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A circular
walk from Dunsop Bridge to Whitewell
 From the
car park in Dunsop Bridge walk across the road and down the
drive to Thorneyholme Hall; the FP starts across the bridge
on the left. At the end of the wall turn right into the field
and walk in the direction of the electricity poles. Go over
the stile, bear right and aim for a gap in the stone wall in
the distance. Go through the gap and follow the concessionary
footpath along a grassy path to Mossthwaite. A farm track then
continues by Knowlmere Manor and on to Giddy Bridge. (30 minutes)  Go
over the bridge and turn right along the farm track to Lower
and Higher Birkett. The path goes through the farmyard of the
latter, fords a beck and continues up the steep bank. After
a steady walk uphill to Birkett Fell, follow the stone walk
to the ladder stile at the corner. Over the stile bear left
and look for a waymarker. A gentle walk downhill leads to a
lone alder tree by a beck. After the beck bear left up the steep
bank and keep to the top edge. The steady walk uphill leads
to the top of the gully. Over the gully a waymarker points to
a stile and the path continues to the road. Turn right towards
Marl Hill House. (40 minutes)  After
a short way along the road turn right to Crimpton Farm. A concessionary
FP avoids the farmyard. After leaving the farm gate aim for
the stile at the far left hand corner of the wood ahead. Go
through the wood and over the ladder stile into sheep pasture.
The path to Whitewell lies straight ahead. Keep to the left
of Raven Scar Plantation and go over the ladder stile encountered
about 100 yd before the road. Cross the road, and continue downhill.
Close to Whitewell go through the gate, keep to the right of
the house on Seed Hill and to the left of the stone wall of
St Michael's Burial Ground. A small wooden gate leads onto the
road close to the Inn.
(50 min).
 For the
return to Dunsop Bridge find the path behind the stone wall
on the left just after the Inn. A concessionary footpath leads
around the farm and avoids using the very narrow road; the path
then rejoins the road to Burholme Bridge. Just after the bridge
the route follows a farm track to Burholme Farm. Go through
the farmyard, turn left, go over the footbridge and carry straight
on. The walk is completed with a pleasant stroll along the bank
of the Hodder to the bridge leading to Thorneyholme Hall. Turn
left over the bridge to the car park in Dunsop Bridge. (50min) |
walk 6
