How to walk to Sedbergh Riverside

Directions to be used in conjunction with a map.

1. Beginning at Joss Lane Car Park, head towards the main street, then turn left, continuing along the footpath until you reach the main road. Here, turn right to cross at the zebra crossing, then turn left (the playing fields will be on your right).

2. After a very short distance, you will see a public footpath sign to Settlebeck and Millthrop, pointing right down an access lane. Turn right and continue down the lane (the playing fields will still be on your right as you continue to follow the edge).

3. The access lane bends around to the left, but at the corner, there is a metal kissing gate with a signpost next to it. Follow the sign pointing to Millthrop and go through the metal kissing gate, then head straight on, crossing over an access road to a property. (When we walked this, we continued along the access track in the direction of Settlebeck/ River. After a short distance there is a path that heads off to the right, signposted Millthrop Road 1/2 mile. This path continues straight on, then bends round to the right, before meeting the path accessed through the metal kissing gate above. The Millthrop path is the more direct route of the two.

4. Whichever route you choose, you need to follow the path downhill, as it bends towards the trees and there is a wooden gate here in a metal fence. Go through that and then diagonally across the next field towards a further gate opposite which takes you into the trees.

5. Continue along the path to a little footbridge over a stream, cross it and then head through a further gate after which, you will soon reach the weir in the river. Turn left and continue along the riverside path until you reach the bridge and picnic area. Here, there is plenty of room to get to the waters edge to throw stones!

6. From the picnic area, with the river at your back, head through the wooden gate and take the path that runs alongside the school fields. At the end, there is a further signpost with a foopath sign pointing left. Follow that, as it continues to follow the perimter of the school grounds (on your left), passing a large carved stone sculpture - The Millenium Stone, designed by the children at Settlebeck School - on your right. Follow the footpath until it reaches a lane, then follow the lane, heading straight on.

7. You will reach a gate for the Old Vicarage and next to that on the left, there is a footpath. Continue to follow that footpath until you reach the lane you began the walk on! Continue straight on towards the playing fields, then turn right back up to the main road.

8. Here, you can turn left to head back into Sedbergh, or if you want to go to the park, turn right, then continue until you reach the vets. The park is situated in the fields beyond.

Last walked August 2024.