Bannisdale

Valley in Westmorland South Lakeland

England

Bannisdale

NW up Long Sleddale The view is near Yewbarrow Hall, with Harter Fell (2,509 ft.) ahead. This road goes no further than the head of the valley, but in the 1840s it nearly became the route of the Lancaster & Carlisle Railway - part of the present West Coast Main Line; instead, it is followed by the pipeline to Manchester from Haweswater Reservoir.
NW up Long Sleddale Credit: Ben Brooksbank

Bannisdale is a picturesque valley located in the Westmorland district of Cumbria, England. Situated in the northern part of the Lake District National Park, this hidden gem encompasses approximately 15 square miles of stunning natural beauty. The valley is surrounded by rolling hills and breathtaking panoramic views, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Known for its tranquil atmosphere and untouched landscapes, Bannisdale offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The area is characterized by its lush green meadows, dense woodlands, and babbling streams that meander through the valley. The wildlife here is abundant, with various species of birds, mammals, and plants calling this place their home.

One of the standout features of Bannisdale is its extensive network of footpaths and hiking trails, making it an ideal destination for walkers and ramblers. These routes allow visitors to explore the valley's diverse terrain and discover hidden gems along the way, such as ancient stone circles and historic ruins. The popular Bannisdale Horseshoe is a challenging circular walk that takes in the valley's highest peaks, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding fells.

Although Bannisdale is a predominantly rural area, there are a few scattered farmhouses and cottages that add to its charm. The valley remains relatively untouched by modern development, preserving its natural beauty and traditional character. A visit to Bannisdale offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the tranquility of nature and experience the true essence of the Lake District.

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Bannisdale Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.423011/-2.7394801 or Grid Reference NY5203. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

NW up Long Sleddale The view is near Yewbarrow Hall, with Harter Fell (2,509 ft.) ahead. This road goes no further than the head of the valley, but in the 1840s it nearly became the route of the Lancaster & Carlisle Railway - part of the present West Coast Main Line; instead, it is followed by the pipeline to Manchester from Haweswater Reservoir.
NW up Long Sleddale
The view is near Yewbarrow Hall, with Harter Fell (2,509 ft.) ahead. This road goes no further than the head of the valley, but in the 1840s it nearly became the route of the Lancaster & Carlisle Railway - part of the present West Coast Main Line; instead, it is followed by the pipeline to Manchester from Haweswater Reservoir.
The view from Whiteside Pike Whiteside Pike is the first hill on the Bannisdale Horseshoe.
The view from Whiteside Pike
Whiteside Pike is the first hill on the Bannisdale Horseshoe.
Moorland below Whiteside Pike Looking towards Todd Fell (left) and Capplebarrow (right), the next hills on the Bannisdale Horseshoe.
Moorland below Whiteside Pike
Looking towards Todd Fell (left) and Capplebarrow (right), the next hills on the Bannisdale Horseshoe.
Moorland north of Todd Fell On the way to Capplebarrow, on the Bannisdale Horseshoe.
Moorland north of Todd Fell
On the way to Capplebarrow, on the Bannisdale Horseshoe.
A steep drop into Bannisdale Seen from the Bannisdale Horseshoe.
A steep drop into Bannisdale
Seen from the Bannisdale Horseshoe.
The Bannisdale Horseshoe continues Looking towards Swinklebank Crag Top from Capplebarrow.
The Bannisdale Horseshoe continues
Looking towards Swinklebank Crag Top from Capplebarrow.
The wall across White Howe The Bannisdale Horseshoe follows this wall before veering right to the summit of White Howe.
The wall across White Howe
The Bannisdale Horseshoe follows this wall before veering right to the summit of White Howe.
View from the summit of The Forest White Howe is in the middle distance. The Bannisdale Horseshoe crosses both these hills.
View from the summit of The Forest
White Howe is in the middle distance. The Bannisdale Horseshoe crosses both these hills.
South-eastern slopes of The Forest Ahead is the only steep slope on the Bannisdale Horseshoe. In descent I found this quite awkward.
South-eastern slopes of The Forest
Ahead is the only steep slope on the Bannisdale Horseshoe. In descent I found this quite awkward.
Lamb Pasture The final hill on the Bannisdale Horseshoe.
Lamb Pasture
The final hill on the Bannisdale Horseshoe.
The Bannisdale track Taken after descending from the Bannisdale Horseshoe.
The Bannisdale track
Taken after descending from the Bannisdale Horseshoe.
Dryhowe Bridge From here, there is just 2 kilometres of country lane to complete the Bannisdale Horseshoe.
Dryhowe Bridge
From here, there is just 2 kilometres of country lane to complete the Bannisdale Horseshoe.
Bannisdale Beck Standing on Dryhowe Bridge looking up the dale. The craggy flank of Capplefall is about as exciting as the scenery gets in this very quiet corner of the Lake District. I saw few other walkers all day - two on the tops and two strolling along the valley track. Definitely a place to get far from the madding crowd.
Bannisdale Beck
Standing on Dryhowe Bridge looking up the dale. The craggy flank of Capplefall is about as exciting as the scenery gets in this very quiet corner of the Lake District. I saw few other walkers all day - two on the tops and two strolling along the valley track. Definitely a place to get far from the madding crowd.
Minor top above Bannisdale A few small outcrops dot the top of this knoll east of the summit of Whiteside Pike. Looking north into the sequestered valley of Bannisdale with the craggy flank of Capplefall prominent.
Minor top above Bannisdale
A few small outcrops dot the top of this knoll east of the summit of Whiteside Pike. Looking north into the sequestered valley of Bannisdale with the craggy flank of Capplefall prominent.
Infilled tarn, Whiteside The small pool shown on the map has almost completely disappeared. At one time there would have been a much larger body of water occupying the flat-floored basin.
Infilled tarn, Whiteside
The small pool shown on the map has almost completely disappeared. At one time there would have been a much larger body of water occupying the flat-floored basin.
Summit cairn, Whiteside Pike My last visit was about 20 years ago and not much has changed in this little-frequented corner of the busy Lake District. The fells are still very quiet but there is now a 'millennium' plaque embedded in the cairn. Even this is showing signs of the passing years.
Summit cairn, Whiteside Pike
My last visit was about 20 years ago and not much has changed in this little-frequented corner of the busy Lake District. The fells are still very quiet but there is now a 'millennium' plaque embedded in the cairn. Even this is showing signs of the passing years.
Pt 417m above Bannisdale A small knoll with a few small rocks. Dub Ings Wood can be seen ahead on the crest of the downfall into the dale.
Pt 417m above Bannisdale
A small knoll with a few small rocks. Dub Ings Wood can be seen ahead on the crest of the downfall into the dale.
Stone fence post on Capplebarrow Much older then the wooden posts and far harder wearing.
Stone fence post on Capplebarrow
Much older then the wooden posts and far harder wearing.
Show me another place!

Bannisdale is located at Grid Ref: NY5203 (Lat: 54.423011, Lng: -2.7394801)

Administrative County: Cumbria

District: South Lakeland

Police Authority: Cumbria

What 3 Words

///dries.grief.blissful. Near Staveley, Cumbria

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 54.423011,-2.7394801
Barrier: cattle_grid
Source: Bing
Lat/Long: 54.4256481/-2.7453139
Dub Ings
Place: locality
Source: Bing
Lat/Long: 54.4218719/-2.7431908
Ford: yes
Lat/Long: 54.4205738/-2.7430152
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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