Eskdale Green - Giggle Alley - Mitredale

Mike Patefield

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As soon as I came across the name Giggle Alley' I knew I had to visit. What could it be – a more humorous version of Lovers' Lane, perhaps? In fact, it is a wood in Eskdale and I was even more intrigued to learn that it contains a forgotten masterpiece by that genius of Lakeland garden design, T H Mawson, responsible for other great gardens such as Rydal Hall and Holehird. Time and changing fortunes have led to its being smothered by rampant vegetation but local people, together with the Forestry Commission, are slowly working to restore it to its former glory. This route leads through the garden, then over into the next valley of Mitredale. The walk is rounded off by an easy stroll by the river and through Eskdale back to the start.

Eskdale is served by one of the most quirky transport systems, the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway or Ratty as it is affectionately known. This is an ideal walk to combine with a trip on the little trains.

A joy at any time of year, late spring and autumn are the ideal times to see the vegetation at its most colourful and there is a lovely display of daffodils at one point in early spring.

England - North England - Cumbria - Lake District - South West