There is a lovely 45 minute circuit from Hart Barn and Willow Cottage which gains a little height to reach our favourite bench overlooking Brotherswater.

Leave the cottages and head out towards the A592, turning right before the big white house. This roads leads past some farm buildings and eventually becomes a stone track which is the old “road” to Patterdale (another good walk). At the 5 bar gate cross the beck via a footbridge and climb up to the second footbridge which takes you to a pedestrian gate leading back towards Hartsop. Enjoy the views from this path that meanders through ancient woodland before climbing gently up to a stony rise where this curious Swaledale was encountered:

Admire the view before passing behind the bungalow through a pedestrian gate which leads onto a concrete road. Follow this road uphill and discover our favourite bench and viewpoint over Hartsop. Rest a while! Then follow the road onward as it winds gently downhill into the village where you go through a 5-bar gate and join the village road, coming out opposite a very old village house with a stone spinning gallery where in days gone by, fleeces were dried prior to combing and spinning the wool. Turn right and head back home.

Distance: 2 miles        Grade: Easy       Allow: 45 minutes plus time to sit!