A walk to keep you dryshod during the floods

When planning my next walk, knowing that every field would be sodden and every footpath awash, I puzzled just where it would be possible to go. Even driving from my home to start a walk would be difficult because of the many bridges that were broken, or to which access was denied, because of the battering they had taken from the torrents. Workington, Cockermouth, Keswick and Millom were cut off. Parts of Ulverston and much of Backbarrow were flooded. In the end I decided that I would try a lane walk, fairly close to my home, and start from a parking area above the floods.

1. From the parking layby walk south for a few steps along the A5092. There is no pavement, so tuck in well. Turn right into a narrow lane and climb gently to pass a tiny church. (Sadly, it was firmly locked when I tried to enter.) Go on up the lane and follow it as it winds right, ignoring any signed footpaths into the flooded fields or woods. Carry on past several dwellings at Wood End, and look for the signed walled track going on ahead. (This has a stony base and, during my walk, looked as if it had had water flowing down it previously but was now passable and quite delightful.)
2. Follow the track as it descends to pretty Beck Bottom, through rolling pastures, many with floods shining silvery in the weak sun. (Flowering shrubs and yellowing leaves of bushes made this a welcoming hamlet.) Go with the track as it winds right and rises to a narrow road. Turn acute left and walk the traffic-free way for a mile as it climbs over the lower slopes of Lowick Common and then below Lowick Beacon, with glorious views across green pastures, criss-crossed with drystone walls.
   
   
3. After descending to a valley, turn right, climbing gently to a large sign indicating a cattle grid. Stroll this gated narrow lane past Nettleslack farm and climb steadily. (Here large rainbows flickered over the charming farmhouse. Continue on the narrow lane as it curves round more high slopes, to the right, to reach Knapperthaw farm. At the signpost wind right to go on along a little stretch of the Cumbria Way to reach a wider lane. Bear right and walk for a mile along the hedged way, which has no pavements and very little traffic. Enjoy the views across the valley as you pass the small complex at Wood Gate and press on to reach the A5092. Cross with care and head on down a similar lane with a little more traffic. Look ahead as you go to see Lowick Church towering up beyond the trees. Remain on the lane ignoring a right and then a left turn.
4. Pass the entrance to Lowick Hall and then the church. Just beyond is the very fine ‘green’ village hall, charming to look at and with a walled area open sided to the lane. It has fine seating and is just the place for a break Continue down the lane to pass the Red Lion Inn. Cross the A5084 and walk ahead to stand on splendid Lowick Bridge over the River Crake. (From here the angry river raged on during my walk, spilling over its banks and across a large flat pasture as it roared on its way. If it freoze soon, I pondered, what a skating rink the pasture would make.)
5. Beyond the bridge, where the road splits, wind right and walk this lovely lane for 1 1/4 miles, high above the Crake. ( I had dramatic views of its fury and of its flooding.) The traffic-free road gradually winds down to reach the hamlet of Spark Bridge. Cross the bridge over the River Crake once more. (It had just been inspected and was found to be safe, though the surging water almost touched the roof of its arch.) Continue past the welcoming Royal Oak, and then on up to the A5902. At the Farmer’s Arms cross to the parking place. (Alas, it had a notice outside ‘Closed due to flooding’ but I hoped it wouldn’t be for long.)
   
   
   

Practicals

• Start/finish: Part of the old road, by-passed by the A5092 and lying to its west side, grid ref 302850
• Distance: 6 1/2 miles/10.5km
• Time: 3 hours
• Height gain: Very little
• Terrain: All lane walking except for track from Wood End to Beck Bottom
• Refreshments: the two inns at Spark Bridge

For more photos, see "A walk to keep you dryshod during the floods" on Flickr.

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Please read Mary Welsh's Golden Rules for good, safe walking before setting out.