Route: Eskdale
Area: Southern Lake District
Date of walk: 19th March 2014
Walkers: Andrew and Gilly
Distance: 5.8 miles (plus 2 miles by rail)
Ascent: 400 feet
Our original plan had been to climb Cold Pike, but as we drove over the Wrynose Pass the cloud was down low over the fell, so we decided to carry on over the Hardknott Pass and down into Eskdale. The car journey over the two passes provided plenty of excitement along the way
We parked at the Woolpack Inn and after some coffee and cake there, we set off along the valley, crossing the River Esk at Doctor Bridge. We followed a path by the river as far as Eskdale Green and at this furthest point of the walk decided that it would be fun to take the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway back along the valley
We had a short wait at The Green Station and bang on time along came the train, which we had to hail to stop. We’d been hoping for a steam train, but that was out of action – no matter, as it was an enjoyable trip to Dalegarth at the end of the line
It was a short walk back along the quiet road to the Woolpack Inn where we’d started our walk
For other walks here, visit my Find Walks page and enter the name in the ‘Search site’ box
Click on the icon below for the route map (subscribers to OS Maps can view detailed maps of the route, visualise it in aerial 3D, and download the GPX file. Non-subscribers will see a base map)
Scroll down – or click on any photo to enlarge it and you can then view as a slideshow
At the foot of the Wrynose Pass
Looking down the Hardknott Pass
The start of the walk from the Woolpack Inn, Eskdale
The lane leading to Doctor Bridge
We cross Doctor Bridge and follow the south bank of the River Esk
Heading towards Eskdale Green
Looking back to the Woolpack Inn
Our picnic spot by the River Esk
The Humber Bridge in miniature!
Heading towards The Green station
Waiting for the train………
……and here it comes
Arriving at Dalegarth Station
It’s the end of the line and another mile or so to walk back to the start
Journey’s end
