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The start of this small trek is the National Trust
car park at Great Wood. Which is pay and display or
free for trust members. The car park is about 2 miles
out of Keswick on the B5289 road to Borrowdale. From
the car park follow the path that goes South through
the woods signposted towards Ashness Bridge. You will
eventually cross Cat Gill at the edge of the forest.
The path then follows the foot of Falcon Crag, its impressive
rock face towering over your left shoulder. To the right
however are some stunning views across Derentwater towards
the Derwent Fells and impressive peaks of Grasmoor and
Grisedale Pike. The best views of this landscape are
from the top of Walla Crag but from here it gives you
a taste of things to come. If you look back towards
the Keswick shores of Derwentwater you'll see the several
islands around the lake side.
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Falcon Crag
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Derwent Water
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The path will eventually lead you to the gate in the
wall from where if you look in front you should now
see Ashness Bridge. Ashness bridge is one of the most
photographed bridges in Britain. If you follow the path
down to the bridge and stand directly behind the bridge
looking out over Derwentwater with the mighty Skiddaw
behind you will more than understand why. This is without
doubt one of the most capturing views in the Lake District.
Your best getting there early to take advantage of the
lack of crowds otherwise that picture you have always
wanted, that you've seen so many times before but always
wanted you own, could well involve several human intrusions
or more.
After you have taken in the splendor of Ashness Bridge
and its captivating backdrops, follow the same path
back towards the gate. Once you reach the gate a faint
path forks off to the right and leads up towards the
top of Falcon Crag, follow this path which can be a
bit of a scramble for a few moments. You'll eventually
reach a stile, cross the stile and then the path should
become much clearer as you reach the top of Falcon Crag.
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Ashness Bridge
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Blencathra
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Follow the path round towards Walla Crag which can
be seen in the far distance, the path will bend round
slightly as it curves around the source of Cat Gill.
Eventually you will reach a stone wall at the bottom
of Walla Crag with a stile, cross the stile and make
your way up to the top of the crag.
The views from this crag are those kind of views that
you would normally need to trek high and steep for.
Looking west out over Derwentwater you once again see
the Derwent Fells with there impressive peaks. Looking
north towards Keswick you will see the mighty Skiddaw
and its just as impressive neighbour to the north east
of Blencathra. To the south you will see the huge peaks
of the central lakes such as Great Gable and Scafell
towering up behind Borrowdale. It is a great view point
from Walla Crag and one that a certain Mr Wainwright
wrote of in many of his books.
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Walla Crag and Derwent
Water
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After eating your lunch and soaking in the views on
Walla Crag make your way north east down the crag and
towards the top edge of Great Wood. Take the path over
into the farmers field following the path as it leads
along side the beautiful dry stone wall from which you
have a great views towards Blencathra. Keep following
this path alongside the wall and eventually it will
lead down into Rakefoot at the top of Brockle Beck.
Take the track road for about 400 yards away from Rakefoot
until you see a footpath sign on your left which leads
to the footbridge over Brockle Beck. Take this footpath
to lead you onto the west side of the beck. This walk
now through Brockle Beck woods is fantastic, not only
is it a gorgeous wood of original species and floor
covered in blue bells in summer, but it is one of the
quietest walks in the Lake District, you'll be lucky
to actually meet someone walking through this place
which can make a moment really personal.
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Rakefoot Foot Bridge
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Springs Wood Path
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After about 2 miles of enchanting wood following the
beck as it snakes its way through, you will come to
a farm from where you need to follow the road. Walk
along the road with sheer envy of the people who live
in the houses along side the road, there breakfast time
views must be purely relaxing. As the road straightens
you will see a round wooded area on top of a slight
hill in the fields to your left, this is Castlehead
Wood. Follow the foot path that leads out to Castlehead
Wood and take the foot path right along side the woods
and then through the woods leading all the way to the
Borrowdale Road. Cross the road and follow the footpath
just slightly to your left on the other side of the
road signposted to the shores of the lake. This path
leads to Cockshot Wood and following the path right
again you will eventually get to the Keswick shores
of Derwentwater. Refreshments and gifts are available
at the small shop here and the views out from the piers
towards the lakes islands are well worth sitting down
and taking a look at.
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Derwent Water from Friars
Crag
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Follow the path now south along side the lakes shores.
You will pass the memorial of the famous writer John
Ruskin who's admiration of this particular area was
well documented. You will eventually come to Friar's
Crag. If you stand at the edge of the crag and look
out over Derwent Water at these views it will become
clear why so many famous poets and writer sat here and
took inspiration from what they saw, this view is truly
unique.
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Castlehead Wood
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Walla Crag
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After you have admired the views from Friar's Crag
simply follow the path all the way along side Derwentwater's
shores until eventually the path will lead back towards
the road where there is a safe crossing area back to
the Great Wood car park.
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Duration
: 4 Hrs
