Walking in Cumbria's Eden Valley

A reader has informed us that all but one of the waymarker posts mentioned in the Murton Pike walk no longer exist. That means that, without any paths on the ground, navigation will be difficult, particularly in poor visibility.

Walkers who still wish to do this route and who are competent with a map and compass on rough, pathless ground, should follow the path (later a faint trail) up Trundale Gill for 1.3km from the point at which it is first encountered in the fifth paragraph of the walk description. At the 1.3km mark, climb out of the gill, to the right. When the gradient eases, head SW across the rough, boggy moorland for 750m to reach the trig pillar on Murton Pike.

Walk 5 (Crosby Garrett Fell and Smardale Gill):

The car park for walk 5, as listed in the book, is now intended for Blue Badge holders only. Those wanting to complete the walk should start from Cumbria Wildlife Trust’s new, larger Smardale car park. This is located about 230 metres north-east of the junction of Beck Lane and School Lane (grid reference NY 742 083).

With the new start/end point, there are some changes to the walk description…

Readers should ignore the first sentence of the walk description on page 48 in the book. The route now begins: 'Walk to the far end of the car park and through the gate. After following the trackbed of the disused railway, climb the walkway to a road junction. Turn right here (but not sharp right).” Readers then pick up the walk description in the book from, “Cross the footbridge over Scandal Beck…'

The end of the walk is also slightly different. Readers should ignore the final sentence on page 52 in the book. It needs to be replaced with the following: 'The railway path ends 2.9km after you first joined it. Beyond the gate at its far end, bear left along the rough track and then turn right at the road. Having walked the asphalt for 115m, you’ll see a road going off to the left. Go through the gate to the right of this junction and retrace your steps to the car park.'

Walkers should also be aware that the railway path south of the viaduct is closed Monday to Friday while improvement work takes place. For the latest information on this closure, go to www.cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk/nature-reserves/smardal

Walk 8 (P67) (First edition only)

There isn't a phone box in the village of Maulds Meaburn. Text should now read: 'From the village information point, walk south along the road...'