Walk 11 - A short low level walk from Sedbergh taking in the River Lune and River Rawthey the highlight being the spectacular Lune Viaduct - suitable for families - 6.5 miles circular [by bus or car] - 3.5 hours Back to Dentdale

Lune viaduct	Crossdale Beck

Starting from the library in the centre of Sedbergh walk past the Dalesman pub to immediately turn right up Howgill Lane, Follow the lane for nearly 1 mile and as the road dips down near a farm look for a signpost and stile on the left at Heights of Winder. Pass through the stile to the left of the farmhouse and another stile immediately after and then turn right through a gate, Proceed down the hillside to cross Slacks Lane. On the other side of the lane pass through two fields and in the far right hand corner of the second look for a gate. Bear slightly right and in the diagonal corner look for a gate in the trees. Pass over Crossdale Beck and along the access track to Low Braithwaite.

At a signpost before the house turn left over a stile and follow the hedge on the left crossing another stile. Descending a grassy bank the impressive Lune Viaduct on the former Ingleton - Tebay branch line now comes into view. This line closed in 1965 but really became a secondary route after the opening of the Settle Carlisle route in 1876. The viaduct has been restored in recent years although minus its bridge decking

Lune Viaduct	Lincoln's Inn Bridge

Passing under the viaduct immediately cross Crossdale Beck using the new footbridge and walk across two fields following the River Lune to reach Lincolns Inn Bridge. Cross the main road and regain the footpath on the other side. This skirts around the river for a short while and then bears left through a gate. Cross a field towards Luneside Farm. Pass through the farm gate and pass between the farm buildings into a walled track. Pass through 2 gates and ignoring the path coming in from Ingmire turn left through a small gate towards Oaks. The path enters a track between the houses forming the small hamlet of cottages and bears left to almost double back. The path passes to the back of one of the cottages and into a track with hedges on both sides. At the end bear diagonally right across the pasture passing to the far end of a hillock where there is a small bridge across a stream. Keep to the left of the field and proceed to meet the main road. Turn left along the main road for nearly 1/4 mile. Turn right along the Dalesway path

At this point the opportunity can be taken to carry along the main road for 200m or to visit the Quaker community of Brigflatts. Visitors are welcome to the meeting house which dates from 1652.

Otherwise continue along the Dalesway path which quickly meets the River Rawthey. After 1/2 mile Sedbergh Viaduct comes into view, a smaller version of the Lune Viaduct The path climbs up to cross the old railway trackbed. Continue along the riverbank to the old mill at Birks. Pass along the road and through the hamlet. Passing in front of Birks House a decision can be made whether to follow a path which takes a direct line through the school into Sedbergh or continue on the riverside path the latter of which passes through woodland to emerge at the Milnthrop bridge. Thence take the road back to Sedbergh.

Sedbergh Viaduct across the Rawthey
Briggflatts Quaker Meeting House
Hamlet of Birks	River Rawthey

For current timetables see Western Dales Bus

Important note:- Whilst the author has taken every care in assembling the information on this site, no responsibility can be accepted for any error or omission herein. If in any doubt walkers should always consult the relevant OS map. All timings are approximate and for a person of average fitness and ability.

Back to Dentdale

This page was last updated on 11-May-2020

©John Carey 2011