Torver Beck

Scrambling the middle section of Torver Beck near to Coniston in the Central Lake District. Summary verdict: a slippery but fun continuous climb with two perfect Grade 1+ ravine-based scrambles

Route in: park in/around Torver (paid parking in village and some free lay-bys outside to the east); then walk up the footpath via Scarr Head if parked in village centre or via Little Arrow if parked out to east beginning on footpath south of the A-road

Start point: enter where the footpaths to right and left of the beck meet at a footbridge at OS Ref SD 28044 95807

Grading: there are two long, narrow grade 1.5 sets of cascade within ravines plus plenty of smaller, lesser cascades

Warning: Banishead Quarry has crumbly cliff edges and steep drops if you venture into it

End point: Torver Bridge at OS Ref SD 27094 96483

Route out: depending on where parked, take either the path to the left or the right side of the beck back down to Torver

Time: 40 mins from CP to start point; then c.75 mins up the beck; then about 50 mins to walk back

Combine with: Torver Beck (upper section); becks running up Old Man of Coniston from Walna Scar Road

Gear: wet scramble gear including buoyancy vest and helmet

Verdict: entertaining scramble: greasy underfoot but fairly continuous scrambling and the two ravine-based cascade sets are perfectly-pitched challenges for a Grade 1 scrambler

Category: Top-Rated Scramble

Score: 8/10

Video guide: