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The view from Thorneythwaite to Seathwaite Valley in the Lake District. There are misty hills in the background and the sun is picking out green fields in the foreground
The from view from Thorneythwaite to Seathwaite Valley | © National Trust Images/John Malley
Lake District

Thorneythwaite Farm Picnic and Waterfall walk

This short walk introduces you to the three parts of a hill farm – the in-bye land, the in-take land and the open fell. You will see hay meadows and wood pasture as they're gradually restored, then climb to discover a hidden valley with a beautiful waterfall – all overlooked by towering Coombe Crag.

Waterfall

The waterfall is a beautiful place to stop for a picnic at the midpoint of your walk. Please look out for the steep drops when taking photos and looking for the best spot to sit.

Total steps: 4

Total steps: 4

Start point

Seatoller National Trust car park, grid ref: NY245137

Step 1

From the car park, turn left and walk down the road. At the junction, turn right onto the road signposted 'Seathwaite 1 mile'. Go through the first wooden gate on the left onto a public footpath (this field has yurts in it April–October).

Step 2

Cross the footbridge, turn right and follow the edges of the field. Turn right again into the next field and follow the wall to the wall gap on the left. Go through two gates to join the tarmac lane.

Step 3

Turn left and walk along the lane away from the farmhouse. Following it left round a corner, continue between the walls for 0.3 miles (500m). Turn right on a public footpath signposted to Glaramara. Go through the gate and walk up a rough track as it winds up the hill and through the next two gates.

Apple trees with pink-white blossom, with a Lake District fell rising up behind them
Wild apple trees in blossom in the wood pasture at Thorneythwaite Farm | © Jonathan McMeekin

Step 4

Go through the gate in the fell wall and onto the open fell. Follow the path as it climbs until you reach a large waterfall on the left. Find a picnic spot and enjoy the sound of rushing water – just watch out for the steep drops. When ready, retrace your steps back to the car park.

Herdwick sheep at Yew Tree Farm, Coniston, Lake District, Cumbria
Look out for Herdwick sheep grazing on the open fell | © National Trust Images/Val Corbett

End point

Seatoller National Trust car park, grid ref: NY245137

Trail map

Ordnance Survey map of the Thorneythwaite Picnic and Waterfall walk
Map of the Thorneythwaite Picnic and Waterfall walk | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey

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