Rydal Ale Trail

jennings 3 day rydal ale trail
Day 2 - langdale hotel, elterwater - the travellers rest, grasmere
The Langdale Pikes, with steep flanks and distinct summit profiles, are easily recognised and ‘the round’ is a classic. Taking the
conventional ascent then crossing to Easedale on a sneaky path leads to the Grasmere side of the range. The path down from
Easedale Tarn is a purpose built pony track used by Victorian tourists. Head for the Travellers Rest, an original sixteenth century
coaching inn, full of old world charm, oak beams and inglenooks (and the full range of Jennings Ales!).
Before setting off please make sure you plot the suggested route on OS maps and pack a compass. They are essential for a safe,
enjoyable day in the hills!
Grade: Time/effort: 3 Navigation: 2 Technicality: 3
Start: Langdale Hotel, GR NY325052
Finish: The Travellers Rest, GR NY336089
Distance: 10 miles (16km)
Time: 7 hours
Height gain: 850m
Maps: OS Explorer OL6 &OL7; Landranger 90
1
From the Langdale Hotel go back up the valley road to rejoin
the Cumbria Way, over New Bridge and on towards Oak Howe.
Turn right about 100m before Oak Howe. Follow the bridleway
and cross Langdale Beck to join the valley road. Turn left, follow
the road for 50m then turn left and join a track to the road.
2
Go left to a car park; join the Stickle Gill Path to the dam
at Stickle Tarn, crossing the footbridge part way up.
3
Cross the dam and go to the foot of the path that climbs
to the saddle on the north side of Harrison Stickle; the highest
of the ‘Pikes’. Once summited backtrack and follow the rocky
path to climb to the summit of Pavey Ark and stunning views.
The next ‘Pike’ is Thunacar Knott; a charming, relatively
sheltered spot great for a lunch stop.
4
Next is Sergeant Man; from Thunacar
Knott head north across a broad col then
take the path to Sergeant Man. In mist the
path is vague and easily lost so take care.
5
Descend the broad ridge, after about
750m take the left hand path past Belles
Knott to the upper reaches of Easedale.
Continue to join the bridleway at the mouth
of Easedale Tarn.
6
Follow the bridleway above the waterfalls of Sourmilk Gill to
lower Easedale. Join Easedale Road and follow it to a junction,
turn left passing Thorney How YHA. Cross Low Mill Bridge, turn
left to join the footpath along the field edge to the A591.
7
Cross the A591 and head for the entrance of the Travellers
Rest taking in the superb views! Open the wooden door with the
brass fox head door knocker and go straight to the bar where you
will be greeted with the full range of Jennings Ales. A pint of rich,
full bodied Sneck Lifter is always a good choice and if you’re
lucky you might find friends willing to buy you a few more in the
true spirit of this strong, satisfying ale. In northern dialect ‘sneck’
means door latch, and the ‘sneck lifter’ was a man’s last sixpence
which enabled him to lift the latch of the pub door and buy a pint,
hoping to meet friends who might treat him to a few more!
jennings 3 day rydal ale trail
Day 2 - langdale hotel, elterwater - the travellers rest, grasmere