Dalegarth to St Catherine’s Church Walk (Lake District)
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The Dalegarth to St Catherine’s Church walk takes you through the quiet Eskdale valley in the western Lake District. You’ll follow peaceful paths and tracks across open countryside, connecting the well-known Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway station at Dalegarth with the village of Boot.
This walk is about 2.5 km (1.5 miles) in a loop, with extra paths you can explore if you like. It’s a relaxed choice for a short, dog-friendly walk in the Lake District. You’ll see views of the nearby fells and the peaceful Eskdale countryside.
Begin your walk at Dalegarth for Boot railway station. Follow the path to St Catherine’s Church, then return along the loop.
This walk is also featured in our guide to the 50 Best Dog Walks in the Lake District.
WALK OVERVIEW
Distance: 1.5 miles (2.5 km) circular with optional spurs
Route type: Circular
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
OS Map: Explorer OL6
Terrain: Village paths, compacted tracks, and grassy sections through farmland
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ROUTE DETAILS
Start your walk at Dalegarth station, which is the last stop on the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, also known as the “La’al Ratty”.
From the station, take the path towards the village of Boot. You’ll walk through open countryside and past fields, with views of the Eskdale fells around you.
As you go, you’ll come to St Catherine’s Church, a small historic church in a quiet spot. The churchyard is a peaceful place to stop and rest before you carry on.
The walk loops through the village, passing traditional Lakeland cottages and farmland, before leading you back to Dalegarth.
There are also two short paths branching off the main route, so you can explore extra viewpoints or quiet spots in the valley before returning to the main walk.
This gentle countryside walk is a great dog-friendly option in the Lake District, especially if you want to explore the quieter western side of the park. Remember to keep your dog under control near livestock and wildlife.
The route finishes back at Dalegarth station, completing the loop.
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ACCESSIBILITY NOTES
This route is part of the Miles Without Stiles collection by the Lake District National Park, which highlights accessible walks across the region.
Key points to consider:
Compacted tracks and paths for much of the route
Some grassy or uneven sections through farmland
Occasional gates along the route
Gentle slopes in places
The route is graded as “for some”, so it’s best for walkers who are comfortable with uneven ground and gentle slopes.
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START POINT
Location: Dalegarth for Boot railway station
Postcode: CA19 1TF
Grid reference: SD 171009
What3Words: ///perform.tarnished.stitch
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TURNING POINT
Location: St Catherine’s Church, Boot
Grid reference: SD 172009
What3Words: ///clearing.introduce.irrigate
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FACILITIES
At Dalegarth railway station, you’ll find cafés, toilets, and refreshments. There’s also a pub and some small amenities in the nearby village of Boot.
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GETTING THERE
By Car
Take the A595 along Cumbria’s west coast, then head inland towards Eskdale. Follow the valley road to Dalegarth station, where you can park.
By Train
The Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway goes from the coastal village of Ravenglass to Dalegarth station. This means you can start your walk with a scenic narrow-gauge train ride, which is rare in the Lake District.
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LOOKING FOR MORE ROUTES?
Explore our guide to the 50 Best Dog Walks in the Lake District.
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Disclaimer: We do our best to provide accurate information, but please double-check details independently before making any plans based on this article.
Planning a Dog Friendly Lake District Break
Walks like the Dalegarth to St Catherine’s Church route are great for exploring the quieter valleys of the Lake District with your dog. The calm setting, easy paths, and lovely countryside make it a relaxing choice for a shorter walk.
Many visitors choose to stay nearby so they can explore Eskdale and other dog-friendly walks in the Lake District, especially in the quieter western parts of the park.
Browse our dog-friendly Lake District cottages to find the perfect place for your next walking holiday.
