Route Introduction
Two fells of Reston Scar and Hugill Fell are included in Alfred Wainwright’s Outlying Fells of Lakeland. They are both situated on the southeastern edge of the Lake District National Park. This route card suggests a fantastic route for someone peak bagging the Outlying Fells of Lakeland.
Adventurer Nic walked this route on Sunday 7th June 2020. These were Outlier numbers 20 and 21 of 116 for Nic. Here, she explains how you can bag these outlying fells too.
Reston Scar Route Stats
Fells: Reston Scar (255m) and Hugill Fell (265m)
Total Distance: 4.8km / 2.98miles
Total Ascent: 160m / 525ft
Approx Walk Time: 1.5 hours
Grid Reference Start: SD 471983
Reston Scar Route Report
The Lead Up
That morning my boyfriend James and I hiked Whitbarrow with friends, and after a coffee in Staveley we commenced our hike of Reston Scar and Hugill Fell from the centre of the village.
The Ascent
Firstly, we left the village and headed north up Silver Street. Shortly after that, two left turns onto School Lane and Brow Lane followed. Subsequently, we ascended away from the village on a track past farmers fields to the north.
As the trail wound uphill to the west, gorse bushes lined the way.
We went through a kissing gate to gain a ridge. Beautiful views over quintessential English countryside opened up around us. That is to say, we were mesmerised by the green rolling hills.
We hiked to the summit of Reston Scar over undulating ground.
The Summit – Reston Scar
The summit was marked by a large cairn. We looked out towards Hugill Fell from the summit of Reston Scar. When Alfred Wainwright wrote his book – The Outlying Fells of Lakeland – access was not permitted between the two hills. Thankfully, in 2020, hill walkers can make a fine circular of these two fells, therefore we took the opportunity to do just that.
The Summit – Hugill Fell
We followed the trail north though fields.
We visited the highest point of Hugill Fell according to the map, but this is not Wainwright’s summit so we visited the top but then continued on in the direction of Black Crag. We passed through a gap in the wall and up onto the Wainwright summit, which was marked by a small cairn.
Ingleborough can be seen from the summit. In addition, we spotted many Lake District classic fells like Crinkle Crags, Scafell Pike, Bowfell, Great End, Great Gable and Harrison Stickle.
Moreover, the view down the Kentmere valley was really pretty.
The Descent
We descended down following a path to the south east.
This path led to a tarmacked road. The Kentmere Road led us back into Staveley village.
Wrapping Up
We reflected that the ascent of Reston Scar and Hugill Fell topped off an epic day of peak bagging Wainwright’s Outlying Fells. Above all, we’d enjoyed time in the hills with friends which we’d missed so much during the COVID-19 lockdown. We would continue our quest with Caermote Hill a few days later.
About the Author
Adventurer Nic is a Munroist, Wainwright ‘Compleator’ and is hiking her local Outlying Fells of Lakeland in the wake of the corona virus pandemic. Let her know what you thought of this post by dropping her a comment.
Hi Nic,
Hope all’s well with you. Having done the Wainwrights, Donald’s and a fair few Munro’s, like many others we’re working through the Outlying Fells just now.
I note that you have done Reston Scar and Hugill Fell just above Staveley, but how did you manage to get to Williamson’s Monument on High Knott? There seem endless reports of threatening signs etc.
Apart from sneaking up in darkness, have you any advice?
Thanks….your web page on the OF’s is an inspiration!
David
Hi David, thanks for the message and lovely feedback. I decided that, for me, walking is about fully enjoying the trails and not being worried or anxious about confrontation so I dropped High Knott off my list and was comfortable with that decision. Such a shame that the landowner has chosen to behave in this way as I firmly believe that green spaces in National Parks should be open and accessible to all. Happy Hiking! Nic
Thank you for this excellent and informative site! I am taking my grandchildren and daughter to stay in Staveley in May and I was planning our walk up Reston Scar. I was unaware of the developments re Hugill Fell as I was using my old copy of AW’s Outlying Fells. We will now do both tops on the one walk. Keep up the good work!