramble)
Equipment	Enough water to walk for 5 hrs. There are no pubs or cafes en route or nearby. There are some streams on the way up (until c. 2 miles) and on the way down (c. 5.9 miles) but being on a ridge; nothing in between. Also, think about layers, layers, layers ! It could be a stunning day in the valley but at over 2,500 ft; it can get cold. And again; you will be on ridge, be prepared for the wind-chill.

View route (Click on menu to reveal the image)

Getting there

Driving: Free car-park for 25 cars at Mardale Head, the start of the walk
Public transport: Sadly, this walk cannot be accessed by public transport

Watering Holes

Unfortunately, there are no pubs or cafes within walking distance of this walk. But within a short drive:
The Mardale Inn – Bampton – 16 mins drive
A fantastic community pub. CAMRA approved for its ale.
Closed on Wednesdays. Dinner is served Mon-Tue and Thur – Sat from 16:30-20:30, closes at 19:00 on Sunday. Lunch is available Fri and Sat from 12:00. to 14:00 and Sunday from 12:00-14:30. But you must book ahead for food. Expect pub classics as well as roasts on Sundays. But also some restaurant dishes such as grilled seabass with salsa verde.
Bampton is famous for being the filming location of Withnail & I.
The Punchbowl Inn – Askham – 24 mins drive
My favourite in the area, a traditional country inn dating from the 18th Century. Muddy paws and boots are welcome. Sit outside in the Summer and by the cosy fire in winter.
Fresh, local and home-cooked food is served Mon-Sat from 12:00-15:00 and 17:00-21:00 continuous service on Sunday from 12:00-19:00. Expect pub classics and Sunday roasts.
Good selection of ales and the pub has its own micro-brewery. It also has 6 bedrooms.

Make a week-end of it – Where to stay and eat

For walkers and film fans: The Mardale Inn – Bampton
An amazing Community pub with rooms.
See above for more details on the pub. The Inn has 6 cosy rooms. The bed mattresses use Herdwick wool from the are. Toiletries are made in the Valley. The Inn will help you plan (and load routes) for walks nearby if you do not fancy the above. They work closely with the local RSPB reserve to propose activities. Bampton village was used as filming location for Withnail & I; the village’s phone-box has a guest book for the all fans of that classic movie.

For walkers and history fans: The Punchbowl Inn – Askham
A very cosy Inn from the 18th Century.
See above for more details on the pub. The Inn has 6 cosy rooms.
Askham Hall (Lowther Castle) is on its doorstep. A fantastic place to spend the Sunday, soaking in the history and visiting the beautiful gardens.

For the luxury seekers: The Hawswater Inn listed in the 100 best place to stay in the UK by the Times Newspaper and a two rosettes restaurant. This is a beautiful property in a stunning location. A couple of minutes drive from the start of the walk. I cannot vouch for it personally but believe the service and comfort are top-notch. However; rooms cost £150 for no view and up to £380 per night. This is the best place to disconnect (no phone signal and slow wi-fi) for a romantic week-end as long as your budget is not limited.

June 9, 2025

Padley Gorge and Longshaw: 8 miles in Ancient Moorland and Woodland in the Peak District

Padley Gorge is a beautiful and atmospheric wooded valley in the Peak District National Park, near Grindleford in Derbyshire. It’s known for its ancient oak and birch trees, moss-covered rocks, and gently flowing streams that create a magical, almost enchanted feel.
This walk will take you on a 8 miles circular route combining the magical woodland of Padley Gorge with the open moors of Longshaw.

Stats

Difficulty	Moderate
Length	8 mi – 12.9 km
Total elevation	1,263 ft – 385m
Highest point	1,376 ft – 420m
Walking time	3h50
Terrain	mostly hiking paths and Footpaths
Equipment	Good boots, you are in The Peak District and it can get muddy in Places. Enough water to last you for 4 hours as there are no facilities en route. Plenty of snacks. a good map or gPS

View route (Click on menu to reveal the image)

Send me a message on social media or email to request the GPX file, AllTrails or other apps.
Click here for Komoot Link

Getting there

Driving: National Trust car-park at Longshaw Estate
Public transport: Grindelford train station
From Manchester: Direct train from Manchester Piccadilly (c. 1h)
From Sheffield: Direct train (c. 20 mins)
From Preston: train to Manchester Piccadilly then train to Grindelford (c. 2hrs)
From Leeds: train to Sheffield then train to Grindelford (c. 1h30)

Watering Holes

The Fox House – Longshaw (at the start / end of the walk if coming by car)
A cosy country pub dating from 1773.
Beer garden for the summer and cosy fireplace in winter.
Part of the Vintage Inns group, it serves pub-classics and stocks real-ale.

Make a week-end of it – Where to stay and eat

Grindleford can be reached by public transports and there are several walks from its doorstep.

Or stay at the Fox Hound Inn in Longshaw at the start and end of this walk.

For a budget week-end: Thorpe Farm Bunkhouses – Just outside Hathersage
Several bunkhouses in the Hope Valley
On a working dairy farm. The farm makes its own ice-creams !
They can take groups and individual bookings.
Comfortable self-catering accommodation, including heating, well equipped kitchens, hot showers, toilets and drying facilities.
All mattresses are provided with a sheet, pillow and pillow case. BUT BRING YOUR OWN DUVET / SLEEPING BAG

For a camping week-end: Thorpe Farm – Just outside Hathersage
See above for details.

For a quiet and comfortable stay: The Fox House Inn – Longshaw
Dating back to 1773, this country pub offers 9 comfortable bedrooms. Food is served all-day in the pub downstairs.

For a cosy and car-free week-end: The Sir William in Grindleford
It is a historic coaching inn that has been offering warm rooms, cold beers and stunning views across the picturesque Hope Valley since 1871
There are 8 en-suite bedrooms with a mix of double, twin and family rooms.

For a romantic experience: The Maynard – Grindleford
Premium rooms ranging from from a single snug room to a luxurious suite.
There is a family room available.

March 8, 2025

Trollers Gill and Grimwith Reservoir – A beginner’s gill scramble in the Yorkshire Dales

Trollers Ghyll (or Trollers Gill) is a narrow limestone gorge in the Yorkshire Dales, England, near the village of Appletreewick. The ghyll (a Northern English term for a steep valley or ravine) has a mysterious reputation tied to local folk
The gorge is said to be haunted by trolls, hence its name. According to legend, it is home to a fearsome barghest—a supernatural black dog with glowing red eyes, often associated with death and misfortune. Some stories also link the ghyll to mythical goblins and other eerie creatures, adding to its reputation as a place of mystery.
This walk will take you on a 10.5 miles hike from Grimwith Reservoir with some scrambling in the Ghyll. It is ideal for those who are learning to find their feet on rocky and uneven terrain as well as the most seasoned hikers as the views are maginificient.

Stats

Difficulty	Moderate+
Length	10.7 mi – 17.2 km
Total elevation	1,394 ft – 425m
Highest point	1,211 ft – 369m
Walking time	4h10
Terrain	mostly hiking paths, river, and Footpath
Equipment	Good boots, it can get muddy in Places and you will also be walking on the river’s bed-rock The water may be high in places. Enough water to last you for 4 hours. Plenty of snacks as there are no facilities en route. a good map or gPS

View route (Click on menu to reveal the image)

Getting there

Driving: Free car-parking at Grimwith Reservoir – You could also start the walk at Stump Cross Caverns to start and/or finish with their cafes
Public transport:
Unfortunately, this walk is not accessible by public transport

Watering Holes

Cafe at Stumpcross Cavern – c. Mid-way if starting at Grimwith or at start / finish if you opt to start from there
A very cosy licensed cafe with a view .
It produces its own ale and bitter. Also a great place to stop for cake, sandwiches, soup or coffee.
Beer garden for the summer and cosy fireplace in winter.
Open Wed-Sun from 10:00-17:00 (18:00 on Sat & Sun)

Make a week-end of it – Where to stay and eat

This walk is ideally placed in a beautiful part of the Yorkshire Dales where you will find plenty of other walking routes.
And close to some of the prettiest villages in the Yorkshire Dales: Grassington, Burnsall, Appletreewick etc.

For camping and glamping: Howgill Lodge
It offers 4 luxurious and romantic log-cabins with wood-fired private hot-tubs and magnificent views from their private patio area.
Of course all lodges comes with full ensuite bathroom and kitchen.
47 Grass tent pitches with or without electric hookups.
And 19 gravel pitches for motorhomes and caravans with electric hookup.
An award winning campsite. With outstanding shower facilities,
The farm is also home some alpacas. And close to two excellent pubs

For a romantic experience: Howgill Lodge wood cabins

For self-catering options: 4 Skyreholme Mill Cottage
It accommodates 6 in 3 bedrooms (King, double and twin)
2 nights minimum booking

For a cosy stay: Orchard House B&B – Hebden
A small B&B in the village of Hebden. They have a double with private bathroom and an ensuite twin room.
Reasonably priced for the area. It is a peaceful place where you can escape everyone and everything.
And Hebden has a cracking village pub.

For a luxurious experience: The Devonshire Fell Hotel – Burnsall
A 4 star luxury hotel in the beautiful village of Burnsall.
The restaurant serves exceptional food.

February 1, 2025

Lingmoor Fell – An easy Wainwright with a pint and phenomenal views – Cumbria

Lingmoor Fell, although quite low offers some of the best views in the Lake District. It includes the Coniston range with the distinctive Wetherlam and the iconic Langdale Pikes.
It is an isolated fell, and as we were in Elterwater, we did it as a quick up and down.
But you could use another route to include fat-man squeeze and/or Blea Tarn.
It doesn’t require any technical skills but as there are an array of paths at the start, do not forget your map or GPS. The actual summit is also known as Brown Howe.
The Langdales are at the heart of Lake District and simply paradise for walking, hiking, cycling or climbing. You can easily make a week-end of it. But don’t expect the facilities of Ambleside or Keswick.

Stats

Difficulty	Moderate
Length	5.5 mi – 8.8 km
Total elevation	1,460 ft – 445m
Highest point	1,538 ft – 469m
Walking time	3h00
Terrain	mostly hiking paths, footpath and road
Equipment	Good shoes, it can get muddy in places. Enough water to last you for 3 hours. Plenty of snacks as there are no facilities en route. a good map or gPS

View route (Click on menu to reveal the image)

Lingmoor Fell is an isolated fell, and as we were in Elterwater, we did it as a quick up and down.
But you could use another route to include fat-man squeeze and/or Blea Tarn.
It doesn't require any technical skills but as there are an array of paths at the start, do not forget your map or GPS. The actual summit is also known as Brown Howe. — Send me a message on social media or email to request the GPX file, AllTrails or Komoot link

Getting there

Driving: There are a few laybys (Free) outside Elterwater but do get there early
Public transport:
From Preston: Train to Oxenholme then train to Windermere then bus to the Britannia Inn (c. 1h50)
From Lancaster: Train to Oxenholme then train to Windermere then bus to the Britannia Inn (c. 1h40)
From Carlisle: Train to Oxenholme then train to Windermere then bus to the Britannia Inn (c. 2hrs)

Watering Holes

The Britannia Inn – Elterwater – at the end of the walk.
A cosy and traditional Cumbrian pub and Inn. Muddy boots and paws are welcome and there.
Outdoor seating in the summer and roaring fireplace in the winter
The food is rustic and uses fresh local produce, I particularly like the minted South Lakes lamb Henry. They offer no less than 6 kinds of Cumbrian ales.
The kitchen is open from 12:00 to 14:00 for lunch, 14:00-16:00 for soups and sandwiches and 17:30-20:30 for supper every-day.
Lanty Slee – Elterwater
Not technically on the route but a few steps outside the village.
Fuel up with a full English breakfast before the walk (Opens at 10 am).
Or if pub grub and ale are not your thing; you will find a selection of fine wines and spirits as well as a tapas menu as well as American fayre (12:00-21:00)
The Eltermere Inn – Elterwater
For a traditional finer dining experience or a delicious Sunday roast. It also offers some pub classics and everything is made from fresh, local ingredients/
It remains a traditional Cumbrian Inn and welcomes muddy boots and paws.
With outdoor seating in the summer and roaring wood-fire in the winter.

Make a week-end of it – Where to stay and eat

Elterwater is a great base to visit the Langdale Valley. Wether you are into walking, hiking, cycling or climbing you won’t be short of activities to do in the area.
The village has a pub and a cocktail bar as well as a range of accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets.
But do not expect facilities you would find in Ambleside or Keswick. This is the perfect destination for outdoor pursuits; not for shopping or pub crawling.

For self-catering options: There is a range of cottages in Elterwater and Chapel Stile to accommodate various budgets, styles and size. I am happy to make recommendations by email.

For the budget conscious: The YHA has sold its property but the new owners kept it as a hostel.
With private and shared room for 2 to 6 people, it has 38 beds in total.
A self-catering kitchen, cosy lounge, drying room, lockable cycle storage, electric bike charging and bike washing facilities.
You don’t have to self-cater as the hostel also offers: full English breakfast, packed lunches and home-made suppers using fresh and locally sourced ingredients.
The hostel can also be booked as a venue for full use; starting with 10 people in winter.

For a cosy stay: The Britannia Inn – Elterwater
The Inn has ensuite double and twin rooms and rooms with external bathrooms.
Part of the family run pub, this would make a lovely cosy stay in the heart of the Langdales.

For a romantic experience: The Eltermere Inn – Elterwater
Offers a dozen bedrooms all individually furnished and ranging from Super Luxury to cosy rooms.
Starting at just over £150 per double room on a B&B basis, this is not bad value for the area.
But week-end stays are 2 nights minimum.
With a bar and on-site dining room, the menu is a mix of pub-classics and finer dining. All prepared with fresh and local ingredients.

For a luxurious and spa experience:
Elterwater has two 4 star spa hotels.
I have not visited them and will let you do your own research.

For large group and charities: Weirside
This is a large self-catering and self-cleaning cottage.
Accommodates 20 people in 2 dorms.
And works out at £10 to £15 per person per night.
Its goal is to provides a place to focus on personal and social growth, whether as a retreat, working with young people on leadership or team building, or as a place to reflect on our own ability to influence the common good in the communities from which we come.

January 18, 2025

Great Asby Scar, Rutter Force and Appleby – 11 miles with a mill and a pint – Cumbria

This is a fairly flat walk with no hills to climb or dramatic ups and downs but still takes 1,600 ft of total elevation. Starting at Orton Scar and ending in Appleby; it takes in part of the Dales Way.
A little more than half way through; you will find Rutter Force – this is an ideal spot to stop for your packed lunch or a break.
Rutter Force is a man-made waterfall that feeds a water wheel.
It dates back from 1579! The original wheel has been replaced since then; and the mill has been converted to an AirBnB.
But it was initially set-up as a corn mill and later converted to a bobbin mill in 1832.
Eventually turned into a saw mill and later used to power the local church and residents with electricity. The National Grid did reach the area in 1952 and the wheel has been used a decorative feature ever since.
There are no technical skills required for this route and it can be completed year-round. But make sure you have good boots or shoes as it can get muddy in places. And ensure you take enough water and snacks to sustain you for the 11 miles as there are no facilities en-route.

Westmorland. Fairly flat, yet undulating, it takes in Rutter Force waterfall and more of the beauty of the Eden Valley. Mostly footpath and bridleways; this is ideal as a winter-walk. Note that as a linear; you will need a two cars. — Click on the picture to see the full slideshow and route video

Stats

Difficulty	Moderate
Length	11 mi – 17.6 km
Total elevation	1,165 ft – 355m
Highest point	1,246 ft – 380m
Walking time	4h00
Terrain	mostly footpath and bridleways
Equipment	Good shoes, it can get muddy in places. Enough water to last you for 4 hours. Plenty of snacks as there are no facilities en route

View route (Click on menu to reveal the image)

Send me a message on social media or email to request the GPX file, AllTrails or Komoot link

Getting there

Driving: This is a linear walk – you will need to cars. One at the start point and the other in Appleby in Westmorland.
The start car-park is after the village of Orton and Orton Quarry (if coming from the south / west) on the B6260
Public transport: Unfortunately, this is not an easy to walk to access by public transport.

Watering Holes

The Crown and Cushion Inn – Appleby in Westmorland – at the end of the walk.
A cosy and traditional Cumbrian pub with rooms.
Muddy boots and paws are welcome and there is a beer garden for the Summer.
The food is home-cooked. Expect traditional pub fayre and it is open from breakfast.
I really enjoyed my traditional minted lamb hot-pot.
The kitchen is open from 08:00 to 20:30 every-day.

Make a week-end of it – Where to stay and eat

Appleby in Westmorland is a very nice town to spend the week-end. But avoid during the Appleby Fair, usually on the first week of June .
There are plenty of walking and cycling routes around in the superb Eden Valley.
And is a good spot for foodies. Appleby Creamery makes Appleby brie cheese. And if the weather is too bad to walk; the castle has an interesting centre of Norman History
There are several pubs, cafes and restaurants as the main economy in town remains the tourism industry.

For a cosy stay that doesn’t break the bank: The Crown and Cushion – Appleby in Westmorland
This Robinson Brewery owned inn offers 5 comfortable rooms, including a one bedroom self-contained cottage.

For a unique and romantic experience: Appleby Castle – Appleby in Westmorland
The Castle offers a dozen bedrooms and self-contained cottages.
All decorated in individual and traditional style, many of the bedrooms in the castle have 4 poster beds.
Those most striking rooms do not come cheap but are perfect for a week-end celebrating special occasions.
For the more budget conscious, there are more affordable rooms in the old servant’s quarter.
Dinner is served in the 15th Century dining room. And offers both tasting menu and a la carte.

For a unique family experience: The cottage at Rutter Force – Great Asby
With a balcony over-looking the force and just above the water wheel; this is a unique place.
And a chance to spot red squirrels during your morning coffee.
The cosy cottage can be rented via AirBnB and has 2 bedrooms.
But you can only check-in on Mondays and Fridays.
As the place is quite quirky the owner does not accept children under 12 years old. This is purely for safety reasons.
Both rooms have double beds (no twins) and one of the bedroom is behind a curtain on the mezzanine.
As any quirky places; love it or hate it. But for wild-life lovers or any one seeking a different experience, this is an ideal place to spend a couple of nights.

November 14, 2024