A686, Leadate, Greencastle, Ousby Fell, Maiden Way, Cumbria.
[ 22.5 km] Tue 19 Apr 2011

NY 6796 4245
Today’s walk was originally planned last winter at a time when the ground was frozen hard. But on the day I’d planned to do the walk there had been a large fall of snow and driving up the steep road to Hartside wouldn’t have been sensible. So I shelved the plan for another time. The other time was today and with good weather I reached a small lay-by on the A686 and set off walking towards Alston. After a mile I took the right fork down a minor road to Leadgate then over Blackburn Bridge to the old mine workings entrance.

There is no public footpath shown on the map and this reflects on the sign ‘Danger – Private Land – Authorised Access Only’. I ignored them all and pressed on. I soon left the road and turned left on to a minor track heading over the moors towards Greencastle. The track wound through the spoil heaps of Rotherhopefell Mines then over the summit to the black looking Greencastle Tarn.

Pine trees appeared before me then the buildings of Greencastle. Generally the buildings were in reasonable shape but some of the roof was going and the old living quarters were open and completely gutted inside. I headed SE across pastures towards Marland Syke. Then I followed an earthenware culvert to Cash Force Waterfall. The pipes were probably used to collect water for the mine workings below. The map showed a footbridge further up Black Burn so I headed for it.

Earthenware pipes.

It appeared in the distance and so did the small hut which is shown on the map. What I didn’t expect was the great condition it was in. I peered through the window to a nice kitchen layout. Fully expecting it to be locked I tried the door. It was open so I ventured inside. It was a delightful place; clean, tidy and well looked after. I sat on the grass outside to eat my sandwiches in the sunshine.

There was no path to follow as I continued up Black Burn so I picked my way as I went. I turned right up Alnwick Syke then across open moor to investigate Brandy Bottle Spring which is shown on the map. It turned out to be just a small damp depression. I followed a path for a while then left it head out across open fell to join the main maiden Way path. I was now heading generally down hill but still with several miles to go. The path was grassy until I reached the branch leading to Smittergill Head Mine when the surface changed to coarse stone and very difficult to walk on. I reached the river to find just a ford. I just managed to find some rocks to hop over but if there had been any rain it would have meant wading. The track continued up to the road then back to the car.