Wainwrights in 21 Days

26km & 1870m (16miles & 6134ft)

Predicted Walking Time 7hr 45m

To download the gpx file click on the button below.

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A lovely day in the Southern Wainwright fells, often on rarely visited hills, though there some indistinct paths in bog for the first 10k.

 

Start early if you can, so that you can walk up the road to Hardknott Pass in peace. The path to Hard Knott summit has become clearer since Wainwright's time so should pose no problems. Return to the road and after about 1km, find a relatively small path that leads eventually to Harter Fell. It's not always clear; the trick is to keep in the right bearing, avoiding the complex small rocky crags on your right.

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From Harter Fell there is a path leading South West to meet the larger footpath from Spothow Gill. Cross this and aim slightly further South, through bog, to reach Green Crag while avoiding the complexities of Crook Crags and Long Crag. From Green Crag there is a clear path that leads down Grassguards Gill.

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After crossing stream at Grassguards Farm, it can be difficult to find the path South of the stream. It is easier to cross the footbridge, go 30m N up the track and then turn right to return to the North side of the stream.

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After Fickle Crag cross the stepping stones and chose a path that will lead you to Long House Gill and the start of the Walna Scar Road. This climbs gradually to the ridge, where you turn Left towards Dow Crag. Enjoy the craggy top of this ridge and the rocky descent to Goat Hawse, before something of a trudge up to The Old Man.

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Turning North you soon reach Brim Fell, a singularly unimpressive summit. The OS don't apply the name to the summit, but instead use the name for the steep slopes running down to Levers Water.

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Continue towards Swirl How, but turn left near Great How Craggs to contour across to the ridge leading West to Grey Friar. After Grey Friar the path descends North but new fence work has diverted the path through a new gate East of the mapped path. The final downhill section to Cockley Beck is boggy and the path is indistinct.

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The land near Cockley Beck has many places suitable for parking. But do note that is a working farm, so take care not to block their access to fields.

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