Kat | Summits & Skies

A classic flat and easy walk in the heart of the Lakes, suitable year-round and ideal for an easy day, recovery walk, or winter low-level option.

This route combines three smaller, isolated Wainwrights that are often walked separately. With a little road and farm walking, it’s possible to link them into a single loop for a longer day out. Starting from roadside parking near Great Mell, the route follows a fairly boggy track to the highest summit of the day. After retracing your steps, it heads across farmland towards Little Mell Fell, where a short but surprisingly steep ascent leads to the summit. A brief section of road walking then connects with the Ullswater Way, a more pleasant track with open views across Ullswater as you head towards Gowbarrow Fell, the final Wainwright of the route. A gradual descent then leads back towards Great Mell to finish the loop. This is a lower-level route with classic Lakeland countryside rather than serious mountain terrain, making it a sensible option in harsher conditions. Wainwrights covered • Great Mell Fell – 537m • Little Mell Fell – 505m • Gowbarrow Fell – 481m Parking Roadside parking near Great Mell / Matterdale End (limited; please park considerately).

This is a short but worthwhile loop covering two Wainwrights directly above Glenridding, making it a strong half-day option when you want a proper hike without committing to the higher Helvellyn range. The route climbs straight out of the village on a steep stone path to Glenridding Dodd, gaining height quickly with views over Ullswater. A second short ascent leads onto Sheffield Pike, with open views across to Helvellyn, Catstye Cam and the surrounding eastern fells. From Sheffield Pike, the route follows a gentle descent that contours above Ullswater before easing back into Glenridding. Wainwrights covered: • Glenridding Dodd – 442m • Sheffield Pike – 675m Parking: Glenridding village car parks (pay & display). Toilets and cafés available in the village (seasonal)

This route combines the easy but rewarding summit of Latrigg with Skiddaw Little Man and Lonscale Fell, offering excellent views above Keswick without the full commitment of Skiddaw itself (though Skiddaw can easily be added in good conditions if you fancy a longer day). After a short loop over Latrigg, the route follows a well-marked gravel path up to Skiddaw Little Man. From here, you can continue on to Skiddaw if conditions allow, or retrace your steps before heading out towards Lonscale Fell across open, grassy slopes. A fairly steep descent drops you onto the Cumbria Way, which provides an easy, mostly flat finish back to the car. Overall, this is a varied and satisfying half-day route, best suited to clear conditions. In winter, expect wind exposure on the higher sections and icy ground after cold spells. Wainwrights covered • Latrigg - 369m • Skiddaw Little Man - 865m • Lonscale Fell - 715m Parking: Skiddaw Car Park (free; no facilities)

A short, straightforward out-and-back offering the most direct line to the summit of Brown How (517m) from Whinlatter Pass. Ideal for shorter winter days, or as an add-on to a longer route through Whinlatter Forest. From Brown How, it’s also possible to continue on to Lord’s Seat and Barf to create a longer, higher-level day with broader views. Parking: Whinlatter Visitor Centre (Forestry England; pay on exit). Toilets available, with café and shop on site (check seasonal opening times).

A big mountain day out starting and finishing in the quiet woodland of Dodd Wood. A gradual ascent through the trees provides a gentle warm-up before a short but steeper climb to the first summit of the day, Ullock Pike. From here, the route follows the Longside ridge, opening up wide views across Derwent Water and towards Skiddaw. The climb then continues up Skiddaw’s southern slopes to reach one of England’s highest mountains, before retracing your steps along the ridge. The final major summit is Carl Side, after which a long, steady descent leads back towards the edge of Dodd Wood. A modest final climb takes you up Dodd before an easy return through the forest to the car park. In the right conditions, this route makes an excellent big winter hill day, with broad ridges, straightforward navigation, and consistently rewarding views. Aim for a clear, settled forecast as Skiddaw is famously exposed and can be very windy even when surrounding fells are calm. Winter kit: microspikes and poles are often sufficient in cold, frozen conditions; adjust for snow and ice as required. Wainwrights covered • Ullock Pike - 690m • Longside - 734m • Carl Side - 746m • Skiddaw - 931m • Dodd - 502m Parking: Dodd Wood Car Park (pay on exit). Toilets available and café on site (check seasonal opening times).

A long but non-technical circuit through the Central Fells, with varied landscapes and excellent viewpoints over both Derwent Water and Thirlmere. This route is well suited to clear, cold conditions, when frozen ground helps avoid the boggy sections that can affect this area after prolonged rain. Starting from Great Wood car park, the route follows a well-established woodland track up to Walla Crag, with early views opening out over Derwent Water. The route then continues on to Bleaberry Fell and High Seat, the highest point of the day. From here, the walking becomes easier and more gently undulating, crossing open ground to High Tove and Armboth Fell. A gradual descent then leads to Raven Crag, a popular summit and viewpoint above Thirlmere with expansive views along the length of the reservoir. The return forms an extended and pleasant loop back to the roadside. Alternatively, it’s possible to retrace your steps from Raven Crag to High Seat and return to the car park via the outward route. Wainwrights covered: • Walla Crag (379m) • Bleaberry Fell (590m) • High Seat (608m) • High Tove (515m) • Armboth Fell (479m) • Raven Crag (461m) Parking: Great Wood Car Park pay & display