Ennerdale Bridge to Rosthwaite
DAY 2
5 NY067158 From the pub, head east and south-east on a minor road past the church graveyard and children’s play area to reach a road junction. Turn left, cross the bridge over the River Ehen, and fork right at a junction just before the primary school. Follow this road east, sticking mostly to a gravel path running parallel on the right, for 750m until you reach another road junction next to the Broadmoor forestry plantation. Fork right and follow the winding road south-east, north-east and south-east again to pass a car park, cross the River Ehen again and arrive next to Bleach Green Car Park. Veer left, go through a gate and head east to the shores of Ennerdale, next to weirs. Fork right again and take the path heading east around the southern shores of Ennerdale Water (a side trip up Anglers Crag is an optional, but delightful, detour). Beyond the south-eastern tip of Ennerdale Water, take paths east and south-east through fields to arrive at a lane. Turn left, head north and cross River Liza at a bridge.
6 NY130142 Turn right on the wide forestry track and head east, following the general line of River Liza. Pass Low Gillerthwaite Field Centre and YHA Ennerdale and continue east and south-east on the excellent track through Ennerdale Forest, passing between the Buttermere Edge fells to the north and the Pillar massif to the south. Pass the disused Dub’s Quarry, cross Scarth Beck and reach the point where this path meets the Scarth Gap descent path from Buttermere. Continue east and then fork left briefly to arrive at YHA Black Sail.
7 NY194123 Head south-east on a fell path towards Seavy Knott. Cross Loft Beck and immediately turn left, ascending steeply north-east alongside the beck. Just beyond the 500m contour line, turn right and head east, north-east and north on a good path for 1.8km, skirting below Grey Knotts towards Honister Crag. As you arrive to the east of Dub’s Hut bothy and disused quarry, turn right along a dismantled tramway path and head east without any difficulties down to Honister Slate Mine, an ideal place to stop for refreshments at the café and to use the toilets.
8 NY224135 Turn right on the B5289 (Honister Pass) and descend east and north-east, passing YHA Honister Hause in the process. Just beyond the point where a slate mine access road joins the B5289 from the right, fork left and take a path safely to the side of the busy road. This path leads you east and north-east down Little Gatesgarthdale, following the line of Hause Gill and the Honister Pass road, before traversing the hillside to the north of Seatoller. Descend south down to a path to the north of the Glaramara outdoor centre and turn left, heading east and north-east through woodland and alongside the River Derwent. Arrive at YHA Borrowdale (an ideal overnight accommodation option).
Go down the hostel driveway, turn right over a bridge towards Peat Howe, and turn left through a gate. Head north through fields and past rows of cottages to arrive into the heart of Rosthwaite next to Flock-In Tearoom. Turn right down a little lane to reach the National Trust car park and toilets.