geltsdale & cold fell open access area...
Starting point: Jockey Shields NY 557 555 on theMap: OS Explorer 315
Distance: 7km (4.3miles)
Ascent: 275m (900ft)
Time: 2 hours
Public transport: Bus - Number 97 Carlisle - Brampton - Castle Carrock (limited service)
An upland walk providing a taster of the North Pennines and panoramic views across the Solway Firth, Scottish Border's and northern Lakeland. A 1:25000 OS map and navigation ability will be required.
From the bend in the road at Jockey Shields, descend the wide stoned track to cross Hyman Bridge. Once over the bridge, turn left and follow the track alongside the River Gelt, bearing right at the Y junction and ascending the track through the pleasant Birch woodland.
At the top of the woodland, go through the field gate and turn right, continuing our gentle ascent on a wide walled lane. After the second field gate, continue on the now grassy bridleway. Shortly afterwards we leave the track and, keeping close to the wall on our left, take the faint path heading more steeply up hill. Eventually,
after crossing a low fence we arrive at a ladder stile. Once over the stile it is just a short walk to the trig point on Talkin Fell and numerous ‘currocks' that adorn the top.
After savouring the panorama which includes the Northern Lakeland Fells, the Solway Firth, Scottish Borders, and North Pennines we retrace our steps back over the ladder stile. Just past the corner of the wall we pick up another faint path gently curving down hill to meet a bridleway. On reaching the bridleway turn right and pass through the field gate.
Immediately after passing through the gate, turn left and ascend another faint path keeping the fence to our left. When the path levels off, after approx 150m, turn right and take the path which follows the edge of a low cliff and offers ever changing views across Geltsdale. Eventually the path arrives at a fence, where we turn right and descend sharply to pick up a wide grass bridleway, where we turn right and follow the gently descending Bridleway back to Hynam Bridge. From here it is only a short walk back up the track to our start point.
Route description provided by Cumbria County Council
Countryside Access Team, Environment Directorate, The Courts, Carlisle CA3 8NA
Tel: 01228 221022 countryside.access@cumbriacc.gov.uk
Information on exploring the North Pennines can be found at www.northpennines.org.uk
Information about RSPB Geltsdale Reserve can be found at www.rspb.org.uk
