Consider the weather conditions, if the Beck is flooded, take the access road to Bents and The Winterings. Guarded by a steel gate, this route to the East of the village is a right of way and a safer bet in bad weather, both these paths join higher up the Gill.
Not so today, the weather is good. So leaving your car in the village centre close to the bridge, cross and immediately take a wide track on your left at the side of the beck. As you reach the entrance to an impressive stone house take the narrow path on your right and in a short distance pass through a stile gate to follow a water worn boulder strewn path. Entering a precious wooded area, Elias Stot Wood has recently been the focus of a regeneration project. It's trees, Rowan, Birch and Holly ring out with the sound of bird song and underfoot Dogs Mercury, Anemone, Primroses, Blue Bells and Violets abound. All have recently been protected with a ring of rabbit proof fencing.
The path runs parallel with the Beck weaving its way along the bank to a finger post, 'Gunnerside Gill' Woodland Path. Take this path as it climbs steadily traversing the steep valley side. There are one or two fallen trees, casualties of the January 2005 gales to negotiate around before descending toward the Beck and over a small railway sleeper foot bridge. Following the way marker posts and through several more stiles you stumble onto the first evidence of mining, a crushing mill, part of A.D. Mining Company's extensive activity in this area. The path passes to the left of these ruins and over a stile to climb steadily away from the wooded valley side toward bracken covered banks. Rejoining a stone wall to your left continue your ascent but not before taking in a distant view of Botcher Gill and its waterfalls opposite. Continue along your route passing a stone cairn, crossing a couple of fell side streams and in a little under half a mile the remains of Bunting Mines is reached. There is evidence that this is a popular stop, strategically placed stones against the south facing walls of the old buildings provide both seat and backrest for a deserved break and a check of the map and the many paths in this area.
Having gained your bearings in approximately one hundred and fifty metres your confidence will be dashed as you come across a finger post pointing out three separate directions, Gunnerside, Surrender Bridge and Blakethwaite Dams. Its the latter you want but there are two paths directly in front of you, the higher and the lower, which do you take?. Well either will do because they both end up at the same point. My preference is however the lower path as it stays close to the beck. This straight forward clear path takes you in the direction of the next mining relics, Blakethwaite Smelt Mill to cross over the Beck on a single piece of stone of monolithic proportion.
From here a narrow path continues along the opposite bank, as it climbs further up the Gill passing a small waterfall. There's a chance you may get your feet wet here because you have to cross the Beck by which ever boulders you choose! (not recommended after heavy rainfall). Climbing away from the beck now on the East side of the Gill follow the path and note the stone shooting hut above you. Disregard the path to your right just before the hut and continue along this faint path as it passes old stone sheepfolds and follows the gill as it narrows and swings left before reaching the remains of the first dam. In approximately one hundred metres there's a second much larger dam, now derelict there is evidence that these stone and rubble filled structures were built by skilled masons. The very large stones, dressed and laid to perfection are testament to their skills in such a remote area. This is the furthest point of your walk and a good lunch stop.
Having explored the area and taken in a few calories retrace your steps back to Blakethwaite Smelt Mill but don't cross the large stone footbridge. Instead cross Blind Gill Beck and follow a broad grassy path as it traverses the Gill and joins a stone track in a little over half a mile at Botcher Gill. Turn left along this track and through a field gate, from here the track continues toward Gunnerside until you notice a small pile of stones on the verge. This marks your route across a marshy field covered with sedge grasses and very often cattle. It can be muddy underfoot and is not easily definable, so as you descend diagonally across this area make for the post and wire fence. This will bring you to a small gated squeeze stile and to the rear of the village cottages back to the start of your walk.
