Stanley Force and Boot from Dalegarth
Cumbria
Stanley Force is set in a deep, narrow ravine above Eskdale where Stanley Ghyll drops in a series of falls, the longest a single leap of about 60 feet into a deep pool, and about 150 feet in all. The River Esk has shallow pools lower in the valley where a dog can cool off, though the ravine path itself is narrow with drops close by. Ferns and rhododendrons cling to the gorge walls. This 6.6km circuit starts at Dalegarth Station, the upper terminus of the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, crosses the River Esk at Trough House Bridge and climbs through the wooded ghyll on a path that crosses the stream on a series of footbridges to a viewpoint over the falls. It returns past St Catherine's church, where stepping stones cross the Esk, then over the old packhorse Doctor's Bridge to the village of Boot. There is around 188 metres of climbing, on woodland paths that are rocky and slippery in places.
This is a dog friendly walk with plenty to keep a dog interested, from the shady ravine to the pools and shallows of the Esk for a drink or a paddle. In the woods there is moderate off-lead potential for a dog with good recall, but the paths in Stanley Ghyll are narrow above steep drops, so keep dogs close there. Fields around Boot and the church can hold sheep or cattle, so lead up on the farmland. The station has a car park, and Boot has an inn.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 6.6 km (4.1 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 2 hr 20 min
- Walk Type
- Waterfall, Woodland, River
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- Car park and station buildings at Dalegarth Station; inn in Boot village. Dog policies not verified.
- Parking
- Dalegarth Station car park at the Eskdale terminus of the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Stanley Force and Boot from Dalegarth, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
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All dog friendly stays in CumbriaDog Friendly Hotels Nearby
The closest dog friendly hotels to Stanley Force and Boot from Dalegarth. Every dog fact comes from the hotel's own website.
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All dog friendly hotels in CumberlandFrequently Asked Questions
Is Stanley Force and Boot from Dalegarth dog friendly?
Yes, Stanley Force and Boot from Dalegarth scores 8 out of 10 for dog friendliness. The ravine is shady and full of interest, the River Esk offers some lovely spots for a paddle, and the route is varied without being too long. The one real caveat is the narrow gorge path above steep drops near the falls, where dogs need to be kept close.
Can dogs be off lead at Stanley Force and Boot from Dalegarth?
There is moderate off-lead potential in the woods around Stanley Ghyll and along parts of the river, for a dog with reliable recall. Put the lead on in the narrow upper gorge, where the path runs above steep drops, and on the farmland around St Catherine's church and Boot, where sheep or cattle may be grazing. The station car park and the lane to Boot also need a lead.
What should I know before visiting Stanley Force and Boot from Dalegarth with my dog?
The paths in Stanley Ghyll are rocky, rooty and slippery when wet, and the gorge is steep sided, so take care with lively dogs. The River Esk rises quickly after rain, so check the stepping stones before crossing. Dalegarth Station has a car park beside the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway terminus, and Boot village has an inn. Sheep and cattle can be in the fields.
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