BB2615 : Road Ahead Closed

Thursday 14th May 2026

Just beyond the Queen’s Head in Troutbeck is a sign saying “Road Ahead Closed”.  This was not a surprise.  It was why we were there.  We were not bothered by the next sign saying "No Pedestrian or Cycle Access through the Road Closure section". We knew it needn’t deter us.  Nor readers of the Westmorland Gazette.  The reason the road was closed was that there had been a significant landslip some months ago when heavy rain had washed away part of the road over to the Kirkstone Pass.  The reason we were there was because the Westmorland Gazette had just published an article by John Edmonson headed “Scenic walk enhanced by A592 Road Closure.”

We had been up Wansfell 22 times previously but never by the footpath from the north.  The reason being that there was no sensible way to reach the start of that footpath.  Whichever way you approached, you had a long and dangerous road slog to get there.

How things have changed thanks to the road slip.  Starting from the Queen’s Head, shortly after entering Road Closure warning land is a footpath off to the right.  It’s actually a pleasant path with good views over the valley .....

..... and passing, if you cared to search through the trees, an ancient stone circle, though not one of any great merit.  We didn’t bother.  High above us we could see the workmen who have started repairing the road by underpinning it.

The path climbs and emerges onto the A592 on which we followed a group of sheep enjoying the same totally absence of traffic (and other people) as us.

Eventually we came to the top end of the footpath and turned south to climb to the highest point of the Wansfell range, namely Baystones. 

Stan and I would have pressed on but the others, Bryan, TV Mike and Robin, insisted on having their elevenses. 

I was worried that the forecast rain would set in and drench us.  However there was no sign of it as we made our way south along to the popular top, Wansfell Pike.   

Guess what we could see!

Nevertheless, there was no point in lingering so we set off down the well marked path that leads down to the village.....

..... then along to the Queen's Head.  It started pouring down just as we arrived.

We had booked in for lunch and were joined by Mike B and Tony, the purpose being to plan a rather different outing, details of which will appear in due course.  After ample pie, chips and ale, it was time to depart.  If we had thought it was raining when we arrived, that was only a practice effort.  Now it was absolutely throwing it down.

So, dear Reader, if you are seeking a walk over terrain that you would normally not think of treading, this could be it.  But don't leave it too long.  You certainly would not like it once the Road Ahead Closed sign has been removed.

Don, Thursday 14th May 2026

Comitibus:   

Bryan,            Stan,            Don,            TV Mike,            Robin

STATISTICS

BB2615 :  Road Ahead Closed

Date:

Thursday 14th May 2026

Features:

Wansfell (Baystones)
Wansfell Pike

Distance in miles:

6.6

Height climbed in feet:

1,431

GPX track:

BB2615.GPX  

Comitibus:

Bryan, Don, TV Mike, Robin, Stan

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