A Beatrix Potter favourite… 6 miles

Townend and Troutbeck Valley

Uncover classic Lakeland scenery, farmland and architecture on this beautiful circular Townend House sits walk from the Low Wood Hotel, up into the Troutbeck Valley and to the charming and th imposingly on the hillside unique 17 century farmhouse, Townend. On the way you will be rewarded with at the southern end of stunning views of the surrounding fells and Lake , diverse wildlife and Troutbeck village. The large, some charming local architecture. round chimneys are typical of Troutbeck and were much Start point: Low Wood Hotel – grid ref. NY385020 – OS Landranger 90, Explorer OL7 admired by the poet William

Getting there and facilities Wordsworth.

Regular bus services from Windermere and . Windermere q is 3 miles from Low © NTPL / Matthew Antrobus Wood. WCs and refreshments at Visitor Centre. More WCs can be found at Townend and more refreshments in Troutbeck village. Look out for Herdwick sheep. Check out www.nationaltrust.org.uk/townend for opening details.

They can often be spotted on Things to look out for… the ’s higher fells. This hardy breed is able to t Brockhole brave the elements in a harsh

The impressive gardens and landscape were created in the 1890s by local man Thomas climate and is recognisable by Mawson. Brockhole was home to relatives of Beatrix Potter, the Gaddum family. In the the black (youngsters) or dark 1940s it was turned into a home for convalescents and since 1965 it has been the main grey fleece (older sheep). visitor centre for the Lake District National Park. © NTPL / Val Corbett t Townend

For over 400 years Townend was home to just one family, the Brownes. They were ‘well This area has a wealth of to do’ farmers (also called yeomen) and passed their estate down through 12 generations beautiful farm buildings in the until 1943 when the line died out. The money they made farming a large swathe of the local Lake District vernacular Troutbeck Valley enabled them to extend and improve the house. There is a lot of fine style, such as this 17th oak furniture here, much of which was carved by the last George Browne. He retired in century bank barn (not open his 40s to make more of his talent as a wood carver. to the public) at Townend

Farm. t Wildlife

The Troutbeck Valley is home to a wealth of wildlife. Look out for rabbits, deer and © NT / Matthew Antrobus squirrels, as well as birds such as nuthatches, coal tits and blue tits. During spring and summer, brightly coloured wildflowers such as bluebells and foxgloves decorate the fell. “I loved to wander on the Troutbeck Fell… more often I went t to Manchester aqueduct alone. But never lonely. There was always the company of

This aqueduct, built between 1888 and 95, delivers fresh water from Thirlmere reservoir gentle sheep, and wild flowers, and singing waters.” to Manchester. It takes 24 hours for water to travel the 100 mile distance. Beatrix Potter Walk directions Walk terrain and accessibility

1. Leave the Low Wood Hotel by the public footpath in the car This 6 mile (9.6km) walk, with an ascent of 1300 feet, will take you across country roads, park and take the footpath ahead to High Skelghll then turn bridleways, footpaths and a busy main road. The terrain can be uneven and muddy after right onto the bridleway to Skelghyll Lane, which will wet weather. Walking boots or sturdy shoes are recommended. eventually lead you on to a minor road, Holbeck Lane. At this point cross the road and after a short distance at Castle Syke Farm take the bridleway on the right to Wood Farm © Reproduced by permission of and on to Mirk Lane. Ordnance Survey. All rights reserved. 2. Mirk Lane takes you on to the busy main A591 road, cross OS licence no. AL 1000 18591 the road with care by the island – this is almost opposite the entrance to Brockhole, the Lake District National Park Visitor Centre.

3. Leave Brockhole and turn right on the footpath alongside the A591 past the old St Andrews Chapel c. 1913 (now used as offices) built by the owners of the Langdale Chase Hotel so that their staff would not be away from their duties too long by going to the church in Bowness. Continue along the footpath until you see a bridleway on the opposite side of the road. Cross carefully and follow the track up towards Middlerigg Tarn.

4. This track is known as “Wain Lane”. It is a 10th century cart lane and was used by packhorses to bring slate from Troutbeck down to the lake to be transported by boat.

5. Follow the track past the tarn and continue along it as it veers to the left. You can see the route of the aqueduct along Wain Lane. Look out for single iron gates supported by sandstone pillars, which were used for access.

6. When the track meets a road, turn right. This will take you into Troutbeck village. You will see Townend House to the left of the next T-junction along the road. National Trust places nearby: Townend, Bridge House, Windermere and Troutbeck

7. At the Post Office turn left. Follow Robin Lane, which will eventually lead you back to High Skelghll, then retrace your Contact us on: 015394 32628 / [email protected] steps back to the Low Wood Hotel. As a charity, independent of government, the National Trust relies on the generosity of its supporters to continue caring for our countryside and wildlife, so that everyone can enjoy the beauty of the outdoors for generations to come.

Find out more at www.nationaltrust.org.uk