La’al Ratty & Stanley Force, Eskdale
The walk begins at Dalegarth Station. Exit the station and turn left following the sign for Boot Village. When you reach the Brook House Inn, turn right opposite the inn, signposted for St Catherine’s Church.
Follow the road and pass a field and some holiday homes. You will pass through a gate that is usually left open and eventually arrive at St Catherine’s Church. Follow the path around the church and you will see the river ahead of you. Cross the stepping stones to the other side.
You’ll then find yourself on an open patch of land with a grassy track. Follow the track until you reach a stone wall and go through the gap. The path will continue until you reach a ghyll, and cross the small bridge over it. You will then reach a crossroads in the path, turn left and follow the track.
The track heads into open woodland and you’ll pass a turning on your right which you’ll need to take on your return journey. The path will lead you up the ghyll and through the gorge. You’ll soon arrive at a footbridge, and cross it.
You’ll then need to cross a second bridge where you’ll find another waterfall, followed by a third bridge. You can cross the third bridge where you’ll find superior views of Stanley Force Waterfall, but the other side of the bridge can be slippery and caution is advised.
Retrace your steps back to the turning mentioned above to make your return journey.
La’al Ratty and Stanley Force is a magical walk in the Lake District…
Image Credits: keithloaf1961 – CC BY-ND 2.0