Miles Without Stiles 15: Yewdale Bridleway
Conditions update after floods of November 2009
Short sections have been washed away completely and longer stretches have suffered surface water damage. Pushchair users will find it difficult to cross the washed out sections.
Details
Route type: For some. This undulating route goes under the rocky ramparts of Yewdale fell side, through Yewdale Woods and links with other Miles without Stiles routes (14, 16 and 17) - OS Explorer Map OL7
Distance: 5 km or 3.1 miles
Start point: Coniston pay and display car park - grid ref. SD 303975
Turning point: Small car park at Shepherd’s Bridge - grid ref. SD 314998
Facilities: None on route but toilets, pubs, cafés and tearooms in Coniston
Getting there: Bus: Coniston Rambler 505 from Ambleside via Hawkshead. The X12 service from Ulverston also calls at Coniston. Car: A593 from Ambleside into Coniston centre. Turn left on the B5285 and car park on right past the church
Route
Go back into Coniston village and follow the road signposted Coniston Coppermines. Continue for 500 metres and turn right on to the bridleway. The route has been improved by the National Trust. It has a compact stone surface, with short steep sections of over 1:10. Please note that it is a popular starting point for mountain bikers.
Squeezing between the main road and crags of Yewdale fell side, the walk is particularly stunning in springtime, when oak woodlands are carpeted in bluebells and wild garlic.
Cross a timber footbridge on the way to High Tilberthwaite road junction. Take care crossing this road. After 200 metres, there is a small car park off Hodge Close road, where you can be picked up.
Those wanting to carry on can follow the track to Yew Tree Farm, where there is a tearoom with toilets. There are other Miles without Stiles routes in the Coniston area too - see routes 14, 16 and 17 in this guide.
Map
