Day 6 - Thursday 13th September

Boot to Broughton in Furness
15 miles, 9 hours (including pub visits)


About the day

This was the first day where the weather didn't look too promising as we set out. Leaving Penny Hill Farm behind, we climbed up towards Harter Fell.





This was quite a steady climb for first thing in the day. As we gained height we could see up towards the head of Eskdale, and Hard Knott.





Through Dunnerdale Forest the path was quite wet in places. The track here took us around the slopes of Harter Fell.






Leaving the main forest track we followed a meandering path alongside Grassguards Gill. This was a very pretty area of flowering heather and varied grassland, leading down into the Duddon Valley.


After passing Grassguards Farm much of the coniferous woodland has been cleared, replaced by a plantation of native Rowan, Birch and Juniper. There were open views back to Harter Fell. Ahead the track curved around Wallowbarrow Crag before descending down to Seathwaite.







25) Newfield Inn, Seathwaite - 12:45pm

A lovely cosy inn. Wonderful patterned slate floor. Good lunchtime food.


Having refuelled we headed up Park Head Road, a bridleway through Dunnerdale Fells. This was a long gentle climb along a clear rocky track. Looking back along the track we could still see Harter Fell, with Bowfell and Crinkle Crags now visible in the distance.






There were lovely views down into the Duddon Valley.


At the end of the track views opened out towards the Lickle Valley and we could see the sea at the Duddon Estuary. After following a narrow footpath through bracken we descended to the road, crossed over the River Lickle and arrived at Broughton Mills.



26) Blacksmith's Arms, Broughton Mills - 4:00pm

Closed when we arrived. However we returned on our journey home and it was well worth it. Amazing pub and great food.






Returning to the footpaths we headed through several farm fields to reach the edge of Broughton in Furness.




27) High Cross Inn, Broughton in Furness - 5:30pm

A quiet, smart bar with a lovely log fire.


Heading into the town centre we found the final three pubs for the day.



28) Old Kings Head, Broughton in Furness - 6:00pm

A welcoming relaxed bar. Very smart.


The next inn was also where we were staying for the night.

29) The Black Cock Inn, Broughton in Furness - 6:30pm



An old beamed inn with low ceilings giving a very cosy feel. A very welcoming pub.




30) Manor Arms, Broughton in Furness - 9:15pm

A comfortable busy bar with a good beer selection.