This delightful walk starts from Forge Bridge, beside the swift-flowing River Esk. After walking through woodland and crossing Milkingstead footbridge, you soon reach the slopes behind Fisherground Farm. The ascent of the slopes is well contoured and pleasing to climb. Remain on the footpath round the large boggy area at the top and also alongside Siney Tarn. Pause by Blea Tarn before descending to Eskdale on the finely-crafted miners' path. A gentle ascent of Stanley Gill makes this a real Easter walk before returning along the track through the splendid woodland for one-and-a-quarter miles to Forge Bridge.

Eskdale lies north west of Broughton-in-Furness, reached from Ulpha and then by crossing Birker Moor. Park in the large layby, on the left, south of Forge Bridge, grid ref 149995.

1. Walk towards Forge Bridge but do not cross, instead take the gate on the right (east) side of the bridge into deciduous woodland. Go through a gate into an open area with Milkingstead Farm in the far right corner. Just beyond the next gate, take the elegant footbridge which spans the River Esk. Beyond, walk ahead over a pasture to reach the road into Eskdale, which you cross.

2. Go ahead along the access road to Fisherground Farm. As you near the dwelling, follow the road as it bears left and, in a few steps take, on the left, a gate in the wall. Bear right and curve round right, over a pasture, a small plank bridge, and on, soon to pass through a gate into a walled track - this footpath diversion avoids the farmhouse and the dogs. Turn left and follow the track to go past a tiny building beyond the wall. Pass through a large gate to come to the side of the Ravenglass and Eskdale railway.

3. Cross and bear slightly right to climb a wide grassy trod up through gorse. Follow it as it winds left and right on this gently contoured way. Go through a wall gap and stroll on to where the way becomes indistinct. Here bear slightly right through some prickly gorse to arrive at a farm gate. Beyond, walk the track, heading west, and, as you near another gate, turn acute right on another good grassy track.

4. Continue on the glorious way, from where there are spectacular views of the valley and the hills ahead. After climbing steadily, wind round a crag and ahead you can spot the conifers of Blake Bank. Walk on a short way towards the trees to take an obvious right turn onto a path, across the rough pasture, to go through a gate. Beyond the path deteriorates. It is quite clear but as it climbs, with the wall to your right, it can be muddy after rain. Ignore a ladderstile over the wall and carry on until ahead of you is a vast expanse of bog.

5. Wind round left on a clear path, as others have done before you, and remain with this way as you go ahead below hillocks to the left. There are several wet areas to be stepped over, but earlier walkers have placed convenient stones to make for a dry crossing. Follow the well trodden way as it winds steadily right, climbing a little until you can see the vast expanse of what was once Siney Tarn to your right. At a Y-junction of paths, take the left branch and contour round the left side (away from Siney) of a hillock. This trod eventually brings you to a beck (wide and quite deep after rain) almost completely hidden by reeds, and a plank bridge. This may be submerged but it is quite solid. If the stream is in spate there are several rocks to tread on to reach the planks. Once across, wind right, with Harter Fell ahead, and follow the distinct track. This goes on winding right and becomes a very good path that takes you beside the colonised tarn and then where it is still in water.

6. Carry on the good path from where Blea Tarn, below, can be seen enclosed in its sheltered hollow. Descend the path, which is quite steep in one very short section, to walk beside the clear translucent water. Continue on to join the lovely old track that descends in great zig-zags. This was constructed for bringing down peats and also for access to iron workings. As you descend, notice the ruined granite huts. Towards the foot of the track, and just before the Lal Ratty' railway, the way is extremely muddy after so much rain - pick the best way you can find. Cross the railway line and walk left to take the first right turn, opposite the old school house. Carry on ahead, over the picturesque bridge across the Esk, go past the car park and on along the track, with Dalegarth Hall and its fine array of chimneys, to your right. Wind round half left with the track and take the white gate, ahead, into the environs of Stanley Gill.

7. Follow the lovely way up beside the tumbling water, crossing bridges as you go. If you do not wish to return by the same route, take the many steps (railed) that climb steadily up and up to the top of the gorge. Then follow the path as it winds left, through trees, to a stile out into a pasture. Strike right to join the reinforced track that returns you, steeply down, soon coming beside the wall on your right, to the white gate passed through earlier. This time ignore it and wind on, left, with the track. At the signposted gate, go ahead, leaving the track as it winds away right. Walk ahead through the glorious woodland of the Eskdale Trail, with the side of Dalegarth Hall again to your right. Carry on this glorious way, with many glimpses of the hurrying River Esk. Ignore Milkingstead Bridge and continue to Forge Bridge and the parking area.

Information...

Distance: 6 miles.

Time: 3 hours.

Terrain: Generally good tracks and paths though those round the bog and Siney Tarn can be wet.

Map: OS Explorer OL 6.

NB: Restrictions on space mean that this article provides a general summary of the route. It is advisable for anyone who plans to follow the walk to take a copy of the relevant Ordnance Survey map.