Walk Nannycatch by Dent – Cumbria, England

Circular walk to Dent summit by Nannycatch and starting from Longlands Lake.

Dent and Nannycatch walk information:

  • Distance: 15 km
  • Duration: 4h30
  • Ascent: 461 m
  • Level: Medium
  • Car park: Free at Longlands lake, Cleator Moor, CA23 3AD
  • Dog friendly: Yes- some sheeps in the fields
  • Tips: The farm sells eggs (£1 for 6) and jam pots (£2.50) that it is possible to buy on the way. 
UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_53c

This hike starting from Cleator Moor passes the top of Dent fell and Nannycatch river. This area of Lake District is little known because Dent fell is the most westerly fell in Lake District. Dent fell is also the first summit to climb on the famous Coast to Coast road from St Bees to Robin Hood Bay. This 352-meter peak offers clear views of the Ravenglass Estuary, Southern Scotland and the Isle of Man. In addition, Nannycatch small river, with its limpid waters, created a long time ago this valley displaying steep cliffs. Although, it is now a very calm and beautiful place.

Here are the key steps to realise this hike:

  • From the parking, take in direction of Longlands Lake. Just after the bridge take the path on the left following the river. Follow this path until arriving at a farm. Go past the farm and cross the national road. Take the forest path starting in front of the farm.
  • Follow this forest path until you see a well-marked path on the left. Then take right on the marked trail. Continue for a moment (always straight) until you reach the top of Dent. Continue straight on until you reach a tarmac road. Turn left, then right at the high ladder. Climb the stile then walk straight for a little while until you have a view of the valley below. This valley is Nannycatch. Retrace your steps. Once the stile passed again, turn left towards the forest.
  • Continue on the tarmac path, then at an intersection turn left to take the path that goes down through the forest. Follow the path that zigzags to a gate. At the gate continue straight towards a small gate and a path that follows Nannycatch river.
  • Continue on the trail until you reach another gate, which is Nannycatch Gate. Take opposite right on the path that runs along a low rocky wall. Continue for a moment until you reach an intersection, take the road on the left that crosses the river. Then take the left path that runs along Flat fell by its foot. Continue on the path until you reach a parking. Continue straight along the tarmac road until you reach an intersection. Take a left and then left again before the bridge.
  • Continue until you reach the farm that you saw at the beginning of the walk. From the farm follow the path that will lead you back to the car.
UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_540
View from Dent summit

We enjoyed this hike even though the day was cloudy. Only the climb to Dent is difficult and once arrived at the top the trail just goes down. The passage through the forest is quite nice and the fact that there are not many people is really relaxing. We had a picnic on the edge of the stream. The only downside of this hike is the way back, which is partly on the road. The road is not very busy but it would have been better to use a smaller path. We recommend doing this hike on a clear day to fully enjoy the view.

Do you know Nannycatch and Dent?

UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_55a
Bridge in Cleator Moor
UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_542

Find all our dog-friendly walks in Cumbria in this page. To read our adventures in the UK it is here.

Leave a comment