Key Information. Self-Guided Walk Exploring Sedbergh

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1 Self-Guided Walk Exploring Sedbergh A great short walk - ideal for an early evening in summer. This is a lovely circuit of Sedbergh visiting some of the historic buildings as well as ambling by the river and strolling through woodlands. Bob Scurr, route researcher Key Information : 2.4 miles (3.9km) Time: allow 1 hour plus stops Route Grading: Start & Finish: Thorns Hall Leave the House by the front drive and turn right along the main road towards Sedbergh. After about 100m turn left down the A684 (signed to Hawes). Follow this downhill and at the bottom of the slope pick up the footpath on the right-hand side of the road marked New Bridge. This runs parallel to the road, via a parking area for the school, until it reaches the river and returns to the road. Footpath to New Bridge Path down to riverbank at New Bridge

2 Exploring Sedbergh Page On the way take some time to look at the stone obelisk by the side of the path, which is carved with local scenes. Carefully walk over the road bridge (New Bridge) across the river and turn right down some wooden steps and along the footpath, which now runs along the (southern) riverbank. Follow this delightful path along the river bank, passing a weir en-route, until it meets the next road at (A). Gate at (A) Turn right over bridge at (A) take care, busy road. On the other side of the bridge take the footpath on your left with stone steps and a wooden handrail marked Birks and with a Dales Way marker on the post. Turn right over bridge at (A) Path to the wood

3 Exploring Sedbergh Page 3 This path now leads through a delightful wood, with a narrow walled gulley. When you reach the gate at the top of the wood go through this and leave the wood. Turn left down the track. Note the field here, which is being planted with trees by Sedbergh School Old Boys Follow the track down through fields you could stop to take a look around the derelict hexagonal lookout tower on the left as you pass. The path eventually goes down to the river, near to a sports field. Walk along the riverbank by the sports field until the path starts to rise away from the river towards the imposing Birks House situated atop a small hill. Follow the path up the slope until it meets the garden hedge around Birks House (B). Turn right. Gulley in the wood Gate out of the wood Note a short detour from Birks House into the hamlet of Birks is possible and worth a look at the houses, some of which date from the 1700 s.

4 Exploring Sedbergh Page Follow the path (right) around the garden hedge and walk around to the side of the house where the path clearly leads downhill towards Sedbergh School playing fields. Follow this path and a track past the playing fields and tennis courts to a road. Cross the road and pick up the path opposite which leads up past the old Headmaster s Study house. Keep on this now tarmac path until you reach a T-junction of paths. Turn right and in 100m you reach the churchyard. Turn left up the side of the churchyard to reach the main street in Sedbergh opposite the Dalesman pub (C). It is well worth visiting the church if you have time. Path around Birks House Passing the school fields The churchyard - Sedbergh Arriving in Sedbergh Dalesman pub ahead You will now probably want to spend some time in the town centre either having some refreshments or simply exploring the fascinating shops. Either way, once you feel like moving on simply follow the narrow main street through the town, past the visitor centre (where there are toilets), until it meets up with the main road. Turn left here and in about 5 minutes you will reach Thorns Hall again. Thorns Hall

5 Exploring Sedbergh Page 5 Local Information Refreshments: Refreshments are only available in Sedbergh. The Dalesman pub is very good, serving local beers and good food. Smatt s Duo café is also excellent. There are many other options though. Be sure to check out the old fashioned sweet shop in the main street! Places of Interest: Sedbergh School established by the Provost of Eton in 1525 this is one of the oldest schools in England, and an integral part of Sedbergh life. The founder, Roger Lupton is thought to have been a local man originally. The school had early ties with St John s College, Cambridge. It became a grammar school in The school has had mixed fortunes over the years, including some great success between , when the school developed many buildings including the town Market Hall and Reading Room. It is currently popular with pupils looking for an outdoors education and is proud of its sporting credentials, the annual Winder Run is a feature of the local athletic calendar in Sedbergh. St. Andrew s church in Sedbergh dates from around 1500, although earlier buildings on the site dated from around 1130 AD. It had a major renovation in The east window is unusual in that is a single picture spread over 5 panes. Please Note: All self-guided walks and cycle rides are undertaken entirely at guests own risk. Route directions are supplied in good faith; however HF Holidays cannot be held responsible for any errors contained within. HF Holidays Ltd, January 2015 Thorns Hall, Cautley Road, Sedbergh LA10 5LE. T:

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