Haven of tranquillity

Grade: Moderate
Distance: 5.5miles/9km
Climb: 500ft/150m
Time: 4 hours

The Geotrail follows Stonethwaite Beck and Langstrath Beck as they wind through some of Lakeland's most dramatic scenery, never climbing great heights, but always with a genuine feeling of being at the heart of the fells. The route is approximately five-and-a-half miles and gradually ascends 500ft/150m. It follows mostly good paths, with the occasional boggy patch to negotiate.

Our trail begins in the hamlet of Stonethwaite. Limited parking is available at NY 262137 by the telephone box. Crossing Stonethwaite Bridge, we follow a short section of the Cumbria Way as it follows the beck to Smithymice Island, where we leave it to wind its way up Greenup Edge to the Langdales. Your first cache is at NY 2654713708, and the clue is, 'In the sheepfold move small rock to reveal'. The cache will be in a sandwich-sized box wrapped in a black bin liner. Inside you will find a grid reference and clue for your next cache.

Our destination is Langstrath, a haven of tranquillity. Bow Fell and Esk Pike dominate the view as we follow Langstrath Beck towards the foot of Stakes Pass, before crossing the footbridge at NY 264099 to make our return.Inside the penultimate cache will be a password. This is the passport to your reward for successfully completing the trail. To qualify for your free brewery tour, simply complete the questionnaire, add the password and take it to the brewery shop. It is advisable to contact the shop prior to your visit for information regarding tour times and available dates. Telephone 0845 1297 190.

You can find details of the Lakeland Walker Trail of the Month and questionnaire at www.geotrailing.com

Trailmaster Peter Judd

WHAT YOU WILL NEED
OS Explorer (1:25,000) OL4 - The English Lakes - North Western area map and a GPSwith spare batteries.

USING GPS ON A GEOTRAIL
Enter your grid reference as a waypoint on your GPS. Name and save. Locate the grid reference on your map. Ask your GPS to GO TO. Remember, a GPS will only give you a straight line bearing to your destination, so you will need to refer to your map, use footpaths onthe ground, and contour.

DOWNLOAD GEOTRAILS FREE
If you have enjoyed this trail and would like to do others, there are more to download free at the website www.geotrailing.com