VIA WHITEWATER DASH TO MUNGRISDALE

Start Point: Peter House Farm (NY 249323)

Distance: 15.9 Km (9.9 miles)
Ascent: 300 meters
Time: 3.0hrs.

Directions:
There is a small parking area at the start of the bridleway that will hold 5 or 6 cars or one can drive, through several gates, for about a mile on a tarmac road and park on the grass at NY 261320.

From the roadside parking area proceed through the gate onto the tarmac road. A second gate is encountered after approximately 600 meters. Pass through the gate and after a further 400 meters, at the point where the tarmac road bears off to the left (East) to Dash Farm continue Southeast along the unmetaled track to another gate (usually locked). Pass through the kissing gate and continue to follow the track up the valley and below Dead Crags. The latter part of the track to the top of Whitewater Dash (NY 273313 - 2.6Km) is relatively steep. Pass through another gate and the track zigzags before continuing Southeast for approximately 2.7 Km to Skiddaw House. On a clear day enjoy the views of Skiddaw and Blencathra.

Skiddaw House (NY 287291) is one of the most isolated buildings in England, standing on the slopes of Skiddaw, at a height of 410 meters above sea level. The building was erected over 100 years ago to serve as a hunting lodge and, until as recently as the 1950’s, was used as a shepherds bothy. The house was then used for a brief period as a schools activity centre. The house fell into disrepair and, eventually, after much needed renovation the building was given to the Youth Hostels Association (YHA). The building ceased to operate as a Hostel in 2003. Although the area in which it lies is called Skiddaw Forest, the only trees to be found for miles around are the few that are next to the house and its ruined outbuildings.

At the bottom corner of the boundary wall to Skiddaw House turn left (Northeast) onto the footpath that leads down to the River Caldew at the foot of Great Calva (NY292296) with of Blencathra and Carrock Fell.

The path contours around the base of the fell following the line of the Caldew for about 5Km to the Mosedale valley below former Carrock mine (lead, copper and small amounts of gold were mined here) - NY328327. From here a narrow road, follows the River Caldew in an easterly direction down the valley for 3Km to the hamlet of Mosedale.

From Mosedale it is a 2Km road walk to the hamlet of Mungrisdale and the Mill Inn (NY 363302). There is ample parking in Mungrisdale for the vehicle that will be required for the return to the start point.

These directions are provided for guidance only. This walk should not be attempted without a compass and suitable maps (OS Explorer OL4 and OL5).

© Copyright 2004 Ambles Rambles & Scrambles