Tag: Wainwright

Lake District – High Street – No shops here but 3 to 5 Wainwrights in the Far Eastern Fells

This is a beautiful and lesser-trodden horseshoe in the Lake District. Ideal if you are looking to bag a few Wainwrights, it includes Mardale Ill Bell, High Street, and Kidsty Pike. If you are keen to maximise your numbers, you can also take a short detour to include The Knott and Rampsgill Head. If you simply want a scenic high-level route, this is a rewarding option that’s not overly demanding. Just be mindful, it can get quite windy up there, so it’s best saved for a clear, calm day. And for wild swimming fans: consider doing the loop in reverse so you can end with a refreshing dip in Small Water.

View on the way to High Street. Looking at Small Water and Hawswater. This route takes in 3 Wainwrights: Mardale Ill bell, High Street and Kidsty Pike. Can easy extend to include The Knott and Rampsgill Head — Click on the picture to see the full slideshow and route video

Superb views across the Lake the District from the top. Click here to open the route on Komoot or contact for the link on other walking apps. — Click on the picture to see the full slideshow and route video

Stats

Difficulty	Moderate to Strenuous – No technical skills required. But a fair amount of Elevation. And some alpine paths. There is a very mild scramble on the descent.
Length	7.9 mi – 12.2 km
Total elevation	2,687 ft – 819m
Highest point	2,703 ft – 824m
Walking time	5h00
Terrain	Walking paths, Alpine paths (including some very mild scramble)
Equipment	Enough water to walk for 5 hrs. There are no pubs or cafes en route or nearby. There are some streams on the way up (until c. 2 miles) and on the way down (c. 5.9 miles) but being on a ridge; nothing in between. Also, think about layers, layers, layers ! It could be a stunning day in the valley but at over 2,500 ft; it can get cold. And again; you will be on ridge, be prepared for the wind-chill.

View route (Click on menu to reveal the image)

Getting there

Driving: Free car-park for 25 cars at Mardale Head, the start of the walk
Public transport: Sadly, this walk cannot be accessed by public transport

Watering Holes

Unfortunately, there are no pubs or cafes within walking distance of this walk. But within a short drive:
The Mardale Inn – Bampton – 16 mins drive
A fantastic community pub. CAMRA approved for its ale.
Closed on Wednesdays. Dinner is served Mon-Tue and Thur – Sat from 16:30-20:30, closes at 19:00 on Sunday. Lunch is available Fri and Sat from 12:00. to 14:00 and Sunday from 12:00-14:30. But you must book ahead for food. Expect pub classics as well as roasts on Sundays. But also some restaurant dishes such as grilled seabass with salsa verde.
Bampton is famous for being the filming location of Withnail & I.
The Punchbowl Inn – Askham – 24 mins drive
My favourite in the area, a traditional country inn dating from the 18th Century. Muddy paws and boots are welcome. Sit outside in the Summer and by the cosy fire in winter.
Fresh, local and home-cooked food is served Mon-Sat from 12:00-15:00 and 17:00-21:00 continuous service on Sunday from 12:00-19:00. Expect pub classics and Sunday roasts.
Good selection of ales and the pub has its own micro-brewery. It also has 6 bedrooms.

Make a week-end of it – Where to stay and eat

For walkers and film fans: The Mardale Inn – Bampton
An amazing Community pub with rooms.
See above for more details on the pub. The Inn has 6 cosy rooms. The bed mattresses use Herdwick wool from the are. Toiletries are made in the Valley. The Inn will help you plan (and load routes) for walks nearby if you do not fancy the above. They work closely with the local RSPB reserve to propose activities. Bampton village was used as filming location for Withnail & I; the village’s phone-box has a guest book for the all fans of that classic movie.

For walkers and history fans: The Punchbowl Inn – Askham
A very cosy Inn from the 18th Century.
See above for more details on the pub. The Inn has 6 cosy rooms.
Askham Hall (Lowther Castle) is on its doorstep. A fantastic place to spend the Sunday, soaking in the history and visiting the beautiful gardens.

For the luxury seekers: The Hawswater Inn listed in the 100 best place to stay in the UK by the Times Newspaper and a two rosettes restaurant. This is a beautiful property in a stunning location. A couple of minutes drive from the start of the walk. I cannot vouch for it personally but believe the service and comfort are top-notch. However; rooms cost £150 for no view and up to £380 per night. This is the best place to disconnect (no phone signal and slow wi-fi) for a romantic week-end as long as your budget is not limited.

June 9, 2025

Bannerdale Crags & Bowscale Fell – 2 Wainwrights, 1 tarn and 1 pint – Lake District, Northern Fells

Coming out of Mungrisdale, we followed the river for a while. Be prepared for mud as the area is boggy. Rather than taking the path that goes right by the Tongue; we took a lesser used path to get straight up to Bannerdale Crags Summit.
The fews are amazing from that wide ridge path.
This route does not require advanced technical skills but there is a little rocky section just before reaching the top of Bannerdale Crags. Again, the views of the Crags are quite impressive from that path.
If the weather conditions are too wet or you would like to bag an extra Wainwright; extend the walk y taking the path on the other side of the river and take in Souther Fell.
Once at the top, you’ll get a good view of Sharp Edge and Blencathra.
Hope you have a taken good layers with you. Even though it was a sunny clear day; it didn’t take long for my gloves and hat to come out of the bag. The flat plateau is very exposed to the wind.
For lunch, there is a shelter the top of Bowscale Fell or you can wait until you have reached the tarn.
We decided to enjoy the tarn rather than bag Tarn Crags Top on that day.
Going down to the tarn is a steep and grassy path. Nothing technical but mind your knees.
Again, you could take a gentler way down and bag another Wainwright by avoiding the tarn and descending towards Tarn Crags

Only 7miles but with a strenuous 2,000ft of ascent. This hike takes in 2 to 4 Wainwrights depending on the route you choose (you would have to opt out of the tarn for the 4th). Starting in Mungrisdale, to reveal some stunning views of Bannerdale Crags, Sharp Edge and Blencathra. With the original route, you will complete Bannerdale Crags and Bowscale Fell (with a descent via Bowscale Tarn) but you can tweak the route to include Souther Fell and Tarn Crag. — Click on the picture to see the full slideshow and route video

Stats

Difficulty	Strenuous
Length	7.6 mi – 12.2 km
Total elevation	2,018 ft – 615m
Highest point	2,192 ft – 668m
Walking time	3h25
Terrain	footpaths, rocky paths, boggy paths, road
Equipment	Good shoes, it can get muddy in places. Enough water to last you for 4 hours. This is quite a strenuous ascent. Layers as the top is really chilly and windy.

View route (Click on menu to reveal the image)

Send me a message on social media or email to request the GPX file, AllTrails or Komoot link

Getting there

Driving: Car Park in Mungrisdale
Public transport: Unfortunately, this is not an easy to walk to access by public transport.

Watering Holes

The Mill Inn – Mungrisdale – at the beginning or end of the walk.
Part of the Robinson’s brewery. This is the only pub in Mungrisdale.
Muddy boots and paws are welcome and the atmosphere is friendly.
There is a beer garden for the summer and roaring wood-fires in winter.
Selection of real ales and delicious home-cooked food.
Expect traditional pub fayre and roast dinners on Sundays. But please note the pub is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Make a week-end of it – Where to stay and eat

Mungrisdale is ideally situated for a week-end of walking and cycling. It is located on the cycling Coast to Coast route.
And there are numerous fell and lower level walks starting from the village.
With only one pub and one tea-room; it is the ideal place to spend a peaceful week-end away from the hustle and bustle.

For a cosy Inn: The Mill Inn offers
This 17th Century Inn offers half a dozen rooms.
The rooms are cozy and dogs are welcome.

November 7, 2024

Wansfell Pike – 7.5 miles, an easy Wainwright with a pint – Lake District, Far Eastern Fells

This is an ideal route if your heart is set on ticking Wainwrights regardless of the weather. The paths are excellent and easy to find. With a summit below 1,500ft it is a great one to keep for the winter.
Start in Ambleside, where you will find samples facilities and Troutbeck is just after the descent. An ideal spot to stop for a warming bowl of soup or a drink by the fire-place. The route back to Ambleside is fairly flat and straightforward (Coffin Route)

Stats

Difficulty	Moderate
Length	7.5 mi – 12 km
Total elevation	1,824 ft – 556m
Highest point	1,500 ft – 457m
Walking time	3h20
Terrain	Footpaths, Bridleway and road
Equipment	Good shoes, it can get muddy in places. Layers as it can get windy on top.

View route (Click on menu to reveal the image)

Getting there

Driving: Car Park in Ambleside
Public transport:
From Carlisle: Train to Oxenholme, then train to Windermere then bus 555 to Ambleside (1h30)
From Lancaster: Train to Oxenholme then train to Windermere and bus 555 to Ambleside (< 1h)
From Manchester: Train from Piccadilly to Oxenholme then train to Windermere and bus 555 to Ambleside (< 2h)
From Preston: Train to Oxenholme, then train to Windermere then bus 555 to Ambleside (1h15)

Watering Holes

The Mortal Man – Troutbeck – 3 miles in and straight after the descent.
A fab traditional village inn dating from 1689.
Muddy paws and boots are always welcome.
The pub is big on supporting charities and will donate 10% of the sales on their cask ale to their favourite charity.
For the food, expect pub classics with local ingredients, roast dinners on Sunday and more gastro dishes for the evening such as Venison Haunch when in season.
There are 3 sections to the pub for a traditional cosy corner with board games to more formal dining.
Fantastic beer-garden in the summer and roaring fireplaces to warm you up in winter.
Back to the beer garden, it was voted in the top 10 in UK by the Times newspaper !
The Unicorn Inn – Ambleside – End of the walk
My preferred pub in Ambleside is the Unicorn. Muddy boots and paws are welcome.
Part of the Robinson Brewery, it is situated in the centre of Ambleside, yet away from the hustle and bustle.
There is a decent selection of real ales and the food is home-cooked. The Sunday roasts are delicious.
The only downside is the lack of outdoor seating and cosy fireplace. But this is the oldest pub in Ambleside. It offers a warm atmosphere and the staff are very welcoming.

Make a week-end of it – Where to stay and eat

Ambleside is a great town to stay at for a week-end in the Lake District.
Less crowded than Windermere, yet accessible if you are coming from the South.
It hosts a wide range of bars, pubs and restaurants as well as shopping facilities.
Watch your purse if you are after walking gear …. there are several shops to suit all budgets. From Mountain Warehouse and Trespass, to Gaynor for the midd to upper mid-range and the Epi Centre for high end designers.

Alternatively, for a quieter week-end centered around walking only; Troutbeck is a nice village and the Mortal Man has recently refurbished their rooms.

For a week-end of great food and fab walks: The Mortal Man in Troutbeck
The 11 rooms have been gradually refurbished since January 2023. At least one of them has a four poster bed.
The inn welcomes all pets (Dogs, cats, parrots etc) and has several cats of their own.
The ducks on the pond will provide your eggs for breakfast.
separate loo and shower. The staff was incredibly friendly and welcoming and the self-use kitchen comes in very handy to store food for your hike the next day. The outdoor and indoor common spaces are very comfortable.

For a luxury or romantic week-end: The Salutation Inn – Ambleside
Although very modern looking, the hotel has been there for 350 years!
Perfect for a romantic couple’s weekend, some rooms have their own hot-tubs.
70 bedrooms in total. Rooms with private balconies, private hot-tubs and rooms with private sauna. The various categories will fit all levels of extra luxuries and budget.
All with access to the impressive spa facilities included in the price. As well as the sauna and hammer.
The quality and choice of the breakfast is notorious. It has won several awards and you can get extras such as kipper, smoked haddock or a full Cumberland breakfast experience.
Again; the hotel is slightly outside the town centre but boasts stunning views over Windermere.

For tight budgets: YHA Ambleside – Ambleside
The hostel has private rooms, dorms, and family rooms.
Slightly ex-centered, it offers great views over Windermere. And for those who like to swim; there is a pontoon right outside the door.
The bar has a great atmosphere; and by Ambleside standards is reasonably priced.

October 2, 2024

The Langdale Pikes – 7 Wainwrights in 7 miles

The Langdale Pikes, is an iconic walk in the Central Lake District.
And for those bagging Wainwrights, this hike takes in: Loft Crag, Pike of Stickle, Harrison Stickle, Pavey Ark, Thunacar Knott, High Raise, Sergeant Man, Stickle Tarn

Stats

Difficulty	Moderate + to strenuous
Length	7 mi – 11.3 km
Total elevation	2,960 ft – 620m
Highest point	2,500 ft – 762m
Walking time	c. 5h00
Terrain	Hiking paths, footpaths and some light scrambling
Equipment	Layers, layers, layers ! The top can get exposed to wind-chill and plenty of water (Although You will cross some ghyll / stream after c. 2 miles, 4.5 miles, 5 miles, 5.5 miles, and will be following the ghyll again from the 6th mile onward) – Good sturdy shoes as some parts are bit scrambly (no technical skills required) and some parts can be muddy.

View route (Click on menu to reveal the image)

Getting there

Driving: The National Trust car park at the Langdales is free to members but expensive otherwise. The New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel has a spill over in its adjacent field that is the cheaper than the NT car-park and open to anyone (you don’t have to be a guest)
Public transport: Sadly, the walk is not easily accessible by public transport.
It takes about an hour and 2 busses from Windermere

Watering Holes

The New Dungeon Ghyll – Langdale – at the beginning or end of the walk.
Owned by the Red Cat Pub Company
For sunny days; there are some seating in front of the hotel and further seating in the 6 acres garden with some deck chairs and stunning views of Crinkle Crags. For the cooler day; the Walker’s bar is open to non-residents and has a wood-burning fire.
It serves its own branded ales as well as other locally brewed ales. And the food is locally sourced.
Expect pub classics as well as gastro-pub type dishes served from 12:00 daily
You can also grab breakfast or a cup of coffee before setting off as Stickle Barn does not open before 10 am.
Stickle Barn – Langdale – at the beginning or end of the walk.
Taken over from the National Trust by Lanty Slee in May 2024; the company has spent renovating the property.
They have a free tuk-tuk service from 16:00-21:00 to the NT campsite. And live music on some nights.
Some local ales served in the bar, the beer-garden or the cute and shaded family friendly outdoors area.
Delicious cakes throughout the day and American type menu.

Make a week-end of it – Where to stay and eat

The Langdales is walker’s paradise for a week-end. You could enjoy this particular hike on one day, and take it easy the next day with my low-level walk around the Langdales the next day: https://peregrinatenw.co.uk/2024/08/13/great-and-little-langdale-a-low-level-lake-district-walk-with-4-pubs-1-swim-and-a-cathedral/
But you will find countless other options if you fancy something easier / shorter or more technical (like Jack’s Rake or rock-climbing).
Unlike Ambleside or Keswick; this would be an outdoor pursuit only week-end. There are a few options nearby for food and drinks but no shopping there.

For a luxury stay: The New Dungeon Ghyll – Langdales
It offers comfortable rooms in a mix of double, twins and family rooms.

For groups: The Great Langdale Bunkhouse – behind the New Dungeon Ghyll
Sleeps 18 divided into 3 twin rooms and two rooms of 6 (all bunk beds).
Equipped with biomass central heating and hot water with powerful showers.
Separate male and female shows and toilet facilities.
There are no self-catering options but a tavern, the New Dungeon Ghyll and Stickle Barn on its doorstep.

For a cosy B&B or self-catering for up to 6 people: Millbeck Farm – Langdale
A beautiful 17th centrury farm-building. (Actually still a working farm!) And the owners breed Herdies.
Basic rooms with shared bathrooms at the B&B. With delicious and substantial breakfast.
They also rent 2 rustic cottages that can accommodate 6 in total (Double, twin and bunk room)

September 7, 2024

High Cup Nick – A Wainwright’s favourite in the North Pennines with a pub

High Cup nick is dramatic U-shaped valley or “nick” at the head of High Cup Gill in the North Pennines.
It was one of Alfred Wainwright’s favourite feature on the Pennine Way.
Start this walk from Dufton, walking up to the top and scramble down High Cup Gill. The views of the Eden Valley are as impressive from the top as they are from the valley.

Stats

Difficulty	Moderate with technical section (Scramble down)
Length	10.8 mi – 17.4 km
Total elevation	1,827 ft – 557m
Highest point	1,888ft – 575m
Walking time	4h20
Terrain	paths, roads, boulder field (scramble down)
Equipment	Enough water to walk 11 miles or 4h30. There is a pub at the Beginning and the end but nothing in between. Sturdy shoes or boots as you will be scrambling down a boulder field. Layers as it can get exposed and chilly on top

View route (Click on menu to reveal the image)

Getting there

Driving: The car park in Dufton: honesty box for payment and toilets.
Public transport: Kendal Bus X6 to the Approach stop (C. 20 mins)
From Manchester: Train to Carnforth then bus 755 to the Approach stop (c. 2h05)
From Preston: Train to Arnside then bus 552 to the Approach Stop (c. 1h50)
From Lancaster: Bus 555 to Ashbank lane stop (c. 45mins)
From Carlisle: Train to Kendal then Bus 555 to Ashbank lane stop (c. 1h35)

Watering Holes

The Stag Inn – Dufton – At the start or end of the walk
A wonderful independent country pub where muddy boots and paws are welcome.
Home-cooked food and good ales. The kitchen is open Tue-Sat from 17:30-20:00 and Sun from 12:00-14:00 and 17:00-19:00. Expect pub classics including delicious pies as well as more gastro-type dishes such as confit duck-leg or teriyaki tuna steaks.
Beer garden with stunning views over the Pennines for the summer and roaring wood-fires to warm up in winter.

Make a week-end of it – Where to stay and eat

Dufton is a stop on the Pennine Way and offers a range of accommodation for those wishing to stay before or after the walk.
Ufortunately, the YHA has closed.

For camping and glamping: Dufton Caravan Park
Grass pitches for tents, hard-standing pitches for caravan and motor-homes and 3 hobbit huts for glampers.
Hot showers, drying room, and electric hookups.
The village’s cafe is 200 yards from the site and the pub only 300 yards.

For a romantic week-end Sunday: Dufton Barn Holidays Shepherd’s view is the luxurious option for couples with a super-king sized bed and jacuzzi bath (as well as a walk-in shower). Cozy log-burner and fab views over the Pennines.minimum booking policy.

For families and or 2 couples: Brow Farm – Dufton
Offers a traditional cottage with 2 double bedrooms. A 2 nights minimum booking may apply.

August 31, 2024