Directions by Road
There are no signposts to Woodend so unless you know where it is and have a reason to go there, you are not likely to find it. This adds to the charm of the place so apart from the postman, occasional delivery vehicle, cyclist and walker, no-one disturbs the peace and quiet.
If you are visiting us, before you start your journey:
From the the south
Leave the M6 at Junction 36 and follow signs for Lakes/Windermere.
Take the exit off the A591 onto the A590 following the signs for Barrow.Ignore any sign on your left to Ulpha at this time as there are two Ulpha's in Cumbria and this is the wrong one!
3 Miles beyond Newby Bridge turn right onto the A5092.
At Greenodd turn right onto the A595 signposted to Whitehaven and Workington.
Follow this road past Broughton-in-Furness, the High Cross Inn on your right and down a steep hill towards the traffic lights.
Turn right just before the traffic lights towards Ulpha and Seathwaite.
Follow this road to Ulpha across the river, past the immediate left turn with a 6'6" restriction past the Post Office on your left and then take the next left onto Birker Fell sign-posted to Eskdale and Wasdale (with a gradient of 1 in 4!).
Follow this road across Birker Moor for 2 miles and on your left, (weather permitting), you will see a plantation of trees surrounded by a dry stone wall.
Go over a bridge and a through a tight left then tight right hand bend and slightly to your left (and in the distance!) you will see a single tree and a white gate (again weather/daylight permitting!)
Go over a cattle grid and continue for half a mile to a signpost on your left that points back to Ulpha (2 1/2) and onwards towards Eskdale (3).*
Turn left onto this small road and head over a small bridge towards the gate and the single tree.
Go through the gate, (closing behind you), and Woodend Cottages are the first buildings you come to after about 3/4 mile.
On the right there is a large parking area. The Bothy is slightly beyond this on the left with the Cottage and House on the right.
*(Nb.If you miss this turn and find yourself at a crossroads signposted to Devoke Water and Stanly Gyll or heading down a long steep hill then turn around and head back and retrace your steps.)
From Scotland and the North East
Leave the M6 at Carlisle and follow the signs for Cockermouth on the A595 then for Whitehaven.
Stay on the A595 until Gosforth then turn left through the village and second right for Eskdale.
Stay on this road past the King George pub IV on your right and head towards Ulpha.
Go up a long steep hill onto Birker Moor.
Follow this road across Birker Moor for about 2 miles.
Continue along the fell road past a black and white signpost on your right at a crossroads, that directs you to Ulpha (3) Eskdale (3) and to Stanley Ghyl.
Turn right at the next signpost on your right that points towards Ulpha (2 1/2) and back towards Eskdale (3) and head over a small bridge towards the gate and the single tree.*
Go through the gate, (closing behind you), and Woodend Cottages are the first buildings you come to after about 3/4 mile.
On the right there is a large parking area. The Bothy is slightly beyond this on the left with the Cottage and House on the right.*(Nb.If you miss this turn and find yourself going over a cattle grid or over a bridge with a farm immediately on your left or heading down a long steep hill then turn around and head back and retrace your steps.)
