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Walna Scar
Walna Scar Road (Approx 11 miles on and off road)This is a fairly arduous route but gives some magnificent views of the Duddon Valley valley and Coniston water. Starting at Torver (SD28388 94202) head out of the village in the direction of Coniston. In less than ¼ mile the main road turns sharply right, go left here (there are normally lots of cars parked on this corner) and head WSW up the short track to Scarr Head. As you meet the main group of houses turn right up the rough track heading NNE and beginning the long climb (1300ft) to the top of Walna Scar. Follow this track through the now disused quarries and up to the Climbing Hut. Cross the small beck and continue west up on to the fell, passing through some disused quarries on the way. Having travelled approximately 2 miles you know join the Walna Scar road. Still heading in a westerly direction passing more disused quarries on your right you make the final ascent to the top of Walna scar with Brown Pike on your right. Although the track has been repaired within the last few years the ground can be loose and difficult to ride so you may have to resort to carrying your bike in the steepest parts. One you crest the summit of Walna Scar you can breath a sigh of relief for most of the rest of the route is down hill. Take the time to look behind you and on a clear day enjoy the view of Coniston Water, you can also see out to Morecambe bay and in front of you the Duddon Valley. Now begin the descent towards Hollin House Haw.
The descent is gradual at first in a SW direction but as the track turns NW the slope becomes much more severe as you drop the 1300ft to Hollin House Haw.
(For those who want to avoid this descent there is an alternative route. When you reach the disused quarries, approx ½ mile after leaving the summit of Walna Scar turn SW following the contours and skirt round White Pike. After approx ½ mile the track starts to descend and a large wooded area to your left becomes visible. Aim for the right hand corner of this wood but do not cross the small beck. Keep the beck on your left and follow the track down to Stephenson ground).
As you reach the bottom of the track the ground levels out and you pass through a gate and onto a tarred road. Follow this road round as it joins the road coming up the Duddon valley, now heading in a Southerly direction until you reach the village of Seathwaite. After passing the Church but before you get to the Newfield inn ( a great place to stop for a drink or bar meal if you want to break your journey) the road turns sharply left. At this point SD22832 95982 go through the gate on the left to join the bridleway which will take you over to Stephenson Ground. After 20m or so go through a second gate and turn right. The track passes through some woods initially and then as you climb comes on to more open fell. After approximatley 1 mile (after leaving Seathwaite) the tracks forks. Take the left hand fork following the stream heading SE through Long Mire. After just over ½ mile the track forks again keep left and head down to Stephenson Ground.
Join the road here and continue SE as the track drops down and crosses the River Lickle. Just after going over the bridge (less than 100m) there is a bridleway heading into the woods. Take this and head ESE, ignoring any tracks to your right or left. For about ½ mile this path climbs up through the woods before descending down to Appletree Worth Beck. There are a number of tracks in this part of the woods and the route can get confusing. As the track descends to Appletree Worth Beck it heads N briefly before turning NE towards some buildings and crosses the beck (see detail inset on map above). Approx 170m after crossing the beck the track forks – take the right fork for 200m until you cross another track, here turn ENE towards the disused quarries and follow the track until it meets the road. Enjoy the nice descent down this small road over Hummer Bridge until you join the A593. Turn right here and follow the road back to Torver.
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