Thursday, 30th August 2012

Walk: Dalegarth, Doctors Bridge, Whahouse Bridge and Boot
Start Point: Ravenglass Grid Ref: SD 085 964
Distance: 6.5 miles Ascent: 650 feet
Time: 4.25 hours    
Weather: Overcast at first with the sunshine in the afternoon.
Comments: A Rail Carders Esk-apade.
At short notice the group decided to investigate the extremities of the La'al Ratty Railway. Floods in the area the previous night caused a landslip and the derailment of a main line train near to Sellafield but fortunately trains were still able to reach Ravenglass. From there the group took the La'al Ratty to Dalegarth, arriving shortly after noon. The first port of call was Stanley Force which was in full spate after the night's heavy rain. From the force the foursome then followed a path on the south of the River Esk to reach Whahouse Bridge which allowed them to cross the river and return to Dalegarth on the north side of the river. The Woolpack Inn and cafe provided a welcome break for coffee/ice cream before re-joining the River Esk at Doctors Bridge. A nice walk but not always easy to fit in between train times on both the La'al Ratty or main line trains.
 

Scroll down to see photos of the walk

Departing Dalegarth

 

A brief encounter

 

Dalegarth

 

On the way to see a waterfall

 

Stanley Force

 

On the way to Doctor's Bridge using a path on the south of the River Esk

 

Meadows and fields of Eskdale

 

Penny Hill Farm where there is a path diversion

 

Not all becks have bridges on this route

 

Edible or not edible

 

Rugged Lakeland

 

Hardknott Pass

 

Returning from Whahouse Bridge to Dalegarth on the north side of the River Esk

 

The mode of transport from Dalegarth to Ravenglass

 

Sneaking in - Norman's recce crew at Longton

 

The girls are four and the boys six. They now know that nettles sting.

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