Covid-19 Update
All non-essential retail outlets are currently closed, except for take-aways. This is set to change on April 12, pending a review. Go to https://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/coronavirus for the latest information about visiting the area.The majority of car parks and public toilets are open. Go to the Lake District National Park website for information about which car parks are open, how busy they are and whether the toilets are open: https://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/visiting/car-park-statusSupermarkets and food shops are open.Please note that it is your responsibility to keep up-to-date with latest government guidelines: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
IMPORTANT: How to use this app
On installing the app and opening for the first time:Accept permissions.Select the gear symbol then 'Play stop audio' and 'location settings'.Make sure device GPS is turned on.To best enjoy the app, click the folded map icon and keep the map open to monitor your progress. To read a stop's description before reaching it, tap on the relevant number on the map then tap on the name that appears. Once you've read the content, tap the map icon again.If you are driving alone a dashboard phone mount is advisable.We recommend you connect your phone charger.THIS TOUR WORKS BEST IF YOU STICK TO THE SPEED LIMIT!!Starting the tour:Tap 'Start the Tour' then tap the map icon, top right.On Android, tap the 3 dots top right then 'Get directions'On iPhone and iPad, tap the number '1' on the map then tap the road sign icon at the bottom of the screen. Then tap 'Directions'This takes you to your phone's map. Follow the directions to the beginning of the tour.Re-open the app.Using the app:Most of the narration is GPS-triggered although there are a few 'push play' sections to give you the choice when to listen to them. Within each 'stop' you will find instructions on when to hit play if the GPS does not trigger for atmospheric reasons. THIS IS FOR PASSENGERS ONLY or when not driving.Also within each stop are written directions to the next stop.Look for links to walking routes embedded in the text of the stops.If you leave the loop and want to rejoin it, click the folded map icon at the top of the stop page then tap the 3 dots top right followed by 'get directions'.The narration will only play automatically once unless you exit and re-enter the tour, in which case it will replay when you next cross the GPS point.The GPS triggers are set to work in the order of the tour. If you try doing the tour backwards the information will be out of place.You can begin the tour at any one of its locations and can always manually select any location at any time. Updates:We are continually improving the app so please tap 'check for updates' from the gear symbol drop down menu, top right on the app homepage on anAndroid, bottom of the homepage on iPhone and iPad. Next tap the loop on the tour list to open it. If there is an update you will see a small number '1' over the 3 dots in the top right corner of the subsequent screen. Tap on the '1' and then tap 'update tour'. A 'downloading' message will appear. This will take a minute or so if connected to WiFi.HAVE FUN!
A Brief History of Cumbria
Cumbria as a county in its own right was formed from three older counties of Cumberland, Westmorland, and parts of North Lancashire and North Yorkshire in 1974. It may be a relatively new county but its history is rich and ancient.Between the last Ice Age and the Neolithic period, the entire British mainland was covered in forest. The uplands of Cumbria were covered in pine and birch whereas oak, alder, ash, and elm flourished in the lowlands.During the Mesolithic period, around 5,500BC the lowland coastal areas of Cumbria were inhabited by cave-dwelling people. Animal bone and primitive tools have been found at Kirkhead Cave, near Lower Allithwaite, dating back to 11,400BC.From about 4,000BC, during the Neolithic period, more permanent homes were established and people started to develop the land around them. The introduction of flint axes led to the clearing of upland forests for farmland.The Langdale valley, which you will visit on Loop 3, was once the European centre for greenstone axes, which were fashioned from broken rock fragments called scree. These were gathered from the hills surrounding the valley, especially Pike O’ Stickle, and the fells of Scafell Pike. Axes that were made there have been found across Europe.Bronze tools have been found around Ambleside, Keswick and St John’s in the Vale.The Megalithic tradition which spanned the Neolithic period and the Bronze Age saw the erecting of stone circles and monuments. There are many theories as to why these were built but most archaeologists concur that they were used for ritual and ceremony. Cumbria has more sacred sites than anywhere in Britain and 3 of the country’s most significant circles: Castlerigg near Keswick, Swinside in the Duddon valley and Long Meg near Salkeld. The Celtic people started to move into the region in the 3rd Century BC, bringing with them advanced farming techniques, metalwork, sophisticated religious practices and basic systems of law.The Iron Age brought accelerated clearance of the forests, needed to fuel the fires to smelt iron ore. Hill forts such as at Dunmallard Hill, near Pooley Bridge, were built in this period.The arrival of the Roman Empire in Cumbria in 77A.D saw the subjugation of the native Celtic Carvetti tribe, part of the larger Brigantes tribes in the north. Attempts were made to conquer Scotland but these were unsuccessful.In 122 AD Emperor Hadrian ordered that a wall be built between England and Scotland to keep the rebellious Scottish tribes out. Construction took approximately 17 years. It stretched 74 miles (118KM) from Bowness-on-Solway, west of the city of Carlisle, to Wallsend in the east. Remains of the longest continuous remaining stretch of the wall can be visited at Birdoswald Roman Fort at Gilsland near Carlisle, Cumbria.During the Roman period, Cumbria was a military zone. The Romans established several strategic forts, two of which, Hardknott and Ambleside, can be visited on loop 3. They also built roads connecting Kendal with Ravenglass and Troutbeck with Brougham near Penrith. You can walk along the old Roman road of ‘High Street’ from Troutbeck hamlet on Loop 1. Civilian settlements grew around the military bases, especially at Ambleside.The Celts of the northwest managed to hold on to their culture despite Roman rule and local place names show their influence. For example, the mountains of Blencathra and Helvellyn derive their name from the Celtic language.When the Romans withdrew from Britain, around 400AD, the Celtic people of this area called themselves ‘Combrogi’ meaning ‘Fellow Countrymen’. This later became Cymry and is the origin of the modern name Cumbria.In the 6th century (501 AD- 600AD) Urien, son of Cynfarch Oer, became ruler of Rheged, a kingdom of the Hen Ogled ("Old North"), the Brythonic Celtic speaking region of what is now Cumbria, Dumfriesshire and parts of Yorkshire.The northern kingdoms fought each other for many years until King Urien emerged as the region's most powerful leader. He won many victories over the Anglo-Saxon rulers of Bernicia (located in what is now south-east Scotland and north-east England) in the second half of the sixth century. Urien was eventually assassinated.Bernicia then united the northern kingdoms through an alliance of marriage between Northumbria and Rheged tribes.The Cumbric language was gradually replaced by Anglo-Saxon.The 7th to 10th centuries saw many battles over the sovereignty of Cumbria. This warfare reached its climax with the defeat and death of Dunmail, the last of the Celtic Kings, by the combined forces of Saxon King Edmund I and Malcolm of the Scots in 945 on the mountains near Grasmere. The lands were granted to the Scottish king for his support. You will pass a cairn called Dunmail’s Raise on Loop 1 where the Celtic King is said to be buried and you can climb to Grisedale Tarn where his crown is said to lie.Norse Vikings from Western Norway gradually settled in Cumbria in the 9th and 10th centuries. This was largely a peaceful colonisation unlike the violent invasion of Lindisfarne by Danish Vikings.The small farms that became established in the area have their origins in Norse traditions, as does the practice of dividing holdings with drystone walls. Many Cumbrian names of places and land features derive from the Norse language:Streams are named becks, from the Norse 'bekr';Waterfalls are named forces from the Norse 'foss';'Thorpe' means hamlet;Fell derives from the Norse ‘fjall’;Small lakes are called tarns which comes from 'tjorn'Ghyll meaning narrow ravine derives from the Norse word ‘gil’;Dale comes from ‘dalr’;And 'thwaite' in Old Norse means clearing.The Viking influence remained until the Middle Ages. A mixture of Norse-English languages was spoken there until at least the 12th Century.The sovereignty of Cumbria swapped hands many times during the Middle Ages, between 500AD and 1500AD with many battles fought between Scottish and Norman/English Kings. Cumbria being on the borders was a strategic ‘no man’s land’.Sheep-farming, a staple of the local economy today was well and truly established by medieval times and The Church set up farms called granges to exploit resources. The Herdwicke sheep, a hardy local breed, served a dual purpose of preventing forest regeneration and providing wool which was sold across Europe and beyond. Many of today’s footpaths follow medieval packhorse routes which were used to carry produce to market towns across the region. Life on the farm and in the home changed very little for hundreds of years.From the 12th-century lead, copper, haematite and many other minerals were mined and quarried.The 18th century saw the building of the railways which in turn greatly increased tourism to the area due to the ease of access. The area attracted yet more attention due in part to the success of a book written by the poet William Wordsworth: ‘A Guide to the Lakes’, published in 1835. Wordsworth suggested that this area become ‘some sort of national property’ to maintain its beauty. He was, however, in staunch opposition to the railways due to their effect on the landscape.The conservation of the area was recognised in 1951 with the establishment of The Lake District National Park.
Geology of the Lake District
The dramatic geology of the Lake District has been sculpted by 500 million years of geological processes, creating steep sharp ridges and smooth U-shaped valleys, England’s highest mountain, and deepest and longest lakes. Looking at a map of the region one can make out a rough wheel whose hub is situated in Dunmail Raise, north of Grasmere. The valleys and lakes radiate outwards forming the 'spokes'.There are several distinct categories of geology in the Lake District:Skiddaw GroupThe Skiddaw Group are the oldest rocks in the Lake District. They were formed as black muds and sands settling on the seabed about 500 million years ago. They have since been raised up and crumpled and squeezed. These rocks are found mainly in the north of the National Park and the mountains they form are mostly smooth, though many streams have cut deep gorges.Borrowdale Volcanic GroupFound in the central Lake District, the 'Borrowdale Volcanics' are very hard lavas and ashes formed in catastrophic eruptions about 450 million years ago. They make up the highest and craggiest mountains: Scafell, Helvellyn and the Langdale Pikes.These peaks are not the remains of the original volcanoes - they are the harder volcanic rocks that have withstood erosion.Windermere GroupSedimentary mudstones, sandstones, siltstones and some limestone formed in the sea about 420 million years ago. These were later folded and faulted, pushed up and eroded down to their present levels, forming the gentler scenery of southern Lakeland.GraniteHuge masses of granite formed about 400 million years ago, deep below the Lake District. Erosion has revealed outcrops in Eskdale, Ennerdale and at Shap.Limestone320 million years ago a tropical sea covered the Lake District. The shell remains of incredible numbers of small animals formed limestone which isvisible at Whitbarrow Scar and Scout Scar in the south of the National Park.The Lake District owes it’s name to it’s fourteen lakes and numerous tarns. The reason for such a concentration of surface water is that the deep-cut glacial valleys capture the high rainfall and the volcanic rock stops it from draining away.
The language of Cumbric
Cumbric was a variety of the Common Brittonic language spoken during the Early Middle Ages in the Hen Ogledd or "Old North" in what is now Northern England and southern Lowland Scotland.[2] It was closely related to Old Welsh and the other Brittonic languages. Place name evidence suggests Cumbric may also have been spoken as far south as Pendle and the Yorkshire Dales. The prevailing view is that it became extinct in the 12th century, after the incorporation of the semi-independent Kingdom of Strathclyde into the Kingdom of Scotland.Words and Meaning:
Safety on the Fells
The weather in the Lake District can change rapidly. Whether you are climbing a mountain or tackling one of the lower fells it is essential that you check the forecast before you set off and keep an eye on the weather whilst you are out. Wear good quality hiking boots and several thin layers of clothing. Always tell someone where you are going. Plan your route before you set off giving yourself plenty of time to get back before dark. Be aware that you cannot always get a mobile phone signal whilst out on the hills.The Mountain Rescue Organisation give safety advice on their website; taking note of their points can save lives. Don't forget to take with you: • Sufficient food and drink • Waterproofs • A map and compass • A small first aid kit • Spare warm clothing, hat and gloves Follow the Country Code :• Enjoy the countryside and respect its life and work • Guard against all risk of fire • Fasten all gates • Keep your dog under close control • Keep to public paths across farmland • Use gates and stiles to cross fences, hedges and walls • Leave livestock, crops and machinery alone • Take your litter home • Help to keep all water clean • Protect wildlife, plants and trees • Take special care on country roads TAKE ONLY MEMORIES, LEAVE ONLY FOOTPRINTS!In case of emergency only call 999 and ask for Police then Mountain Rescue.The Mountain Rescue teams in the Lake District, staffed by unpaid volunteers, attend many call-outs each year. As registered charities they rely on voluntary contributions to continue their good work. Visit the websites of the Keswick Mountain Rescue Team and the Cockermouth Mountain Rescue Team to see how you can help.
Beginning of Tour 3: Bowness-on-Windermere
N 54.36591, W 2.91993IF NO GPS HIT PLAY ONCE PARKED IN BOWNESS-ON-WINDERMEREWe begin the tour at the town of Bowness-on-Windermere.It’s recommended that you get to Bowness early to sample the serene beauty of Windermere, as it's the number one tourist destination in the Lakes. Or better still, wait until you’ve taken the ferry to its more peaceful western shore.Bowness town centre is a good place to stock up on snacks and any clothing needs. There has been a village here since the 15th century. There is also The World of Beatrix Potter which features all 23 of the much-loved author’s books in 3D installations and virtual walks around the places that inspired her. This is more of a pull for the kids (young and old), whereas her home Hill Top is of greater interest to the grown-ups.The Windermere Steamboat Museum is worth a visit but the main attraction is the lake itself which you can explore by means of various watercraft:You can rent kayaks and rowing boats at Windermere Canoe and Kayak on Ferry Nab Road.The Cross Lakes Shuttle takes foot passengers across to the west coast for visiting Sawrey, whereas the chain-driven Windermere ferry takes passengers and up to 18 cars to the same location.The queue can take up to 40 minutes in high season. You can buy tickets onboard. For timetables check:https://www.cumbria.gov.uk/roads-transport/highways-pavements/windermereferry.asp From Bowness town centre, head north on the A592 for just under a mile before turning right onto Ferry Nab Road.
Right turn to Windermere ferry
Take the next right
Stop 1: Lake Windermere Ferry
N 54.35423, W 2.93101IF NO GPS HIT PLAY ONCE ON FERRY NAB ROADLA23 3JH, WindermereIt’s always nice to combine practicalities with your joy-ride and this ticks both boxes.There has been a ferry here for over 500 hundred years, from early rowing boats to a 19th-century steam ferry and today’s diesel-powered vessel which was built in 1990 and uses underwater cables.The service runs every 30 minutes from early morning until late evening. Services are often suspended so call 07860 813427 to check that it’s running, or check the live webcam link in the text of this stop.There are toilet facilities at each end.Looking up the lake to the north you can see the famous peaks of the central fells.Windermere is the largest natural lake in England being approximately 10.5 miles (16.8km) long, one mile (1.6km) wide and 66 metres (216.5feet) deep. In the Lake District larger bodies of water are generally called ‘Mere’ or ‘Water’ rather than lake, whilst smaller mountain lakes are called Tarn. “Mere” is old English for Lake or Pool.
Alternative route if ferry is closed PUSH PLAY
If the ferry is closed don’t despair! The A592 southbound to Newby Bridge is a lovely tree-lined drive with regular glimpses of Lake Windermere.After seven and a half miles turn right onto the A590 at the roundabout then right at the next roundabout, crossing the bridge over the river by the Swan Hotel and Spa.Once over the bridge follow the road as it bends to the left and stay on the same road for five and a half miles.You will once more be treated to enchanting scenery as you wind in and out of gentle woodland.Once you pass through the hamlet of Graythwaite it’s just over one and a half miles to the turning for Lower Sawray. It isn’t sign-posted so keep your eyes peeled for a small road to your right by a lone flint-walled house. Then it’s just over a mile to Lower Sawray where you rejoin the loop.
Lake Windermere PUSH PLAY
PUSH PLAYYou can play this clip at whichever spot you choose to enjoy the lake.
Windermere west shore
N 54.35592 W 2.94245IF NO GPS HIT PLAY ON LEAVING THE FERRYThe Ferry Landing, Far Sawrey, Ambleside LA22 0LPOnce on the other side, the relative hustle and bustle of the eastern shore quickly becomes a distant memory.If you want to stop a while and take it in, take the first right, a quarter-mile up the road from the ferry to park in the Harrowslack National Trust pay and display car park.Crossing the road from the car park, a short walk to Coatlap Point gives you fabulous views from the water's edge and a swimming opportunity for the hardy! The island in the distance is Belle Isle.You can walk just under a mile northwards along the lakeshore and there are various places to sit and have a picnic.Between the ferry and the car park is the recently restored Claife Viewing Station which was built in the 1970s to provide delightful views over the lake (free entry).You can get refreshments en route at the Claife View Cafe which has some tables outside with pleasant views across the lake.Our first stop, Hill Top is a 6 minute, 1.6-mile drive along the B5285: The road that leaves the ferry terminal.
Drive to Mountain View
IF NO GPS HIT PLAY ONCE LEAVING FOR HILL TOPThis is a relatively tame part of the lakes but the dramatic peaks up ahead give you a glimpse of the adventure to come.Music: 'Farside' by Somerset Levellershttp://www.somersetlevellers.co.uk/
Drive to Hill Top
IF NO GPS HIT PLAY ON LEAVING FAR SAWREYYou're on the way to the next stop: the Village of Naear Sawrey. Although the village itself is very pretty, the main draw is Hilltop, a 17th-century farmhouse that was the home of children's author Beatrix Potter.It's a time capsule of Beatrix's life and was bought in 1905 with the proceeds from her first book, The Tale of Peter Rabbit.There is very limited roadside parking in a lay-by to your right before you enter the village. From there it's a short walk through a pretty copse to Hilltop which is on the left as you enter the village by road.Otherwise, there's a paid car park further down the road on the way out of the village.As this is one of the main tourist attractions in the Lakes, entrance is by times entry ticket in high season.
Stop 2: Hill Top
N 54.35247, W 2.97133IF NO GPS HIT PLAY ONCE AT HILL TOPMiss Potter wrote many of her stories here and it was a condition of her will to leave everything as she left it.Keen fans will recognise Mr. McGregor's garden and other features in the house from her intricate drawings.But fans of the film 'Miss Potter', starring Renee Zellweger, should know that this was not the cottage used in that movie. For details on the locations used in the film go to visitmisspotter.comMiss Potter was a passionate conservationist and bought 18 fell farms and large parcels of land in the area which she donated to the National Trust on her death. These formed the basis of the Lake District National Park.
Drive to Hawkshead
IF NO GPS HIT PLAY ONCE READY TO LEAVE FAR SAWREYAs you leave Hilltop and head for our next stop, Hawkshead, you get more tantalizing glimpses of the mountains to come. The body of water to your left is Esthwaite Water which lies on private land.Ospreys can be seen on the lake between April and August. You can hire a boat at the Esthwaite water trout fishery on the southwest corner of the lake. You can also hire fishing equipment and take lessons in fishing for trout.Our next stop: Hawkshead is a 6 minute, 2-mile drive along the B5285Music:Jenny Bliss & Yair Avidorhttps://www.jennybliss.co.ukhttp://lutenist.co.uk
Approaching Hawkshead
You are now approaching our next stop: Hawkshead.It’s a pretty little village with progressive traffic restrictions making it a tranquil place to walk around and grab refreshments.Take the next right, then turn left for the car park.
Stop 3: Hawkshead
N 54.373860, W -2.996714IF NO GPS HIT PLAY ONCE PARKED AT HAWKSHEADHawkshead was a wool market in Medieval times and many of the buildings you see today are from that era. The prosperity the market brought financed the building of Hawkshead Grammar school in 1585. William Wordsworth and his brother Richard attended the school which was considered one of the best in the country. One of the desks still bears William’s carved signature!If you catch Hawkshead on a busy day you can seek refuge by walking up to the pretty church of St Michael and All Angels. A chapel has existed on the site since the 12th century.A short climb to the graveyard above the church gives great views of the surrounding landscape.Potter-heads can get another hit at the Beatrix Potter Gallery, which has an annually changing selection of the author’s sketchbooks, drawings, watercolours, letters, and manuscripts, including the original manuscript and ink drawings for ‘The Tale of Peter Rabbit.’Animal lovers will also enjoy a café called ‘Kit-chen’ which has its own resident cats!The café bar doubles as a theatre space and also has poetry and storytelling events upstairs.The wooded fells surrounding Hawkshead form part of the Grizedale Forest, which covers an area of just over 9 square miles (23.3 square km).The Grizedale visitors centre, two and a half miles south of the village, is the best Launchpad for exploring the forest. The most popular way to get around is by mountain bikes which can be hired at the centre. The 10.4 mile (16.4km) North Face Trail is graded as a red route, meaning ‘suitable for fit and technically proficient mountain bikers.’There are over sixty striking sculptures spread across the forest which are well worth checking out. A Go Ape adventure course features zip-wires, rope bridges and Tarzan swings 18 metres up in the tree canopy. For over 10’s.Visit goape.co.uk for further details including opening times.There are several walks to be made from Hawkshead including a popular 2-mile walk to Tarn Hows lake.https://my.viewranger.com/route/details/NTE0MjU=We mention several routes to Tarn Hows. The biggest walk is just under 3 miles (4.8km) from Coniston Pier and definitely a beautiful option especially in fine weather. You can also park at Monk Coniston car park, one mile into that walk from the pier.We feel the prettiest route, under a mile in length, is from Glen Mary car park further along the loop. But if you want the least energetic option, you can also drive up to the lake by taking a short detour on your drive from Hawkshead to Coniston.Directions to Monk Coniston car park from Hawkshead car park:11 min (3.4 miles) via B5285Fastest route, the usual traffic1873 Main StHawkshead, Ambleside LA22 0NTTurn right out of car park towards B5285262 ftTurn left onto B52850.5 miTurn left to stay on B52852.6 miTurn leftDestination will be on the right0.1 miMonk Coniston Car ParkConiston LA21 8AH
Left turn to Tarn Hows or Coniston
Take the next left.
Right turn to Tarn Hows
If you want to drive to Tarn Hows take a right turn just after Hawkshead Hill Baptist Church, then it’s a 3-minute drive.The view from the small disabled carpark is not to be missed with the fern-lined lake below framed by the dramatic mountainscape far off in the distance.
Tarn Hows Parking
N 54.387405702895016 W -3.0382308155135433IF NO GPS HIT PLAY ONCE PARKED BY TARN HOWSThis is the closest car park to Tarn Hows.Directions to Monk Coniston car park from Tarn Hows car park:10 min (2.8 miles)via B5285Turn right out of car park0.3 miTurn right onto B52851.5 miTurn leftDestination will be on the right0.1 mi
Right at T Junction
Take the next right.
Drive to Coniston Water
IF NO GPS HIT PLAY AFTER TURNING RIGHT AT THE T JUNCTIONThe road drops rapidly down to the leafy edge of Coniston water. To get a fine view down the lake, take the left just before it, signposted to Monks Coniston Car Park. The car park is just over 100 metres after the turn on the right-hand side. You can take a 5-minute stroll along a pretty tree-lined path from the car-park to the water's edge. You can also walk around the Lake or to Tarn Hows from here.https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/tarn-hows-and-coniston/trails/monk-coniston-and-tarn-hows-walk
Left Turn
Turn left here then Monk Coniston Car Park is on the right.
Stop 4: Coniston Water Via Monk Coniston Car Park
N 54.371739, W -3.053274IF NO GPS HIT PLAY ONCE PARKED IN MONK CONISTON CAR PARKConiston LA21 8AHOur next stop, Coniston Water is probably the second most famous lake in Cumbria, due mainly to one man, Donald Campbell.Campbell set his first world water speed record on Ullswater in 1955, and then went on to set six more new world water speed records between 1955 and 1964, when he set a record of 276.33 mph on Lake Dumbleyung in Australia.On 4 January 1967 Campbell was in Bluebird attempting to break the water speed record on Coniston Water, when the front of the boat hit a wave and flipped up into the air disintegrating the craft just before he could attain his target speed of 300 mph. He was killed instantly. His body was not recovered until 2001.There is an ongoing project to restore Bluebird including a test-drive on Loch Fad in Scotland. You can find out the latest at bluebirdproject.comIf you want to take to the water at a much slower pace you can take a boat tour from here or wait till you get to Coniston Pier.The picture-perfect 19th-century steam yacht Gondola services the northern half of the lake whereas the solar-powered Coniston Launch has a southern and northern route.You can visit the 250-acre estate of John Ruskin from either Gondola or the northern Coniston Launch. Ruskin was a remarkable Victorian art critic, watercolourist, social thinker and philanthropist and is regarded as; a pioneer of the ecological movement.He was a strong believer in craftsmanship over labour and campaigned for improved worker’s rights, influencing a diverse array of thinkers from Oscar Wilde to Tolstoy and Gandhi.After visiting his home you can learn about his remarkable life in the Ruskin Museum in Coniston village which also gives useful insight into the history of the area around Coniston.Directions to Coniston village from Monk Coniston Car Park:4 min (1.1 miles)via B5285Monk Coniston Car ParkConiston LA21 8AHHead west towards B52850.1 miTurn left at the 1st cross street onto B52851.0 miTurn right onto Yewdale Rd/A59336 ft
Stop 5: Coniston Village and Pier
N 54.36892, W 3.07347IF NO GPS HIT PLAY ONCE PARKED IN CONISTON VILLAGEThere are, as ever, several hikes you can make from Coniston including a beautiful 16-mile (25.7km) circuit around Coniston Water. On the western side of the lake, the walk forms part of the Cumbria Way before returning to the village via the Grizedale Forest.There are also stiffer climbs to glorious views, including The Old Man of Coniston which looms over the village.https://www.walklakes.co.uk/walks_coniston_water.htmlOn the road to the pier from Coniston village, Lake Road, there is a useful visitor centre where you can buy maps and more detailed information on local walks.Coniston pier is half a mile from Coniston village. Gondola and the Coniston Launch both stop there.You can hire kayaks, boats, and dinghies at the Coniston Boating Centre by the car park and there is a small café, Bluebird named after Donald Campbell’s fatal craft.Together with Windermere, Coniston Lake and its surrounding fells are the inspiration for ‘Swallows and Amazons’ by Arthur Ransome. The much-loved book series follows the holiday exploits of a group of schoolchildren as they go on adventures on the water and surrounding mountains. There have been several screen adaptations of the series but if you’re looking for any of the locations used in the most recent film you’ll have to go to Derwentwater.Coniston is the last chance to get any supplies you’ll need for hiking. The next shop is 11 miles away on the homeward straight at Chapel Stile.
Leaving Coniston
IF NO GPS HIT PLAY ONCE READY TO LEAVE CONISTONThe range of peaks to your left are called the Coniston Fells.This area is the Coppermines Valley and as its name suggests it has a long history of mining heritage dating back to Roman times and even earlier.Industrial mining of copper in this area is said to have started around the mid-1500s. The most prosperous period was the 1850s but by the 1870s the mine went into decline and eventually ceased in 1914.Though mining has carved up some of the fellside, nature is now gradually healing the land and the impressive crags and high summits make for excellent walking.Directions to Glen Mary Bridge car park from Coniston centre:5 min (2.1 miles)via A593Head north on Yewdale Rd/A593 towards Hellens CtContinue to follow A5932.1 miCar Park Glen Mary BridgeGlen Mary Bridge, Coniston LA21 8DP
Road to Glen Mary
IF NO GPS HIT PLAY AFTER THE 'LEAVING CONISTON' AUDIO HAS PLAYEDWave goodbye to civilization as you cross the wide valley floor and head for the (relatively) untamed wilderness of Easedale and Langdale.Just before Glen Mary Bridge car park is Yew Tree Farm, once owned by Beatrix Potter. The farmhouse was used as Hill Top in the 2006 film ‘Miss Potter’. It’s now a guest house.
RIGHT TURN
TAKE THE NEXT RIGHT
Stop 6: Glen Mary Bridge Car Park
N 54°23'22.9" W 3°02'47.4"IF NO GPS HIT PLAY ONCE PARKED IN GLEN MARY BRIDGE CAR PARKGlen Mary Bridge, Coniston LA21 8DPHawkshead Hill, AmblesideThe route up to Tarn Hows from the Glen Mary Bridge car park is hard to beat, winding up a magical wooded stream with several opportunities to sit below small but invigorating waterfalls. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/tarn-hows-and-coniston/trails/tom-gill-to-tarn-hows-walk-conistonThe lake was donated to the National Trust by Beatrix Potter in 1930. The surrounding grass banks are an ideal spot for a picnic or just quiet reflection. Keep an eye out for the rarely spotted red squirrel!Directions to Little Langdale:9 min (3.3 miles)via A593 and Side GatesGlen Mary Bridge, Coniston LA21 8DPHead north-east on Glen Mary Bridge/A593 towards Smithy BrowContinue to follow A5931.9 miTurn left0.4 miTurn left onto Side Gates0.9 miLittle Langdale, Ambleside LA22 9NZ
Drive to Langdale turn
IF NO GPS HIT PLAY ON LEAVING THE CAR PARKAs you approach the turning for Wrynose, Elterwater and the Langdales get ready to gasp at the Langdale Pikes, a group of peaks on the northern side of the valley.
Drive to Little Langdale
IF NO GPS HIT PLAY ONCE YOU'VE TAKEN THE LEFT TURNFrom here on until you get to Elterwater you have to take extra care as the road winds and can narrow to single lane traffic. Your average speed will be around 20mph so don’t rely on SatNav for predictions of how long it will take.
Left turn
Take the next left, signposted to Little Langdale.
Stop 7: Little Langdale
N 54°25'16.4" W 3°03'09.6"IF NO GPS HIT PLAY ON APPROACHING LITTLE LANGDALEYou are approaching the tiny hamlet of Little Langdale. There is limited roadside parking just after that beautiful cottage that looks almost too picturesque to be real.You can take a beautiful 8-mile (12.8km) circular walk from Little Langdale via Blea Tarn to Great Langdale and back via Elterwater. Allow 3 hours, not including stops. If you can’t park here you can start from Blea Tarn, further along the loop, where there’s a National Trust car park.https://www.mudandroutes.com/routes/great-little-langdale-circular-walk/https://www.walklakes.co.uk/walks.html?s=Little+Langdale,+Cumbria&e=331500&n=503500The Three Shires Inn is a fine place to rest up, with a selection of local ales and fine views from the garden. Its name refers to the fact it is close to the point where three old counties used to meet: Cumberland, Westmorland and the northern tip of Lancashire.One mile’s walk from the pub is an iron age hillfort, Castle Howe and Ting Mound, a Viking meeting point. You will drive past them if you take the turning for Wrynose Pass.http://www.lakedistrict-walks.co.uk/Features/Ancient_Remains/Iron_Age/Castle_Howe_Hillfort.htmlEarth mysteries author and researcher Gary Biltcliffe:The Ting Mound by Fellfoot Farm is just a hill in the back of a field now but it was once one of the most important meeting places in Cumbria. It's a Moot hill where the Vikings would meet once or twice a year to discuss politics and land and manage the land basically.It’s a natural mound approximately twenty metres by six which, if you look carefully, has had several terraces cut and constructed around it; very similar in style to the famous Tynwald Hill on the Isle of Man. Historians believe it served as a meeting place for local government and administration.This was something of a crossroads with busy trading routes running through it, dating all the way back to Roman times. The road along the valley and up over Wrynose Pass was built by the Romans in order to link the Galava fort at Ambleside with the Mediobogdum fort at Hardknott Pass, and so was a well-established highway by the time the Vikings rocked up a few hundred years later.
Leaving Little Langdale
IF NO GPS HIT PLAY ONCE READY TO LEAVE LITTLE LANGDALEThe body of water to your left is Little Langdale tarn cushioned by the lush loveliness of Great Intake behind it.You now have the option to take the left fork towards the steepest road in England, The Hardknott Pass or take the right fork to Blea Tarn.We have to stress that the Hardknott Pass is to be approached with caution. A road sign spells it out for you: ‘Extreme Caution. Narrow Route. Severe bends. 30 percent gradient.’At 393 metres above sea level, the pass is impassable in icy conditions and treacherous in wet weather. Even if it’s dry the weather can change on a sixpence and this route should only be approached by confident drivers. There are 3 in 1 gradients and 180-degree switchbacks and there are many road incidents every year.Do not drive it at night time or if you don’t like reversing. If you’re unlucky and meet someone coming the other way at the wrong part of the road you may have to reverse around tight bends. All that said it is a jaw-dropping drive and you will say one word repeatedly: ‘Wow’!The Wrynose Pass before it gives you a dummy run to perfect your clutch control and gauge whether you want to continue.Directions to Wrynose Pass junction:4 min (1.0 mile)via Side GatesLittle LangdaleAmbleside LA22 9NZHead west on Side Gates1.0 miWrynose PassAmbleside LA22 9PE
Castle Howe
Coming up on the right is an iron age hill fort, Castle Howe.Author and second generation dowser, Maria Wheatley:We call them hill forts today but archaeologists are reviewing that word hill fort which sounds defensive, but they realize now some hill forts were definitely ceremonial.The Druids were an Iron Age civilization and The Iron Age is roughly from 750 BC to literally the Roman invasion of the British Isles.People would have looked towards the Druids as mystical teachers, people of knowledge and people that gave judgment to people.In fact, Caesar even wrote in 'Dis Pater', one of his writings on the conquest of the Druids, that they were very learned. They were brilliant astronomers. They would gather mistletoe with a golden sickle at the time of a particular moon phase.The British druids created some wonderful ceremonial centers and we can imagine that these large hill forts all over the British Isles were places where people gathered for religion and to exchange goods for trade for example and even some of the market towns today like York were the Druids' trade centres.
Drive to Wrynose Pass
N 54.41495, W 3.11520IF NO GPS HIT PLAY ONCE ARRIVED AT THE TOP OF WRYNOSE PASSThe top of Wrynose pass gives great photo opportunities of the lush valley you’ve left and the grey ribbon snaking its way across the barren but striking terrain ahead. You can stop at the Three Shires stone on Wrynose Pass. This is the place where the old counties used to meet, Cumberland, Westmorland and Lancashire, before it was made into one county of Cumbria in 1974. You can find it next to the parking area.Directions to Hardknott Roman Fort from junction:23 min (5.9 miles)via Wrynose Pass and Hardknott PassWrynose PassAmbleside LA22 9PEHead north-west towards Wrynose Pass92 ftKeep left to continue on Wrynose Pass3.9 miTurn right onto Hardknott Pass2.0 miHardknott Roman FortHardknott Pass, Holmrook CA19 1TH
Drive to Hardknott Pass
IF NO GPS HIT PLAY ONCE READY TO LEAVE WRYNOSE PASS.At various points along the valley floor there are larger laybys to stop where you can admire the surrounding peaks and the river, but be careful not to obstruct passing places.
The Hardknott Pass
N 54.40290, W 3.18488IF NO GPS HIT PLAY BEFORE ASCENDING TO THE HARDKNOTT PASSOk here it is! The Hardknott Pass. The challenge for the driver is to keep your eyes on the road! Have fun!
Hardknott Roman Fort
N 54.40241, W 3.20163IF NO GPS HIT PLAY ON LEAVING THE HARDKNOTT PASSUp ahead on the right-hand side you can make out the remains of the Hardknott Roman Fort, originally called Mediobogdum. It’s easy to miss the sign for the fort. Look for the small unmarked gravel car park on the right from where it’s a less than 5-minute stroll to the fort. Entrance and parking is free but there are no facilities.Evidence of Neolithic and Bronze Age settlements have been found here and you can see why. It’s a great strategic spot as you can see all the way down the Eskdale valley, easily spotting any incumbents from the coast, with the Scafells to your right and the pass you’ve just traversed behind you. Whoever had control of this pass could control a vast area.The fort itself was built by Roman troops from Dalmatia (modern-day Croatia) with 12 foot (3.6metre) thick walls which once housed bath-houses and Commandant’s quarters whilst the troops slept in wooden quarters. Those Romans didn’t mess around!Directions to Wasdale Head:41 min (14.9 miles)via Bowerhouse BankHardknott Roman FortHardknott Pass, Holmrook CA19 1THHead west on Hardknott Pass15 min (5.3 mi)Drive along Bowerhouse Bank6 min (2.5 mi)Drive to your destination20 min (7.1 mi)Wasdale HeadSeascale CA20 1EX
Wasdale Head and Wastwater
N 54.46511, W 3.25634IF NO GPS HIT PLAY ON LEAVING HARDKNOTT ROMAN FORTIt’s a further 11 miles and 30 minutes to the magnificent Wastwater, England’s deepest lake (50 metres, 164 feet), with dramatic screes plunging 500 metres to its eastern shore and the tiny settlement of Wasdale Head at the water’s end.The view across the lake to the peaks beyond has been voted Britain’s favourite view. Awe-inspiring peak walks can be made from Wasdale Head, including up to Scafell and Great Gable. https://www.walklakes.co.uk/walks_wasdale.htmlA gentler but just as impressive walk can be made along the eastern shore of Wastwater. The Wasdale Head Inn said to be the birthplace of British mountain-climbing, is a fine place to recharge. The tiny church of St Olaf is an atmospheric place and its beams are said to be made from Viking ships. Wasdale is most famous for being the home of the deepest lake, the highest mountain, the smallest church and the biggest liar.The last few miles of road leading to the lake is single track. It’s a beautiful drive but can get busy. If you have the time we strongly recommend doing the extra miles! If you do decide to go for it, history lovers should drop in at St Mary’s church in Gosforth to see the impressive Norse cross. The 10th century carved stone cross is a rare example of the fusion of Christian and Pagan symbolism.If you don’t feel up to the Hardknott challenge but want to visit Wasdale you can turn off at Cockley Beck then take a right at the first junction, signposted to Woodend which you pass through then on through Eskdale Green and take a right at Santon Bridge. Follow signposts to Wasdale Head. This route is 7 miles and 20 minutes longer than the Hardknott Route.
Leaving Wasdale PUSH PLAY
Return back the way you came to continue the tour. Before doing so, please exit the app to avoid listening to the audio you’ve heard on the way up.Returning to the signposted junction, you now turn left to head to Blea tarn and Great Langdale.Directions to Blea Tarn:1 h 10 min (21.6 miles)via Wrynose PassWasdale HeadSeascale CA20 1EXContinue to Whitecroft21 min (7.1 mi)Drive along Bowerhouse Bank8 min (3.1 mi)Take Wrynose Pass to your destination41 min (11.4 mi)Blea Tarn ParkingAmbleside LA22 9PG
Drive to Blea Tarn
IF NO GPS HIT PLAY ONCE YOU'VE TURNED LEFT AT THE JUNCTIONFrom the junction the road cuts along the lower slopes of Lingmore Fell and just after a mile from the turning is Blea tarn which sits between the valleys of Great Langdale and Little Langdale.Music:Jenny Bliss & Yair Avidorhttps://www.jennybliss.co.uk/http://lutenist.co.uk
Stop 8: Blea Tarn
N 54.42939, W 3.08752IF NO GPS HIT PLAY ONCE PARKED IN BLEA TARN CAR PARKThe sediment at the bottom of the Tarn has not been disrupted since the time of the last Ice Age, making it a Site of Special Scientific Interest. It is also home to pike, perch and brown trout.The footpath from the car park crosses a bridge over a stream then continues around the tarn through pretty woods. Yet another fine spot to sit and soak it up!You can follow the stream you crossed to take in some fine waterfalls. And hopping over the fence, following the marker, a short walk takes you to that dramatic rocky outcrop you passed in the car.From there you get fine views back down the valley and across the tarn ahead to the Langdale pikes beyond. They’re getting closer!!There are also several walks you can make from the tarn including the aforementioned loop walk from Little Langdalehttps://www.walklakes.co.uk/walk_138.htmlhttps://www.mudandroutes.com/routes/great-little-langdale-circular-walk/http://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/visiting/thingstodo/walking/mileswithoutstiles/mws12Directions to Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel:8 min (1.7 miles)via B5343Blea Tarn ParkingAmbleside LA22 9PGHead north towards B53431.7 miTurn right onto B5343243 ftTurn leftDestination will be on the left52 ftOld Dungeon Ghyll HotelAmbleside LA22 9JY
Stop 9: Langdale View
N 54.436421, W -3.097076IF NO GPS HIT PLAY AFTER CROSSING THE CATTLE GRIDAs you reach the top of the pass from the tarn you will want to stop and look down on a vista that is the definition of breath-taking.Great Langdale, with its dramatic huge slopes, is like a colossal amphitheatre, flanked by the mighty peaks of Langdale Pikes, Esk Pike, Bowfell, Crinkle Crags and Pike o’ Blisco. It’s a fine example of a U-shaped glacial valley.Formation of this stunning valley and the whole of the landscape of the lake district, started approximately 450million years ago. Numerous Tectonic plate collisions, volcanic activities and glaciers have shaped the area over hundreds of millions of years.The name Langdale comes from the Norse words ‘lang’ for long and ‘dalr’ for valley, hence Long valley. You can see why it’s known as ‘Little Switzerland’.In Neolithic times this valley was once the European centre for greenstone axes, which were fashioned from broken rock fragments called scree. These were gathered from the hills here and the fells of Scafell Pike.The earliest evidence of axe production here dates back a whopping 6,000 years, 1500 years before the pyramids were built. Axes that were made here have been found all across Europe.
Drive to Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel
IF NO GPS HIT PLAY ON LEAVING LANGDALE VIEWAs you drop down to the valley floor you will probably be gripped with a strong desire to park up and get walking!There is a small National Trust car park next to the Old Dungeon Ghyll hotel from which there are a whole number of routes you can take to those imposing peaks that surround you. https://www.walklakes.co.uk/walk_63.htmlhttps://www.walklakes.co.uk/walks_langdale.htmlThe number one attraction for walkers are the Langdale Pikes: the sharp rocky ridge that overlooks the hotel. From west to east the peaks are named Pike of Stickle, Loft Crag, Harrison Stickle and Pavey Ark.Langdale is a Mecca for hikers, climbers, and fell-runners and is famous for having some of the most spectacular rock climbing opportunities in the UK.You can take a jaw-dropping all-day hike to Scafell Pike from here. It’s the route less traveled due to difficulty and length but is unparalleled in terms of stunning scenery, giving views of the remote part of Langdale, Langstrath, Borrowdale, Eskdale, and Wasdale.https://www.mudandroutes.com/routes/langdale-to-scafell-pike-walk/The hotel itself has a renowned hiker’s bar which is the perfect place to warm yourself after a wet hike. Many a famed climber has drunk here over the years and you can almost feel the history of warm nights around the fire telling tales of adventurous exploits whilst sipping on a whiskey or three.The bar serves up no-nonsense hearty plates designed for hungry hikers. And, believe it or not, they have Wi-Fi!Music:Jenny Blisshttps://www.jennybliss.co.uk/
Stop 10: Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel and Walkers` Bar
N 54.44420, W 3.10281
Drive to Stickle Ghyll car park
IF NO GPS HIT PLAY ON LEAVING OLD DUNGEON GHYLL CAR PARKA few miles on from the Old Dungeon Ghyll is the Stickle Ghyll car park which offers shorter climbs up to Dungeon Ghyll waterfall and Stickle Tarn and longer hikes to the surrounding peaks.It’s a 30-minute climb from the car park to the waterfall. It takes twice that to get up to Stickle Tarn.https://www.golakes.co.uk/Langdale-Dungeon-Ghyll-Force/details/?dms=3&venue=5081263https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sticklebarn-and-the-langdales/trails/sticklebarn-stickle-tarn-trailAlthough this paved walk is popular with families and school trips it is pretty steep and there are a few places where you have to scramble over rocks.But it’s well worth the effort as the dark fifteen-metre deep tarn and wall of steep peaks behind it make for an awe-inspiring view whatever the weather.You can walk on across the Langdale Pikes and back down to the Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel from here or turn back the way you came.https://www.walklakes.co.uk/walk_258.htmlDirections to Stickle Ghyll car park:3 min (0.7 mile) via B5343Ambleside LA22 9JYHead south305 ftTurn left towards B5343203 ftTurn left onto B5343Destination will be on the left0.6 miSticklebarn TavernGreat Langdale, Ambleside LA22 9JU
Left turn
Stop 11: Stickle Ghyll car park
N 54.448212, W -3.089959IF NO GPS HIT PLAY ON ENTERING STICKLE GHYLL CAR PARKAt the far end of the car park the National Trust owned Stickle Barn is a great place to refuel, especially on colder days when the comfy chairs by the fireplace are prime real estate. There are hearty meals, regular live music nights and a small free screening room upstairs.
Drive to Chapel Stile
IF NO GPS HIT PLAY ON LEAVING STICKLE GHYLL CAR PARK.The charming hamlets of Chapel Stile and Elterwater lie at the wide mouth of Great Langdale and a short walk between the two along a pretty beck is a much gentler option for those not up to the rigours of fell-walking deeper in the valley.https://www.walklakes.co.uk/walk_136.htmlYou can stock up on snacks and groceries in the Langdale Co-op in Chapel Stile and there's a small cafe upstairs.Music: 'Murmurations' by The Somerset Levellershttp://somersetlevellers.co.uk/Directions to Chapel Stile:6 min (2.1 miles) via B5343SticklebarnB5343, Great Langdale, Ambleside LA22 9JUHead north-east on B53432.1 miChapel StileAmbleside LA22 9JE
Drive to Elterwater
IF NO GPS HIT PLAY ON LEAVING CHAPEL STILEElterwater is an idyllic little village with a majestic maple tree standing on a lovely little green. The grass is often strewn with weary walkers on that rare day when it isn’t too wet. There is free parking around nearby Elterwater Common. There's a pub and a café and National Trust Carpark. It’s an easy half-mile walk along the crystal clear river from the car park to the body of water that the village is named after. Elterwater is Norse for ‘Lake of the swans’ and whooper swans migrate here for the winter. https://where2walk.co.uk/walks/lake_district/elter-water/Directions to Elterwater:2 min (0.7 miles)Chapel StileAmbleside LA22 9JEHead south-east on B53430.5 miTurn right0.1 miElterwaterAmbleside LA22 9HP
Right turn
Stop 12: Elterwater
N 54.43387, W 3.03789
Drive to Ambleside
IF NO GPS HIT PLAY ON LEAVING ELTERWATERNow it’s back to relative civilization in AmblesideDirections to Ambleside from Elterwater:4.2 miles via B5343 and A59311 min without trafficElterwaterAmbleside LA22 9HPTake B5343 to A5935 min (1.6 mi)Follow A593 to Old Lake Rd in Ambleside7 min (2.5 mi)Continue on Old Lake Rd. Drive to Gale Rigg33 s (0.1 mi)AmblesideMusic:Courante-J.S.Bach-1st Cello Suite by Jon Sayles
Ambleside
Parking: N 54.43406, W 2.96411IF NO GPS HIT PLAY AS YOU REACH AMBLESIDEThe small town of Ambleside has become popular due to its large selection of places to stay, shops, restaurants and cinemas. It makes a good base from which to explore the Lakelands and is popular with walkers and climbers. This is the place to stock up on any hiking or camping gear and it has the widest choice of restaurants.A short and atmospheric walk from the town centre is Stock Ghyll Force, a powerful 21-metre waterfall. In spring, the area under the trees is a carpet of daffodils.https://www.walklakes.co.uk/walk_132.htmlThe river Rothay that runs through the town was a major reason for its industrial era prosperity as it powered the textile bobbin and fulling mills which can be seen either side of Bridge Street. Fulling is a step in woolen cloth making which involves the cleansing of cloth to eliminate impurities. Bobbins are the wooden cylinders used in the weaving of textiles.A big tourist draw is the tiny Bridge House which was built as a covered bridge but once housed a family of 8!You can make an easy 2 ¾ hour round trip up to popular Loughrigg Fell which gives great views despite a relatively short ascent of 368 metres:http://www.walklakes.co.uk/walk_141.htmlAmbleside has been a significant centre since at least Roman times. There was a Roman Fort here called Galava whose remains can still be visited. It is next to pretty Borrans Park at Waterhead which is 1 km south of town. The park itself has several park benches with idyllic views down the lake. You can hire a boat from Waterhead or take a cruise to Bowness or Lakeside at the opposite end of the lake. There’s a pay and display car park with toilet facilities at Waterhead along with gift shops, stalls, cafes and the Wateredge Inn with lakeside beer garden.
End of tour 3
PUSH PLAY
Disclaimer
Wayfarer Tours Ltd cannot be held responsible for any accident, injury or damage to property that occurs whilst using the app or visiting any of the locations suggested in the app.
Contributors
Narration:Steve Wharton:Storyteller and musician.www.cumbriansongs.co.ukGary Biltcliffe:Earth Mysteries author and researcherbelinusline.comMusic:Jenny Blisshttps://www.jennybliss.co.uk/Yair Avidorhttp://lutenist.co.ukThe Somerset Levellershttp://www.somersetlevellers.co.uk/Jon SaylesWriters:Marco JacksonCathy SteadGary BiltcliffeDawn Oakley-Smith
