6:12pm Tuesday 2nd March 2010
By Ron Freethy
At the car park spend some time in the information centre to discover something about the history and natural history of the area.
Here you will discover that the ‘old man’ refers to the copper miners who once dug out ore from the foothills of the mountain. My grandfather was once of these old men.
Follow the route towards Yewdale Bridge but just before reaching the span turn left. Pass the primary school and cross Shepherd’s bridge.
At the end of the bridge steps lead up and over a stile and then through a gate leading to an easy-to-follow footpath.
The route now follows part of the Cumbria Way. This is a 70 mile marked footpath linking Ulverston with Carlisle via Coniston, Langdale and Borrowdale.
Follow the way markers with Yendale Beck on the left and Tarn How Wood on the right.
Take time to get your breath on the climb but there are lovely views to admire with the wonderful mountains of Coniston Old Man and Langdale.
Follow the footpath to the right.
Keep to the left of Tarn How Cottage to reach the National Trust car park. For those who want a shorter walk from the car park there is a circular walk of a couple of miles around Tarn How.
As you ascend the grassy footpath the true majesty of Tarn Hows is revealed. Actually the scene was only landscaped in 1865 when these little tarns were merged to produce what we love today. This is a naturalist’s delight and, although I suggest this walk be done in warm weather months, the short circular route around the Tarn can really be a winter wonderland.
Follow the very obvious track which winds round to the left. Above are the pointed peaks of the Langdales..
Pass through the woodlands until you reach a footpath which strikes off to the right. Enjoy the sight and sound of the waterfalls along a stream called Tom Gill. This is the place to see the resident dippers and grey wagtails. Pass through a kissing gate and cross a little bridge to reach the road at Yew Tree Farm, which has a very unusual circular chimney stack.
Cross a footbridge over the stream leading out of Yew Tree Farm. Tarn is an old Scandinavian word which means a tear drop. I'm not in the mood to shed tears of sadness as I enjoy the beautiful countryside. Bear left and then turn sharp left to High Yewdale.
As you meet a narrow minor road turn left and follow this for about 400 yards. Then look out for an obvious track to the right.
This then descends through an area of mixed woodland with the Yewdale fells high above to the right.
Here is the haunt of green and great spotted woodpeckers and in the warmer months the flowers and butterflies are a real spectacle.
Pass long crag on the right.
Approach the area well named as far end and meet a minor road.
Turn right onto a very short footpath before looping round to the right, turn left and right again to approach a crossroads.
Turn right and the next right leads back to the starting point via Shepherd's Bridge.
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.thewestmorlandgazette.co.uk/trade_directory/