Nannycatch Beck and its valley
Recommended by
Our view
"A fine walk on the edge of Lakeland taking in one of Cumbria's lovely secret valleys."
Walk directions
Go over the suspension bridge at the back of the car park and turn right along the circular path around Longlands Lake. Back at the bridge, follow the east bank of the Ehen to Blackhow Bridge.
The path quickly swings away from the river. Keep to the enclosed track, following it round several bends. At Black How Farm turn right up the little lane and then cross the road to go through the gate opposite. Follow the forestry track uphill through Blackhow Wood.
View all directions
Additional information
Terrain
- Well-defined paths and farm tracks, 4 stiles
Landscape
- Lake and riverside pastures, forest and moorland
Dog friendliness
- Can run free through forest
Parking
- Free car park at Longlands Lake, Cleator
Toilets en route
- None on route
About the walk
Cleator, Cleator Moor, Frizington and Rowrah are all rather gloomy places with rows of 19th-century terraced housing and telephone wires dangling across the street. This is where the last hills of Cumbria decline to the Ehen Valley, and, as forestry cloaks the slopes, it looks as though there’s...
Read more
Been on this walk?
Send us photos or a comment about this route. Or recommend a route of your own.
Walking in Safety
Read our tips to look after yourself and the environment when following this walk.
Get an AA guide
Explore our range of ‘50 Walks in’ guides - they’re the ideal companion for a ramble.
Been on this walk?
Send us photos or a comment about this route. Or recommend a route of your own.
Walking in Safety
Read our tips to look after yourself and the environment when following this walk.
Get an AA guide
Explore our range of ‘50 Walks in’ guides - they’re the ideal companion for a ramble.
About the area
Cumbria's rugged yet beautiful landscape is best known for the Lake District National Park that sits within its boundaries. It’s famous for Lake Windermere, England’s largest lake, and Derwent Water, ‘Queen of the English Lakes', but other lesser-known areas in the south, such as the Lune Valley and the coastal towns, are secret gems of wide cobbled streets and rolling hills.
Nearby places to stay
View all (8)
Caravan & Camping
Church Stile Farm & Holiday Park
- Launderette
- Ice pack facility
- Cafe/Restaurant
- BBQ
Nearby places to stay
Sella Park Country House Hotel
This property, parts of which date back to at least the 16th century, is set in six acres of mature grounds which lead down to the River Calder. The individually designed bedrooms are v...
Seven Acres Caravan Park
This sheltered park is close to quiet west Cumbrian coastal villages and beaches, and also handy for Eskdale and Wasdale. There is a good choice of pitches, some are hedged bays for pri...
Church Stile Farm & Holiday Park
A superb, secluded park surrounded by mature trees, hedging and Lakeland-stone walls in a peaceful valley setting. The combination of indigenous trees and summer wildflowers creates stu...
The Lutwidge Arms
This Victorian roadside inn is family run and offers a welcoming atmosphere. Its name comes from the Lutwidge family of Holmrook Hall, whose lineage included Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, b...
Kirkstile Inn
This historic 16th-century inn lies in a valley surrounded by mountains. Serving great food and ale, its rustic bar and adjoining rooms prove to be a mecca for walkers. There is also a ...
Loweswater Cottage
Awaiting description...
Buttermere Cottage
Awaiting description...
Crummockwater Cottages
Crummockwater Cottages in Loweswater enjoy stunning views of Crummock Water and the surrounding fells including Haystacks and Great Gable. The cottages are the converted barns and stabl...
Places to eat nearby View all
