Wainwrights in 21 Days

23km & 1987m (14miles & 6517ft)

Predicted Walking Time 7hr 30m

To download the gpx file click on the button below.

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A day in the Southern Wainwright fells with many options. Those averse to exposure may choose an alternative route on Yewbarrow. Many will choose an alternative to the "adventurous" route off Middle Fell.  

 

The day begins with a traverse of Yewbarrow. This involves some easy scrambling on both ascent and descent, rewarded by stunning views of the top end of Wasdale. Both scrambles involve some exposure, but they could both be avoided by going up the Eastern side of Over Beck and climbing directly up grass to the ridge from Gosforth Crag Moss. Return the same way.

 

Onwards to Red Pike and the Scoat Fell area, with its diversions to Pillar and Steeple.  These might be problematic in mist, but then this day is too good to waste on a misty day anyway.

 

Haycock and Caw Fell pose no problems, but the following section towards Seatallan is fiddly to begin with. The best route seems to be to start back towards Haycock and, when half way back, to turn South East towards High Pikehow, hopefully joining the path that bends South and leads all the way to Seatallan peak.

 

The start towards Buckbarrow is runnable downhill, but becomes more complex on a succession of small paths among the multitude of minor peaks.

 

From Buckbarrow there is a lengthy section off piste. Keep level over the first few minor hillocks, avoiding dropping down towards Greendale Gill. A stone pillar marks the start of Buckbarrow Moss. Aim for that and then continue through the bog directly towards Greendale Tarn. From the tarn, aim for the path on the top of the Middle Fell ridge, aiming slightly SE to stay on grassy slopes and avoid the crags.

 

The descent shown from Middle Fell is "adventurous": not very easy to find, often overgrown, and fairly steep in places. It passes North of Goat Crag with the upper sections being to the SW of the stream. Lower down you cross the stream a number of times, going a little further SW from it when it enters a narrow gully. Perfectly possible, but perhaps frustrating at the end of the day.

 

One alternative to the adventurous route is to go down the ridge path South to Greendale. Much easier, but you end up with a longish walk back along the road.

 

A second alternative is to change the order of the peaks after Seatallan. Descend Seatallan towards the North. Once you reach less steep ground, turn East and ascend Middle Fell on the path from the North. From the summit, go a short distance South before turning to the bottom end of Greendale Tarn. Cross Buckbarrow Moss to the pillar and then work your way through the minor peaks to Buckbarrow. From the summit there is a path (not on the OS maps) leading down Gill Beck to the road. Unfortunately this alternative route then involves a walk back along the same road.   

 

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