Length: 5.3 miles. Height change: 1,200ft. Time: 2hr
This is a great introduction into the area around Strands and provides some stunning views up and down the Dale as well as varied countryside over a 5 mile walk: moorland and meadows.
Starting from Strands, you head down the valley towards Low Row from where you head up onto the Corpse Way. Low Row has the Punch Bowl pub – great for evening dinner and afternoon drinks while looking down onto the valley.
The Corpse Way is usually quite dry and a firm path and follows the edge of the hill giving some stunning views up and down the Dale. Eventually you arrive at the start of Gunnerside Ghyll. From here you can go for a longer walk up the Ghyll or return down the hill to Gunnerside, where you can refresh yourself in the Kings Head, our favourite pub: log fire, great beer, great people.
From Gunnerside, you return to Strands via the meadows called Gunnerside Bottoms, which in spring are full of lambs and in early summer wild flowers. You will see varied bird life on this route, depending upon the season. Look out for: lapwing, oyster catchers, curlews, red grouse, bull finch. Recommend you wear hiking boots.