This low level walk is in the heart of Beatrix Potter country. From the small village of Far Sawrey, we approach Near Sawrey, the site of Hill Top, Beatrix Potter's most famous home (now open to the public). From there we climb up into the hills west of Windermere to visit Moss Eccles Tarn, once owned by the Potter estate, and a hint of wildness on this gentle walk.
Ascent: 350ft/ 100m
Length: 2.5 miles/ 4km
Map: Explorer 07 English Lakes South East
Last Walked: 8 October 2007
We start this walk in the village of Far Sawrey, but one could also start from Near Sawrey at step 5.
The church is surrounded by another cluster of buildings. Just before we reach the very first of the buildings, a footpath leaves to the right. Turn onto this footpath, first as it runs across a series of fields, and then as it runs beside the road, heading towards Near Sawrey.
This path emerges onto the road just before we reach the entrance to Hill Top, Beatrix Potter's most famous house. If you want to visit Hill Top, then you will need to purchase a ticket from the small ticket office at the Hill Top car park. To reach this car park continue on along the main road through the village - the car park is just beyond an S-bend in the road.
To continue onwards pass by Hill Top towards the centre of the village.
The main road curves slightly to the right and then to the left as it enters the village. At the start of the second (left hand) curve, turn right onto Stones Lane, a side road that heads north out of the village. Follow this lane as it climbs up out of the village and into the rolling hills to the north.
A third of a mile later, we reach Moss Eccles Tarn, once owned by Beatrix Potter.
To return to our starting point, we retrace our steps from Moss Eccles Tarn to the junction at point 6. This time take the left hand branch, and follow it as it heads to the south east, eventually reaching Far Sawrey just to the west of the pub. Turn left onto the main road to return to our starting point.