Section 4: Sedbergh to Bowness

Section 4: Sedbergh to Bowness “From the Dales to the Lakes” (27 miles, taking an estimated 2 to 4 days)

Route Progress:

• After leaving Sedbergh there is a short section of walking along the A683 and the verge is not always suitable for walking. It is hoped to install some road signs along this section, with an assessment underway on seeking further improvements.
• The River Lune to Beck Foot at Lowgill – along this section there have been some improvement works where the path has suffered from river erosion
• Low Gill to Burneside section - Improvement works to stiles and gates is ongoing
• Burneside to Bowness-on-Windermere - Improvement works to stiles and gates is ongoing and work has taken is taking place to strengthen the path between Cowan Head and Hagg Foot to prevent the path from flooding and stop river erosion. This work is taking place under Environment Agency Licence.

The Westmorland and Furness Way leaves Sedbergh on the well-maintained Dales Way and heads west along the River Rawthey. There is a short section of walking along the A683, then the route turns north to follow the River Lune upstream. The path goes under the impressive disused railway viaduct at Waterside, climbs steeply up to pass a number of farms and then drops back down to follow the River Lune to Beck Foot at Lowgill.

The Dales Way continues through a rural landscape of farms and small villages, with views of the fells. The M6 is crossed via a bridge followed by the West Coast Mainline Railway but this is a quiet lesser-known area of rolling hills and ever-changing views. After crossing the A685 at Grayrigg Foot the path crosses the River Mint and passes Black Moss and Skelsmergh Tarns. The village of Burneside offers facilities and accommodation as well as train links to Kendal and

Windermere.

Continuing to follow the Dales Way the route leaves Burneside along the River Kent heading north and enters the Lake District National Park near Hagg Foot. The path skirts Staveley and heads on through a quiet area of low rolling fells towards Bowness. The last section offering beautiful views of Windermere and the fells beyond over the town.

Bowness-on-Windermere and the nearby village of Windermere offer a wide range of accommodation options. Relax in the comfort of a 4-star hotel on the shores of Windermere or enjoy a stay in walker’s hostel. Both villages are on main bus routes, with Windermere having a train station to connect to the West Coast Main Line.