Muncaster Fell

Information

Recommended Ordnance Survey Maps - Outdoor Leisure Map 6 - South Western Area (1:25,000)

Start and End Point - Boot Railway Station Car Park (Grid Ref SD 096097).

Distance – 7.02 miles (11.3 kilometres) not including gradient.

Distance including gradient – 7.40 miles (11.91 kilometres).

Time - 5 hours

Maximum Height Achieved – 758 feet, 231 metres above sea level

Total Ascent – 1073 feet, 327 metres

Introduction

Muncaster Fell is a pleasant ramble. Ideal as an intermediate walk for children or a family walk. On the day described below, it was used as an ideal filler walk between two demanding walking days. The added attraction is that it involves a ride on the narrow gauge ‘Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway’ which serves as a huge sweetener for younger children.

There are many variations of the walk, including the longer walk from Ravenglass, which could also absorb Muncaster Castle. However, the walk described below starts at Boot Railway station, taking the train to Muncaster Mill, before returning via foot over Muncaster Fell. The views of the Irish Sea, the Isle of Man, Lakeland’s highest fells can all be seen along the way.

Tip: Click on the photographs for a larger, more detailed image. They are all size 1280 by 960 and are ideal for computer desktop wallpaper.

Dalegarth Station to Muncaster Fell summit

Map

Starting from Dalegarth Railway Station (Grid Reference: NY 173007), take the narrow gauge railway to Muncaster Mill. Tickets can be purchased on the day from the ticket office at the station. There you will also find a comfortable café where you can wait until the train is set to depart. It’s a pleasant journey that takes approximately 30 minutes, winding through the beautiful countryside of Eskdale through to the seaside town of Ravenglass.

Details can be found at the website http://www.ravenglass-railway.co.uk/

Disembark the train at Muncaster Mill. This used to be a working Mill but is now a private residence. Leave the station, cross the path and immediately take the path straight up the fell (South-East). Don’t be tempted to take the track heading left which takes you back along the railway track. The path steadily climbs through woodland and is nice and wide. After 1 kilometre, you come to the A595, where you immediately turn left into Fell Lane.

Head along the Fell Lane track (North-East) always climbing steadily upwards with trees on the right. At the junction, keep straight. The left fork takes you to the tranquil Muncaster tarn, but the right fork takes you down to High Eskholme. Straight-on is the route that takes you eventually to the summit. Woodland flanks the path to your left and eventually it opens onto open fell. The path is not as prominent now, but nevertheless easy to follow and well marked. Climbing steadily all the time, the path then leaves the woodland behind and it’s a short hike to the top. From this vantage, on a clear day, you can see the Isle of Man. The photograph below just about shows the shadow of the island on the horizon in the centre of the picture. The path along the summit was once an ancient road, probably used by the Romans but today it is simply an exposed fell, very open and light, but vulnerable to the winds coming in from the Irish Sea. Head direct for the summit, leaving the main path and you arrive at the highest point of the walk.

The summit of Muncaster fell offers inspiring views. A full 360° panorama from the coast, right round to the Lakeland giants of Scafell and Scafell Pike. The river Esk, leading out to sea is also extraordinary to look at from this elevation, winding and splitting throughout its complex path to the coast.

Muncaster Fell to Dalegarth Station

Rejoin the path from the summit, heading North East. It’s an easy path, staying very calm from the summit. The path stays elevated along the open hilltop offering great views of the Eskdale valley. Occasionally, you may have to dodge areas of water sodden ground. The path starts to head down past Silver Knott. You come to a wall (pictured) where you simply continue through and downwards. It can get muddy here, and it’s wise to pick your footing well.

At the ‘T’ junction, under Rabbit How, turn right and then immediately left. This path takes you through Bankend Wood and along a path to Eskdale Green station. If you wish to shorten the journey, it is possible to take the train back to Dalegarth. If not, turning right (West) along the road bring you out at the Inn – George IV. After the customary beer, take the right fork in the road which takes you down Forge Bridge. Go across the bridge and take the path to the left through Milkingstead Wood alongside the river. This part of the walk is extremely pleasant as the path meandering along the river bank through picturesque woodland. The path leaves the river and heads through Low Wood before coming to a main track at Dalegarth Hall. You can choose here to take the track back to the station (turning left along the track). (Alternatively, you can continue straight, where the path rejoins the river bank. Cross a bridge across a stream and then take the stepping stones across the River Esk, then head along the track back to Dalegarth Station – NOTE: Quite often, the water level is too high to cross the stream (which was the case today).

Both routes bring you to the minor road that brings you back to Dalegarth Station.

This walk and pictures are protected by copyright©. Reproduction in whole or in part by any means is prohibited without the prior permission of the author. If you wish to use this document, then click the contact link on the main pages. I would also like to hear your comments and thoughts. If you use this document for your walk, I would appreciate your feedback and comments.

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Author - Antony Towers – 18th June 2004. I hope you enjoy this walk either virtually or in reality as much as I did. Your safety is your responsibility. Always use a map, compass and be equipped for the conditions. Conditions can change very quickly, even at low levels. Check the weather conditions before setting off and always be prepared for Mother Nature.

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