Our peaceful pocket of Cumbria is home to some of the region’s most gentle and beautiful walking routes, perfect for guests seeking fresh air, scenic views, and a taste of history underfoot.

Perhaps the most famous of all is the Ladies Walk, a historic riverside path once favoured by the women of the Musgrave family, who owned Edenhall Estate for centuries. But there are plenty more walks to explore – from quiet village loops to farmland rambles and panoramic hilltop viewpoints.

This guide introduces several well-loved local walks, all starting from Edenhall village or the estate grounds, and suitable for a range of abilities.

The Ladies Walk: Edenhall’s Historic Riverside Path (2 miles return)

Time: 45 minutes – 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Flat grassy riverside path, with some uneven sections

The Ladies Walk is a historic footpath that follows the banks of the River Eden, just south of Edenhall village. Named for the Victorian-era ladies of Eden Hall who used it for gentle afternoon strolls, this route remains a local treasure—peaceful, picturesque, and full of period charm.

Route:

  1. Begin near St Cuthbert’s Church and walk down to the riverbank path.
  2. Turn left (upstream), following the course of the River Eden.
  3. The path leads through meadowland and light woodland, with the river always close by. Look for ancient trees, riverside wildflowers, and quiet spots perfect for reflection or sketching.
  4. Continue until you reach a discreet wooden bench overlooking the bend in the river—this is the traditional endpoint of the Ladies Walk.
  5. Return the same way.

Edenhall to Langwathby via the River Eden (2.5 miles one way)

Time: 1 hour (each way)
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Flat meadows, riverside footpaths

This riverside walk shares much of the tranquil beauty of the Ladies Walk, continuing further downstream to the village of Langwathby. Ideal for a longer stroll and a visit to the Shepherd’s Inn.

Long View Walk: Edenhall to the Pennine Edge (6 miles round trip)

Time: 3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Open fields, gentle inclines

Ideal for guests looking for elevation and big skies, this walk rewards you with a panoramic view across the Eden Valley and out toward the Pennine hills, including Great Dun Fell.

Walking Tips

  • Waterproof boots are advised, even in summer – some paths near the river can be damp.
  • All walks begin within easy reach of estate accommodation.
  • The Ladies Walk, in particular, is a great early-morning route if you’re hoping for quiet reflection, birdsong, or photography.

Local Folklore: “The Luck of Edenhall”

As you stroll along the Ladies Walk or past the former site of Eden Hall, you may hear whispers of the Luck of Edenhall – a 14th-century glass beaker that became a family talisman. Legend has it that if the glass was ever broken, the estate would fall. The original now resides in the V&A Museum, but the tale lives on among the hedgerows and riverbanks.

Responsible Walking

Please follow the Countryside Code:

  • Keep dogs on leads near livestock
  • Take litter home
  • Close gates behind you
  • Stay on marked footpaths