Wilkins Pool.
Distance
2 miles
Why we love this walk
A lovely walk with fantastic views of Longtown and the surrounding areas, starting and ending in the town of Longtown.
We did this walk with our toddler in a hiking backpack, it is not pram accessible. The 2 mile circular route is a great opportunity to see plenty of wildlife and explore more of Longtown. There are some wonderful views and a few hidden sections where you are able to get down to the River Esk and skim stones. Please do be extremely careful with your little ones when you are close to any water, the River Esk can be extremely fast flowing at times.
This is a wonderfully flat walk for children to stretch their legs, splash in muddy puddles and collect sticks and stones! The terrain is a mixture of gravel paths and grassy footpaths, if choosing to take the circular route please note the terrain does become quite difficult underfoot. If you’re walking with younger children I would recommend walking the linear route.
Note: Some sections can get muddy, suitable footwear is advised. There is a very small gate half way through this walk making it unsuitable for pushchairs (unless you are willing to lift your pram over the gate).
Parking
We used free, off road parking on Esk Bank. This is also within close distance to Longtown Play Area. Postcode: CA6 5PT.
Bumpy terrain at the start of the walk.
Wilkins Pool
The end of the route, here either turn back for the linear route or go left for the circular route.
Longtown Play Area
The Route:
Starting on Esk Bank head away from the town centre and down the off-road track ahead of you, keeping the River Esk on your right hand side. Follow this track for approximately one mile. You will see Wilkins Pool on your left hand side and the River Esk will still be on your right. You will soon come to a no entry sign, this marks the end of the permissive path (picture three). Here you can either turn back on yourself and retrace your steps back to the car, or you can turn left and follow a grassy path keeping Wilkins Pool on your left hand side now.
Please note, I would not recommend the circular route for those with smaller children. The terrain is quite difficult and very wet in places. Walking boots would be advised for the circular route.
Don’t forget to enjoy Longtown play area at the end of your walk, this can be found just behind Esk Bank at the start/end of your walk. See Strava map for the full route.
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