Upper Eskdale, Lake District, Cumbria

Tongue Pot

River

Source image

8.1

Wildland

Half day

Time

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Cost

Wild

Feel

RiversideValleyHillsWalkersPhotographers

Why it's Wildland

8.1

An emerald river pool beneath a waterfall, reached through upper Eskdale’s rugged fell country.

The walk is part of the reward: rough valley paths, small waterfalls and a deep green pool tucked into a rocky cleft. Nearby Lingcove Bridge gives the outing another strong focal point without needing to turn it into a summit expedition.

Wild · Dramatic · Atmospheric

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Upper Eskdale, Lake District, Cumbria

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The experience

Follow the documented out-and-back walk into upper Eskdale, making Tongue Pot the main stop rather than rushing past it. Look for the waterfall feeding the pool, the shelving pebble edge and the overhanging oak. With extra time and suitable conditions, explore the Lingcove Bridge area before returning. This is a worthwhile waterside walk without entering the water.

Things to do

Walk the upper Eskdale approach

Follow the documented four-mile return walk through farmland and rugged valley scenery. It is graded moderate, with a stile, rough sections and potentially boggy ground.

1.5–2 hours walking, plus stops

Study the pool from the bank

Look for the waterfall feeding the long green pool, its rocky cleft, the shelving pebble beach and the oak hanging above the water. Stay on stable ground rather than scrambling onto wet poolside rocks.

Include Lingcove Bridge and the falls

The nearby packhorse bridge and Lingcove Beck Falls give the walk a second focus. Use the documented route map and assess the rougher ground before continuing upstream.

Make a day of it

Quick escape · Allow 2–3 hours including stops; published walking estimate 1.5–2 hours

Quick escape: walk to the emerald pool

01
Start from the documented roadside parking near the red telephone box at the foot of Hardknott Pass, checking local signs.
02
Follow the mapped four-mile out-and-back route through the valley, allowing time for boggy and rocky sections.
03
Pause at Tongue Pot to take in the waterfall, rocky cleft and shelving pebble edge from stable ground.
04
Return by the outward route. Water entry is not necessary for this outing.

Half day · Half day; suggested allowance, not a measured extended-route time

Half day: Tongue Pot and Lingcove’s waterfalls

01
Use the documented approach from the foot of Hardknott Pass and take your time along the valley’s pools and small waterfalls.
02
Make Tongue Pot the first main stop, looking at the contrast between the emerald pool and the surrounding rock.
03
Include nearby Lingcove Bridge and Lingcove Beck Falls using the source route map; continue only where footing and conditions allow.
04
Retrace the approach with enough daylight for slower progress over wet ground.

Verified history

The nearby packhorse bridge is the tangible historical feature here. Wilderstill connects it with the valley’s past as a route for trade and travel, though the supplied evidence does not establish its construction date.

Hidden details

The oak above the pebble edge — AllTrails describes an oak overhanging the pool and a pebble beach shelving down on one side: small details worth noticing alongside the more dramatic waterfall.

Smaller falls along the tributaries — Wilderstill notes miniature waterfalls where smaller tributaries feed the Esk. Look from the established route rather than treating every side stream as an invitation to scramble.

When to go

May · June · July · August · September · Early arrival in daylight, particularly during summer holidays when roadside spaces fill.

Late spring to early autumn is the suggested walking window. Summer does not eliminate boggy ground; autumn adds colour to the surrounding woodland.

Expect slippery rocks and boggy sections, including in summer. Heavy rain can make both the terrain and river more hazardous. The source row warns of rapidly changing water levels and currents. Do not enter high or discoloured water, and do not jump or dive. Reports of swimming do not establish permission or safe conditions. Mobile-signal claims conflict, so do not rely on reception.

Worth pairing with

Lingcove Bridge and Lingcove Beck Falls

The strongest evidenced extension: a packhorse bridge and a taller waterfall close to the main pool. Incorporate them into the same walk when ground conditions allow.

Hardknott Roman Fort

Wilderstill identifies the nearby Roman fort overlooking the pass. It offers a contrasting historical stop, but access, parking and visit arrangements need checking separately.

What to look for

01
The long emerald pool in its rocky cleft
02
a pebble beach shelving into the water
03
the overhanging oak
04
Lingcove’s packhorse bridge and the taller falls upstream.

Best time to go

Late spring to early autumn; choose settled weather rather than a particular calendar date.

Late spring and summer offer a useful walking window, although boggy ground can persist even in summer. Arrive early during busy holiday periods because parking is limited. Autumn brings woodland colour; heavy rain and winter conditions make the rough ground more demanding.

How long to spend

Half day

Perfect for

Walkers · Photographers

Practical information

Opening & access

A published walking route approaches from roadside parking near the red telephone box at the foot of Hardknott Pass. Allow 1.5–2 hours for the four-mile return walk, plus stops. Rough, boggy ground and a stile make this more than a casual stroll. Swimming permission is not established by the supplied sources.

Parking

Wilderstill reports free, limited roadside parking near the old red telephone box at the foot of Hardknott Pass, with additional roadside spaces about 100 metres from Jubilee Bridge. AllTrails warns that the approach road is narrow and winding. Check signs and availability before visiting.

Check before visiting

Toilets

The source row reports no toilets at the pool or nearby. Check before visiting.

Check before visiting

Food & drink

Check before visiting

Dogs

Wilderstill says dogs are welcome under close control. AllTrails notes numerous sheep and a stile, and considers the trail less suitable for dogs.

Accessibility

Uneven paths, boggy sections, rocky descents and a stile. Wilderstill states that the walk is unsuitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.

Water

River