From the Dales to the Lakes - Section 4: Sedbergh to Bowness

27 miles (43 km) | 730 metres elevation

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Recommended time: Up to 4 days

Key points of interest

• The River Kent and its tributaries are protected so a great place to spot wildlife.
• Take in the industrial heritage of the area as you pass by impressive viaducts and old mills.
• Cross over into the Lake District National Park, now a World Heritage site.

Section four overview

In contrast to the previous day, this is a lower level section of the route with rolling countryside providing ever changing views as you explore quiet countryside and get your first glimpse of the Lake District fells.

Take the Dales Way out of Sedbergh, following the River Rawthey before swinging north to follow the River Lune. Pass by the impressive Lune Viaduct which carried the now disused Ingleton Branch railway line 30m above the river on red sandstone arches. Look for red-breasted merganser, dipper and grey wagtail on the river.

Pass two more interesting structures - the Howgill Crook of Lune bridge dating back to the 16th century and the grade II listed Lowgill viaduct.

Continue through pastoral landscapes, passing over the M6 and under the West Coast Mainline before arriving at Patton Bridge on the River Mint - a tributary of the River Kent.

The rivers in this area have a long history of being used for power to drive corn mills, saw mills, woollen mills, paper mills and even gunpowder works!

Today they are protected river systems designated as both a Site of Special Scientific Interest and as a Special Area for Conservation. The River Kent catchment is the only major river system in England where populations of white-clawed crayfish can still be found. They are not easily spotted but it is worth looking out for kingfishers, otters and herons.

The path passes Sprint Mill on the River Sprint - one of the oldest mills in Cumbria and originally a Fulling Mill to process wool. In Burneside find James Cropper’s papermill, founded in 1845. There have been mills on this site for hundreds of years, originally powered by the River Kent.

As you continue on the Dales Way, pass into the Lake District National Park shortly before Staveley. As you head west, the terrain becomes rougher and hillier once again. Soon you will pop out on the shores of Lake Windermere in the tourist hot spot of Bowness. Enjoy an ice cream as you take in the stunning views of the Lake District!

Top tips

• This section is good for lower level walking, industrial heritage and river birds.
• There are no places to refuel between Sedbergh and Burneside. You may find occasional accommodation of various types at farms and hamlets. If you wish to break up this section it is worth booking taxi transfers in advance.
• Burneside and Staveley are both on the Lakes Line which connects the route to Kendal and Oxenholme (on the West Coast Mainline) in just a few minutes. This provides more options for accommodation, facilities and a great way to leave or join the route.

Accommodation

Outside Sedbergh and Bowness, find options for accommodation in Burneside and Staveley. In between, find limited options scattered across isolated farms or hamlets. Taking the Lakes Line from Burneside or Staveley, provides more options in Kendal or Windermere.

Public transport

Sedbergh is serviced by a limited bus service from Kendal and the mainline station at Oxenholme - operated by Western Dales Bus. Plan your journey before you travel.

Burneside and Staveley are on the Lakes train line that connects onto Windermere and Kendal, and the West Coast mainline at Oxenholme. Burneside, Staveley and Bowness are all well-connected by several Stagecoach bus routes.

Plan your journey here

Things to do nearby

• If you wish to explore further, Kendal is home to many interesting sites such as Kendal Castle, Kendal Museum, Abbot Hall and the Brewery Arts Centre.
• At the end of this section, take some time in Bowness to visit the Windermere Jetty Museum to learn about Windermere’s rich boating history or take a scenic cruise with Windermere Lake Cruises from the pier in Bowness.

Route updates

Check our news section for any updates on the route.

Section Four Interactive Map