The delightful River Irt leaves the foot of Wastwater and meanders through pastures and woodland. It flows under several picturesque bridges and comes close to small hamlets on its way to join the River Esk just before the latter empties its water into the sea off Ravenglass. Bridge Inn stands beside the fine bridge that spans the river at Santon. It is the venue for the annual Biggest Liar Competition and it is from the car park opposite the inn that this walk starts, grid reference 109017.

1 Cross the road and take the signposted track between the inn and the River Irt and walk on out into the delightful countryside. Where the track begins to wind left, look for a small footpath sign directing you right towards the gated footpath that continues beside the lovely river. It passes below trees and through pastures where, in spring, the riverbanks are colourful with wild flowers. Keep beside the river where it makes a sharp right turn. Here the path continues along a banking with a large field, well planted with a crop. The map shows a footpath diagonally across it, away from the river, but it would be difficult to walk. Better to remain beside the river to a tied gate onto a track, with the fine Hollins Bridge; look right to see another bridge - which has no access. Stand on the first bridge to see the exquisite second bridge, now almost overgrown by bushes and small trees. You will want to use your camera here before heading on along the reinforced track to reach Hollins farm.

2 Go through the gate to cross the yard and then take the signposted left turn, to walk a good shady track, eventually bringing you beside a huge barn on the right. Here leave the track and turn right along a grassy trod to pass the side of the barn and then a cottage. Stroll on along the glorious grassy walled and hedged track, filled with birdsong and wildflowers. It can be wet underfoot in places but these are easily side-stepped. Ignore an indistinct left turn and carry on along the main track as it curves right.

3 Soon the woodland ceases on your left but continues on your right. At this point the way can still be muddy in places (definitely a summer walk). Notice the long, well-constructed wall that goes on and on. Go through a gate onto open pasture and climb gently ahead. This distinct way continues on until it enters Greengate Wood and descends, on a good track, with a couple of wet patches to circumvent, to the Santon Bridge Road.

4 Turn right and descend. Perhaps, as you pass a gate, on the right, into the more of the woodland, the entrance to a lovely nature reserve, you might be tempted to extend your walk. Then continue down the road, ignore a left turn and go on to cross the bridge of the River Irt to return to the parking area.

Information

Start/finish: Bridge Inn, Santon Bridge (GR 109017). Don’t forget to let the manager know that you have left a vehicle in the car park opposite.

Distance: 4 miles

Time: 2-3 hours

Map: OS Explorer OL6

Terrain: Good paths, tracks and narrow lanes.

Refreshments: Bridge Inn, Santon Bridge.

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.