Downstream to Derwent… 4.7 miles

Derwent, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/walks

Follow Hause Gill from its source high on Honister Pass as it joins the River Derwent and continues on to the village of Grange in . On this walk, you will Small carnivorous discover a variety of wildlife, while seeing how the river has influenced the plants known as surrounding landscape. Sundews are plentiful on the upper sections Start: National Trust car park At Honister Hause of this walk. Look out Grid ref: NY 225 135 Map: OS Landranger 90, Explorer Ol4 for them along the path sides when you Getting here & local facilities: reach Point 2 in the By train: Nearest station is Penrith 27.1 miles (43.6kms) route directions. By bus: The Honister Rambler (Stagecoach), routes 77 & 77a http://www.dokeswick.com/buses/honister.htm Road: Buttermere car park can be reached from Cockermouth on the B5289 via Lorton. © Paul Delaney The Borrowdale car parks can be reached from Keswick on the B5289 to Borrowdale

Cafes available at Honister Quarry, Seatoller, Rosthwaite and Grange. WCs available at Many varieties of birds Seatoller, Rosthwaite and Grange. Camping available at Hollows Farm Grange. can be spotted in this area, including Wheatears and the Look out for… Meadow Pipit (left). t The River Derwent The Derwent rises high on the fells under the imposing crag of Great End and flows north through Borrowdale before continuing through Derwent Water. It then continues on through Cockermouth before entering the sea at Workington.

© Paul Delaney t Plants and Wildlife The route takes you through a varied landscape ranging from open fell to thick, ancient Calm, reflective pools on sessile oak woodland, which is home to many important species. Plants such as Sundew the lower river provide and Cottongrass can be found here, along with a wide variety of birdlife. an ideal location for a bank-side lunch stop. t Man’s Influence It’s hard to imagine that As you progress downstream you will notice increasing signs of human habitation. The in November 2009 this land becomes more cultivated, less wild, with farm buildings and houses beginning to river flooded and caused appear in the fertile valley bottoms. terrible damage to the towns of Cockermouth 'When it rains in Borrowdale, the landscape comes alive both visually and sensually, as water and Workington. gushes off the fells into the narrow stream corridors, cascading over boulders towards the river Derwent and Derwent Water to the north.' © Paul Delaney John Malley, National Trust Water Catchment Officer

Walk distance, terrain and accessibility 4.7 miles (7.5kms): allow about 2 hours. The route is predominately a steady downhill walk with reasonable surfaces, apart from one difficult rocky section which can become very slippery when wet. As with all Lakes walks, the weather can change very quickly so good footwear and clothing are recommended. Dogs welcome under close control, but please do not allow your dog to foul on paths and around picnic areas. Many areas on this route are grazed so please keep dogs on leads at all times. It’s worth noting that in periods of heavy rainfall this walk can become more of a wade and at times the path will be impassable.

Directions

1. From the National Trust car park, go through a small gate leading to the quarry and turn left onto the old quarry track. Follow this until you reach the road, continuing until you pick up the old toll road on your left. 2. Follow the old road until it merges briefly with the newer one and then moves back onto the bridleway. Continue along this track, noticing the increasingly abundant trees, in particular in the steep Honister Gill where grazing is limited.

3. At a sign reading ‘Bridleway to Grange’, go straight on towards a group of larch trees. You will © Reproduced by notice the large valley joining to the right – this contains the River Derwent. permission of Ordnance Survey. All rights reserved. 4. Go through a gate with a stile, to a smaller path on your right. Take this path down to the road OS licence no. AL to cross the bridge and get a good view of the river and the huge bank boulders protecting the 100023974 hamlet of Seatoller (man-made defences). 5. Follow the road through the picturesque hamlet of Seatoller until you reach the National Trust car park. Go through this, take the track to the left and cross the stile at the top. Follow the path alongside the wall and go through a small gate. 6. You are now walking through Johnny Wood – a famous UK example of Western Atlantic sessile oak woodland. A small track to your right leads to Folly Bridge, where you can catch a first glimpse of the River Derwent. Return to the path and continue onwards to a rocky section with a gate. 7. Care is needed here. The path traverses a steep, rocky area with a chain provided for safety. This section can be extreme in wet weather. After crossing, carry on towards the YHA at Longthwaite. Cross the yard and follow a narrow raised path along the riverbank to New Bridge. 8. Passing the bridge you come to two gates. Take the right-hand gate and continue to walk into the ‘jaws’ of Borrowdale, between the slopes of and and onwards into High Hows Wood. 9. Follow this winding path along the riverside until it bends left, away from the river to a T- junction. Take the right turn here and carry on until you reach Hollows Farm Campsite. 10. Pass the campsite and follow the track which takes you to the café at Grange. Cross the Contact us… bridge where you can catch the Honister Rambler back to your car. Tel 01768 774649 Email [email protected] Website www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lakedistrict 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