Geltsdale Nature Reserve

This is a lovely walk whatever the time of year and is usually very quiet. Start from a parking area, then head down the hill on a track to the River Gelt. Cross the bridge and turn right. Follow the path up the hill to the corner of the wall near The Greens.

There's likely to be cows here but they are very used to people. Head straight up the hill and follow a wall to the summit of Talkin Fell. Return to The Greens then turn left and follow the large track to Gairs Cottage which can be very boggy in wet weather. Follow the track past the cottage to the South below Tarnmonath Fell, to the river 'Old Water'. Cross the bridge and turn right, walking to another path junction.

Turn right and head North-West down the hill to some waterworks buildings. Go through the gate and walk past the buildings following the river which is kept to your left. Cross the stone bridge and head up to a minor road. Turn right and follow this road, which is very quiet, back to the car.

This is an RSPB site so there's lots of interesting birdlife to be seen as well as butterflies, Dragonflies and deer on the summit of Talkin Fell. For further information, maps, photos and free GPS routes for this and other fantastic Eden Valley & North Pennines walks please see Book 6 of Misty's Mini Guides which is available from Amazon, Bookends of Keswick, Catstycam of Glenridding, Basecamp (Alpacaly Ever After) on the A66 near Penrith, Kennedy's Fine Chocolates of Orton and Appleby Tourist Information Centre.

Bowlees Visitor Centre also have copies when open in the summer season. Guided walks with a qualified mountain leader also available please visit www.mistysguidedwalks.co.uk for more details or email; mistysminiguides@icloud.com