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Lat/Long: 54.258259, -03.261108
OS Grid ref: SD 17857 85484
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This area of Cumbria is not the easiest to drive to due to the
narrow roads and heavy traffic. I was glad to reach Duddon
Bridge and the wider length of the A595. On the minor road to
Hallthwaites I parked in a layby between St Anne’s church and
the Thwaites Primary School. It's the first time I’ve walked in
this area and set off by heading west across the A595 and onto a
public footpath into the fields towards Baystone Bank. Towards
Bank House the gates became rather rickety and one was off its
hinges and lying on the ground. Over Baystone Bank I had nice
views of the fells ahead followed by a steep descent on an
unmarked path down to the secluded Baystone Bank Farm Campsite. |
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View of the fells from Baystone Bank. |
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I reached the private road that soon degraded to a track and
left it through a gateway near the wonderfully named
Whirlpippin. I was now heading north across a green field with
the open fells ahead. At Force Knott the map shows a couple of
paths diverging then coming together higher up. I opted for the
left path which was fairly easy to follow but not much of a
trail on the ground. Higher up it became more engineered and
eventually joined the right path. |
Guardian at Force Knott. |
Lunchstop and view of the Duddon Estuary. |
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I was climbing above the steep sided Stoupdale Beck and
continued up to Stoupdale Crags where I found a hollow to
shelter from the wind and enjoy an early lunch in the shelter
and warming sunshine. I had great views out across the Duddon
Estuary. I climbed up a little further then turned right to
follow a minor path towards the main path to Swinside Fell and
Raven Crag. |
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When I came to the substantial wall I turned left to follow it
down but the last time I was here I crossed the wall and
descended steeply down Raven Crag. Today's descent was down a
grassy slope which was much easier and sensible. I turned right
at the farmtrack and followed it to Swinside Farm. The farm was
occupied but nobody was about. Further down the track I came to
the Sunkenkirk Stone Circle (or Swinside Stone Circle) in the
field. |
Swinside Farm. |
I was glad to have the whole place to myself and wander slowly
around the stones. It dates from the late Neolithic period to
Early Bronze Ages (around 4,000 - 5,000 years ago). After taking
some drone aerial photos I continued down the stony farmtack to
Cragg Hall and the tarmac.
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Sunkenkirk Stone Circle. |
Gateway. |
Sunkenkirk Stone Circle. |
St Anne’s Church. |
St Anne’s Church. |
The walk back along the A595 wasn’t as bad as I’d expected and
the traffic was relatively light. There was no footpath anywhere
along it. Back at the St Anne’s Church I was hoping to get
inside for a look but it was locked.
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