Dixon Heights (Newton Fell South Top) is one of Alfred Wainwright’s Outlying Fells of Lakeland. It is situated on the southern edge of the Lake District National Park. This route card suggests a fantastic route for someone peak bagging the Outlying Fells of Lakeland.
Adventurer Nicwalked this route on Sunday 20th December 2020. This was Outlier number 100 of 116 for Nic. Here, she explains how you can bag this outlying fell too.
Earlier, my boyfriend James and I had hiked Newton Fell North from a parking area near Chapel House Forestry England. We moved the car slightly to start Newton Fell South (Dixon Heights) from Lindale, in order to avoid walking across private land.
The Approach
Waterfall on the side of the road in Lindale – The Gill
We parked on The Gill opposite a wonderful waterfall and walked uphill past the Royal Oak pub. Ascending past Burnbank Cottage we continued straight on up Lindale Hill. We merged onto Cartmel Lane, ignoring the road sign that indicated the vehicular route to Kendal and Lancaster. There’s no doubt about it, this is the least enjoyable stretch of this route and caution should be taken walking along this road. There are very limited parking options for this fell which necessitates the road walking, but it would soon be forgotten once we were across the main road.
James Forrest crossing the A590
At the end of the slip road we crossed the dual carriageway A590 carefully.
James Forrest walking down Lindale Brow
At the other side of the road we made our way down the tarmac lane – Lindale Brow.
James Forrest on the approach of Newton Fell South Top- Dixon Heights
We passed through a small hamlet before following the right of way onto a track.
The Ascent
View across the south Lakeland countryside
We passed over a stile at the side of a metal gate and ascended up the side of Newton Fell Dixon Heights, enjoying the view over the wall on our left.
James Forrest approaching the next gate
We forked right to stay on the right of way and the trail led into woodland on grassy terrain. Passing through a wooden gate which was pinned open at time of writing we continued north.
The ascent below the crags of Newton Fell South – Dixon Heights
Immediately after this, we forked off to the right following a faint trail, to pass under the crag.
The arch of the ruin
We reached a ruin atop the crag and enjoyed the low sun which was creating a lovely orange glow.
James Forrest ascending Dixon Heights
Walking alongside a fence we progressed on to the south, close to gorse bushes and small trees.
Fell pony in the undergrowth
We then peeled off to the left once we’d cleared the steep part of the crag. This was where we saw our first fell pony. A white pony in the shelter of the undergrowth.
Fell pony with a rainbow
We continued uphill and saw our second fell pony, which had a beautiful rainbow backdrop.
The Summit – Newton Fell South – Dixon Heights
Summit of Newton Fell South – Dixon Heights
From here the tower top of Newton Fell South (Dixon Heights) was in view.
Rainbow over nearby fells
We enjoyed views over nearby fells.
Morecambe Bay views
The views out to Morecambe Bay were particularly beautiful.
A cairn with Hampsfell in the distance with the setting sun
The view across to Hampsfell was stunning in the evening light.
View from Newton Fell South – Dixon Heights
Despite the heavily tarmacked approach, the scenery from the top of Newton Fell South – Dixon Heights was ultimately worth it.
The Descent
James Forrest descending Newton Fell South – Dixon Heights
We descended over easy grassy terrain to the north. We turned left at the bottom to join the path and retraced our steps back to the car.
Wrapping Up
Next on the Outlying Fells peak bagging agenda was a mash up of Alfred Wainwright’s Howes and Seat Robert routes in the Far Eastern Lake District.
Adventurer Nicis 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.
Newton Fell North Top is one of Alfred Wainwright’s Outlying Fells of Lakeland. It is situated on the southern edge of the Lake District National Park. This route card suggests a fantastic route for someone peak bagging the Outlying Fells of Lakeland.
Adventurer Nicwalked this route on Sunday 20th December 2020. This was Outlier number 99 of 116 for Nic. Here, she explains how you can bag this outlying fell too.
Chapel House – Forestry England entrance to woodland
We parked in a layby opposite the ‘Chapel House- Forestry England’ sign and walked uphill following a track into the woodland.
Peeling off the track onto a footpath through the woodland
After 400 metres we peeled off onto footpath that rose uphill which was grassy and a bit muddy underfoot.
View to Finsthwaite Heights from the ascent of Newton Fell North
We soon emerged out of the woodland and through gaps in the trees we appreciated the view over towards Finsthwaite Heights.
View to Windermere on the ascent
Soon after this Windermere came into view as we followed the finger post to the north.
James Forrest hiking into the woodland
The trail led into thicker woodland once more.
James Forrest forking right uphill through the trees
Once in the woodland we peeled off to the right in order to continue uphill.
James Forest hiking in the Chapel House woods
We walked along a large score in ground through the tall trees.
Path out of the woodland
The path was then easy to follow as it ascended and then flattened out and dipped slightly.
James Forrest pointing towards Newton Fell North
The path led us to a wide track where we could see the high ground of Newton Fell. We turned right on the track to head towards our target.
Following the small finger post
After 300 metres we took a sharp right following a yellow disc on a low fingerpost. The path looked overgrown at first but it was easy to follow the slim path. The scent of woodland filled our nostrils as we progressed along the trail. It was boggy and mulchy in parts but we made it through with dry feet, walking carefully over exposed wet tree roots.
Ascent over Open Fellside
James Forrest going over the stile
We hopped over a stile and continued along the trail over the open fellside.
James Forrest forking left
The handy footpath markers continued here. At a wobbly finger post we turned left to head east over rough ground towards the wall.
James Forrest following the wall to Newton Fell North
We then followed the wall as it undulated south. We crossed a stream and walked until a new boundary wall came into view.
James Forrest going over the stone stile
Here we passed over a stone stile to the other side to continue following the wall on our left, all the way to the top of Newton Fell (North).
The Summit – Newton Fell North
Phone mast on Newton Fell North Top
We didn’t climb over the wall to the true highest point of the fell as Alfred Wainwright himself wrote in his book The Outlying Fells of Lakeland – ‘the game is not worth the candle’.
Looking over the High Newton Reservoirs from the summit of Newton Fell North Top
Instead we stood beside the ugly phone mast and surveyed the views from there, including the High Newton reservoirs to the south east.
View to Hampsfell from Newton Fell North Top
The view to Hampsfell and Morecambe Bay stretched out to the south.
The Descent
James Forrest approaching Whitestone Beck
We retraced our steps for almost a kilometre before we reached Whitestone Beck. Instead of crossing the stream by the wall like the ascent, we peeled off left at the path crossroads and crossed the stream further down.
James Forrest walking the trail on the descent of Newton Fell
Once on the other side we followed the path marked by a finger post to head west.
White Stone cliffs
We admired the cliffs of White Stone to our left as we followed the trail down towards the road. When we reached the bottom we didn’t go through the gate. Instead we turned right to follow the grassy path. We exited through a gate in the corner of the field and turned right onto the lane. Another right turn at the crossroad at the bottom and we were back at our car.
Adventurer Nicis 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.
Dunmallard Hill and Heughscar Hill Route Introduction
Dunmallard Hill and Heughscar Hill are two of Alfred Wainwright’s Outlying Fells of Lakeland. They’re situated on the north-eastern edge of the Lake District National Park. This route card suggests a fantastic route for someone peak bagging the Outlying Fells of Lakeland.
Adventurer Nicwalked this route on Sunday 6th December 2020. These were Outlier numbers 95 and 96 of 116 for Nic. Here, she explains how you can bag these outlying fells too.
Dunmallard Hill and Heughscar Hill Route Stats
Fells: Heughscar Hill (375m) and Dunmallard Hill / Dunmallet (240m)
The previous day I’d hiked Carron Crag and the Top O Selside Fells and the dry wintery spell was continuing so I thought I’d capitalise on the lovely weather with another peak bagging outing as I travelled across Cumbria visiting the summits of each of the Outlying Fells of Lakeland.
The Start of the Route
Pooley Bridge, a village in the Eden District of Cumbria in the Lake District
I left the Lake District National Park Authority car park and turned right onto the main road through Pooley Bridge. Walking through the village, I passed St Paul’s Church and began to ascend uphill, following a sign for the Ullswater Way.
Sign for the Ullswater Way in Pooley Bridge
At the crossroads I continued straight on in the direction of Hill Croft Caravan Park. When I reached the entrance for the caravan park I kept right though, remaining on the road.
Sneak peek of Ullswater through the trees on the ascent of Heughscar Hill
The view towards Ullswater started to open up through the trees as I walked towards Heughscar Fell.
The Ascent – Heughscar Hill
Gate to the fell
At the end of the tarmac road I passed through a gate and continued along the main path, gradually ascending.
The view continued to open up to my right, a view of Ullswater and the surrounding fells, with their tops shrouded in cloud.
Resting on the ascent of Heughscar Hill looking towards Ullswater
I paused to take a layer off. I was already too hot. It was a rather mild December afternoon despite the lack of sun.
Along the route there were a few options to turn off the main trail but I ignored them and continued ascending gently over a stony trail that almost felt like cobbles in parts until I arrived at a fingerpost.
Fingerpost to Askham Fell on the way to Heughscar Hill
I followed it in the direction of Askham Fell but then almost immediately peeled off the trail to the left in order to follow a grassy path to the north east.
The turn off from the main track up Heughscar Hill
I kept reminding myself to turn around regularly here as the best of the view was behind me on this section of the route.
Ullswater from the ascent of Heughscar Hill
It was here where I encountered small sections of snow, so I couldn’t resist marching through the virgin snow like a child.
Adventurer Nic with her feet in the snow on Heughscar Hill
The cairned summit of Heughscar Hill came into view as I continued uphill, and the trail led around to it from the south.
The cairned summit of Heughscar Hill in the distance
The Summit – Heughscar Hill
The view from the summit of Heughscar Hill was very nice, with the best feature being the curvy Ullswater down in the valley.
The summit cairn of Heughscar Hill with Ullswater in the distance
It was a Sunday so there were plenty of families and dog walkers out enjoying the fells but I appeared to be the only peak bagger amongst them. Most had no interest in reaching the true summit and so I had a moment with it all to myself.
Linking the Fells
Ullswater from Heughscar Hill
I headed off the summit to the north over grassy terrain. The view of Ullswater was actually better here as I could see more of the lake.
I followed the trail for 600 metres before it peeled off to the left below a small crag.
At the path crossroads beneaeth the crag I turned left and here the route became a little muddy but the view more than made up for it.
I glanced across to Dunmallard Hill which was covered in trees in the distance. This was next on my peak bagging agenda.
Dunmallard Hill, seen from Heughscar Hill
I continued to head west, following a right hand fork at the next path junction until I met the corner of a wall.
Corner of the wall on the descent of Heughscar Hill
I followed this wall down the hill and re-joined the main track at the bottom. Passing through the gate I retraced my steps back to the bridge at Pooley Bridge.
Some might want to end their walk there, or stop for a brew (or a pint) in Pooley Bridge before continuing on to Dunmallard Hill.
Pooley Bridge – newly renovated in October 2020
I headed over the bridge, which was only recently rebuilt in October 2020. The 128ft bridge replaces the stone bridge from the 18th Century that was damaged during Storm Desmond in 2015.
Inscribed bricks on Pooley Bridge
Inscribed in the bricks are people and businesses who helped raise the required funds for the new bridge.
View from Pooley Bridge towards Ullswater
Views on both sides of the bridge are delightful.
View from Pooley Bridge
When the road bent to the left I crossed it and joined the path beneath Dunmallard Hill.
The Ascent – Dunmallard Hill
The new Pooley Bridge, seen from the foot of Dunmallard Hill
I took one last look across at the bridge from here before I headed up the forest path which rose steeply into the woodland.
The steep woodland path to Dunmallard Hill
The main trail loops all the way around, spiralling up the hill right to the summit.
The Summit – Dunmallard Hill
This is probably one of the most underwhelming of all of the Outlying Fells of Lakeland summits that I’ve visited so far. People normally go hillwalking for the expanse of views. But Dunmallard Hill basically just a woodland on a hump therefore you know you’re at the summit when you can climb no further.
Dunmallard Hill Summit
Wainwright refers to the fell as Dunmallet and other spellings include Dunmallock and Dunmalloght. In this article I’ve stuck with what’s printed on most maps – Dunmallard Hill.
The Descent
I continued over the summit and down the fell to the north. This was slightly steeper than the ascent and a lot of fun in the mud.
The descent path off Dunmallard Hill
The trail soon re-joined my route of ascent and from here I turned right and retraced my steps back to the car.
An evergreen tree in the middle of a desolate winter woodland on Dunmallard Hill
Wrapping Up
Next on the list was Humphrey Head and Hampsfell – the most southerly of all the Outlying Fells of Lakeland.
Adventurer Nicis 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.
View to the Kentmere Horseshoe from the summit of Hollow Moor – Green Quarter Fell
Route Introduction
Green Quarter Fell comprises of two of Alfred Wainwright’s Outlying Fells of Lakeland. They’re situated on the eastern edge of the Lake District National Park. This route card suggests a fantastic route for someone peak bagging the Outlying Fells of Lakeland.
Adventurer Nicwalked this route on Tuesday 7th July 2020. These were Outlier numbers 51 and 52 of 116 for Nic. Here, she explains how you can bag these outlying fells too.
Green Quarter Fell Route Stats
Fells: Green Quarter Fell – Hollow Moor (426m) and Green Quarter Fell – Nameless Summit (411m)
The previous day we’d hiked Cold Fell and Ponsonby Fell in the western Lake District. My friend Becky was coming up to stay in a camping pod near Kentmere so I suggested she join us for a hike of some of the eastern Outlying Fells of Lakeland and we settled on the Green Quarter Fell walk.
A few other friends who were in the area also decided to join us so we met Anna, Aggie and Laura at the small parking area by the church, together with two pooches – Willow and Mollie.
Starting The Walk
We walked through the pretty village, crossing the River Kent before peeling off Hellwell Lane up some stone steps and through a gate on the right of the road.
Leaving the road for a path leading to Green Quarter Fell
The grassy terrain rose steeply and the trail led us through a gate and onto Lowfield Lane.
We headed north-east for a very short distance before we spotted a big gate on the right by a finger post. This track would lead us onto the hillside.
Following the finger post
The Ascent
The path rose gently in a southerly direction, leading us around the back of Green Quarter Fell.
Rising away from Kentmere village
Conversation flowed freely between us, there was so much to catch up on in this strange post-COVID-19 isolated world. I really appreciated the opportunity we now had to meet friends safely outdoors.
Views back towards Kentmere
The view behind us down into Kentmere was beautiful. Small smatterings of buildings – cottages, farm buildings and the obvious church. It was so picturesque with a beautiful mountainous backdrop of the Kentmere Horseshoe.
The ascent of Green Quarter Fell
Dry stone walls separated the swathes of green farmland, applying order to the natural beauty.
The trail was firm underfoot and easy to follow. We passed through a gate and our direction changed to point north-east.
View back to Skeggles Water with the Bannisdale Horseshoe visible in the distance
The path would continue towards Sadgill without visiting our required summits so we peeled off to the left when we were opposite Skeggles Water to head west onto the first summit – Hollow Moor (Green Quarter Fell).
Anna and Laura ascending Green Quarter Fell
It was a pathless trudge over wet long grass but it was short (less than 100m of ascent to the top).
Anna and Laura gain the summit ridge of Hollow Moor, Green Quarter Fell
The Summit – Green Quarter Fell – Hollow Moor
From the summit we enjoyed a marvellous view looking down the centre of the Kentmere Horseshoe – the pointy tops of Ill Bell and Froswick stood out the sharpest. Behind us, our eyes passed over Skeggles Water to the hills of the Bannisdale Horseshoe.
Adventurer Nic admiring the view to the Kentmere Horseshoe
There was no summit marker on the top of Hollow Moor (Green Quarter Fell).
Anna broke out the Grasmere Gingerbread she’d purchased on her way to the start of the walk and we all had a slice. We all agreed that there really is no better Lakeland hill snack.
The Summit – Green Quarter Fell – Nameless Summit
Fence separating the two tops of Green Quarter Fell
We left the first summit with the second in our sights. A fence was easily crossed before a short rise to the second top, which was marked by a small cairn.
All the girls at a social distance on the nameless summit
It was another of Alfred Wainwright’s nameless summits. We’d already encountered a few of these during our Wainwright’s Outlying Fells of Lakeland hikes, on both the Bannisdale Horseshoe and our long Walna Scar hike. We had started a trend of nick-naming them after the people we were with so this one became the regal sounding – The Old Man of Angell Doling Dudlik Mollart-Solity. Rolls off the tongue doesn’t it!
View to Skeggles Water from the Nameless summit
The distance between the two tops was negligible so the views were pretty much the same.
The Descent
We headed down, crossing the boundary through a large gate.
Anna, Aggie and James start the descent into Kentmere
Looking back we could appreciate the views to nearby Wainwright Shipman Knotts and beyond to Tarn Crag and Grey Crag in the distance.
Wainwright views to Shipman Knotts, Tarn Crag and Grey Crag from the descent
We then picked our way over pathless ground to the main track which led into Kentmere village.
View to the Kentmere Horseshoe on the descent
It was cloudy but wind-free and we were thankful for the visibility. This area is so green and lush.
Beautiful countryside on the descent
As we followed the road back to the car, we had a gorgeous view of the church.
The Church in Kentmere
Wrapping Up
What a fantastic evening walk. We couldn’t believe it was 9pm when we finished. Making the most of these long sunny days is a real joy.
Adventurer Nicis 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.
Knipescar Common is one of Alfred Wainwright’s Outlying Fells of Lakeland. It is situated on the far eastern edge of the Lake District National Park. This route card suggests a fantastic route for someone peak bagging the Outlying Fells of Lakeland.
Adventurer Nicwalked this route on Saturday 20th June 2020. This was Outlier number 38 of 116 for Nic. Here, she explains how you can bag this outlying fell too.
For the majority of the day, we’d been walking the Bannisdale Horseshoe. It seemed rude not to hike Knipescar Common as we virtually passed it on the way home and the weather was wonderful.
Finger post at the beginning of the walk
We parked the car by the start of the route and headed north-east on a footpath, following well-placed finger posts.
We didn’t start the walk until 6:30pm but that didn’t matter as the weather was warm and it was a glorious evening.
James Forrest at the start of the walk
The Ascent
Grabbing a sneaky peek over our shoulders towards central Lakeland, we could already make out some of the fells that make up the Kentmere Horseshoe. This bode well for the view from the summit.
A sneaky peak to central Lakeland from the ascent
Following the right of way though a field, we gingerly made our way around a herd of cattle that looked a bit twitchy. Moving slowly and sticking by the wall seemed to do the trick.
After deftly avoiding the cows, we went through the gate and into another field. This time, we were met with an enthusiastic flock of sheep. The baaaa sounds were deafening, it was clear they had mistaken us for the farmer and were expecting a treat!
An enthusiastic flock
From there, the right of way led us around the fringes of a farm house and up a field with a resident pony and a horse.
A curious pony
Coming around to the top of the ridge, we could appreciate the rows of limestone that Knipescar Common is famous for.
Limestone pavement of Knipescar Common
Turning to head west along the ridge, the route had a stone wall to the right and gorse bushes to the left, and a nice wide channel to walk along.
The trail on the start of the Knipescar Common ridge
The view to the left swept down into the valley of the river Lowther and back up to the beautiful hills. It was here that we first spotted Haweswater, just to the right of the Naddle Forest.
View to the centre of the Lake District over the gorse bushes on Knipescar Common
Soon the trail peeled away from the wall and we reached the summit.
The Summit – Knipescar Common
As the summit is unmarked (no cairn, trig pillar or other identifying feature and on a fairly flat plateau), grid reference was the only real way of ascertaining the true summit of this fell.
The views were stunning with Selside Pike, Branstree, Harter Fell, Ill Bell, Mardale Ill Bell and High Street all visible from here. It struck me as interesting that most people who set out to bag the 214 Wainwrights will never see the far eastern fells from this angle. They’re definitely missing out!
Adventurer Nic looking at the view from Knipescar Common summit
I didn’t expect to see Blencathra from this vantage point but the distinctive Saddleback shape to the north-west was unmistakable.
View from Knipescar Common towards Blencathra
I couldn’t stop smiling by this point, I’d previously thought of Knipescar Common as just a ‘filler’, something to squeeze in on the way home from a bigger peak bagging day. But it was turning out to be worthy of a whole afternoon.
Adventurer Nic on the summit of Knipescar Common
The Descent
My increasing hunger was the main reason for us to start descending, although I’d love to come back for a sunset hike here another day.
Adventurer Nic admiring the view to Blencathra
We came off the ridge and followed a path network through the bracken down into the valley.
The wide trail down from Knipescar Common
On one occasion towards the end of the route, the bracken was quite overgrown and we ended up in a bit of a mixed bracken and nettle bed accidentally! Regaining the rightful path was momentarily painful thanks to the nettles, but luckily we’d not strayed far.
The bracken closing in towards the end of the walk
Over a couple of stiles and through a couple of gates and we were back at the car in no time.
Adventurer Nicis 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.
…White Combe and Stoupdale Head Route Introduction
Black Combe, White Combe and Stoupdale Head are three hills included in Alfred Wainwright’s Outlying Fells of Lakeland book. They are situated in the far south-west of the Lake District National Park. This route card suggests a great route for someone peak bagging the Outlying Fells of Lakeland.
Adventurer Nicwalked this route on Sunday 14th June 2020. These were Outlier numbers 26, 27 and 28 of 116 for Nic. Here, she explains how you can bag these outlying fells too.
Black Combe Route Stats
Fells: White Combe (417m), Stoupdale Head (472m) and Black Combe (600m)
We’d heard good things about the views from Black Combe so selected a good weather day for this fell-bagging outing. The previous day we’d hiked Scout Scar and Cunswick Scar as part of our project ticking off the Outlying Fells of Lakeland.
We parked in a small car park at Beckside and set off heading east.
The Ascent
The walk begins half a kilometre up the road. It is possible to avoid the road either partially or fully on a right of way through farmers fields. Sticking to the road would be the most direct route but it’s very tight with lots of blind corners and felt a bit dicey.
We crossed road onto an overgrown path.
Virtually impassable paths but we fought our way through!
It looked like nobody had walked this route in well over a decade.
Adventurer Nic on the barely noticeable path
The hedgerows were virtually meeting in the middle of the trail with nettles, holly bushes and brambles galore. We used our walking poles to fight our way through, picking up a few scratches on the way. The fox gloves on the route were beautiful though!
The countryside looked beautiful through a gap in the trees
After a barely a quarter of a kilometre of slow going along the overgrown path we exited through a gate and followed a trail which rose uphill surrounded by bracken.
The start of the ascent of White Combe
It was a glorious day, with blue skies and fluffy white clouds all around us and boy was it hot!
The trail zig-zagged before we peeled off it to aim for the summit of White Combe. We struggled to find the faint path at first but it was there. Why is it that hillside paths are so much easier to spot from above than from below, I pondered.
Views to Duddon Sands from the ascent of White Combe
From here we looked down and out to sea over the top of White Hall Knott, a small hill that looked rather impressive from this angle.
Looking back on the ascent of White Combe over White Hall Knott
The Summit – White Combe
The highest point of White Combe appears to be the point marked ‘428’ on the map but the Outlying Wainwright summit is a little further south at 417m and is marked by a large wind shelter.
Adventurer Nic on the summit of White Combe
From the summit we could see the Coniston fells and the distinctive outline of Caw, an Outlying Fell that we had yet to hike but that many had told us was their favourite.
Views from White Combe to the Coniston fells and Caw, in the Lake District National Park
We could also see clearly down to Duddon Sands and panning to the right, an unfathomable number of wind turbines out in the sea, there seemed to be hundreds of them along the horizon.
Wind turbines in the sea from White Combe
I’ve loved seeing the Lake District from so many different angles whilst hiking the Outlying Fells of Lakeland.
Adventurer Nic on the summit of White Combe
On the other side of the valley was the looming bulk of Black Combe. From here, you can certainly see where Black Combe gets its name, with its dark rock thought to have been formed over 400 million years ago.
Adventurer Nic taking a closer look at Black Combe from the summit plateau of White Combe
The Summit – Stoupdale Head
Adventurer Nic leaving the summit of White Combe and heading to Stoupdale Head
It was a straight-forward hike along to Stoupdale Head.
Adventurer Nic walking towards Stoupdale Head from White Combe
The ground was grassy but firm on the approach and then turned a little bit peaty and soft on top. But we were lucky we were walking at the end of a dry spell.
Adventurer Nic on the summit of Stoupdale Head
It looks rather lack-lustre on the map but Stoupdale Head was a pleasant surprise.
View towards Black Combe from the summit of Stoupdale Head
A very small cairn marked the summit on a very flat plateau which was peppered with cotton grass.
View towards Kinmont Buck Barrow and Buck Barrow from Stoupdale Head
I enjoyed the view to Buck Barrow and Kinmont Buck Barrow which we’d hiked as part of an extended circuit of Devoke Water two weeks earlier, and beyond that, the view to the Scafells was marvellous. You can even see Helvellyn peeking up on the skyline in the distance.
View to the Scafells from Stoupdale Head
The Summit – Black Combe
As we left Stoupdale Head, the blue skies were replaced by black clouds that had come from nowhere. There weren’t any storms forecast for that day but it certainly looked ominous. We donned our waterproof jackets and carried on towards Black Combe. The ridge was wide and the path was clear.
Then came the thunder. We’d been caught in a surprise thunderstorm once before and knew the drill. Immediately we dropped our poles and electronics and sought lower ground.
We crouched down on our tip toes and waited while the rain poured hard down on our heads and thunder roared around us. Despite this, we didn’t see any lightening on this side of the hill. Both of us were thinking about the way forward. Should we bail on the last summit? Should we sit it out? The most bizarre thing was that the whole time we could see the bigger Lake District fells bathed in sunshine! It felt like we had one of those cartoon black clouds sitting over us while everyone else was unaffected.
The darkness on Black Combe
As the rain eased and the thunder and lightening had clearly passed over, we made the decision to continue to the summit.
James Forrest on the summit of Black Combe
Moving as quickly as we could we made it to the summit trig pillar.
Touching the trig pillar of Black Combe
With a quick glance at the views we didn’t hang around for long just in case the storm made its way back over to us again.
The trig pillar on the summit of Black Combe
The Descent
We left the summit in a south-easterly direction before following a quad bike track for a while.
James Forrest descending Black Combe
We then turned to head down towards Whitecombe Beck in the valley below.
James Forrest descending Black Combe
It was largely a pathless descent but over grassy, firm terrain that steepened towards the bottom as the path was guarded by bracken.
Views on the descent of Black Combe
As we looked up towards Whitecombe Head, we noticed the hills we such a lush green due to the swathes of bracken that grows here.
View from the descent of Black Combe looking up towards Whitecombe Head
We reached the path and followed it all the way back to the car.
Wrapping Up
After finishing the walk we drove to meet friends Jess and Liz in Torver. They had been stand up paddle boarding on Coniston Water the whole time we were caught in the storm but they’d never felt a single drop of rain. As a result, they couldn’t believe how wet we were. A reminder to the less experienced to never trust a forecast and always go prepared for a change in the weather. Our next Outlying Fells would be ticked off during the Bannisdale Horseshoe the following week.
Adventurer Nicis 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.
The two tops of Caermote Hill, the main top and the north top which is also known as St. John’s Hill, are included in Alfred Wainwright’s Outlying Fells of Lakeland book. Caermote Hill is situated on the northwestern edge of the Lake District National Park. This route card suggests the shortest route for someone peak bagging the Outlying Fells of Lakeland. It should be noted from the outset that these fells are not on open access land and permission should be sought from the landowner before proceeding.
Adventurer Nicwalked this route on Thursday 11th June 2020. These were Outlier numbers 22 and 23 of 116 for Nic. Here, she explains how you can bag these outlying fells too.
Caermote Hill Route Stats
Fells: Caermote Hill (289m) and St John’s Hill – Caermote Hill North Top (285m)
The Wednesday of this week was a terribly grim weather day. We didn’t venture outdoors at all, but Thursday was better. The cloud base was high and it was windy but at least we’d get a view. The previous weekend we’d had a lovely evening bagging Reston Scar and Hugill Fellon our quest to tick off Wainwright’s Outlying Fells of Lakeland.
The Ascent
Caermote Hill from the road
We parked in a layby after turning off the A591 and set off uphill along the road until we reached a gate. Gingerly, we negotiated a thin line of barbed wire and gained access to the edge of the field.
We walked uphill, keeping to the right of a fence until we spotted a break in the wall up ahead. Crossing the collapsed wall, we ascended easily up to the summit of Caermote Hill.
View to Bassenthwaite and Skiddaw from the ascent of Caermote Hill
Behind us, wonderful views across Bassenthwaite Lake emerged, with a dark and fearsome-looking Skiddaw looming above it.
The Summit – Caermote Hill
Memorial at the top of Caermote Hill
The summit of Caermote Hill is marked by a memorial rock. Weathered plaques remember locals whose ashes were scattered here. One is Walter S Dean 1890-1967, another is Jack Routledge 1905-1965. Memorial plaques to Ethel M Dean and Gwen Routledge join them.
Adventurer Nic on Caermote Hill
The summit offers beautiful views to Bassenthwaite lake, Skiddaw and Binsey.
Linking the Fells
We walked along the hill towards St. John’s Hill but soon spotted cows.
Looking back to Caermote Hill on the ascent of St John’s Hill
We’d read previous route reports referencing a bull in the field so knew to be cautious and considered turning back. It was clear there were calves in the field. But we patiently waited for them to head down the field before we passed through the gate and reached the second summit.
The Summit – St John’s Hill – Caermote Hill North Top
View to Criffel, Scotland from St. John’s Hill, The Lake District
At the top of St. John’s Hill was an uninterrupted view across the Solway Firth to Criffel, a large hill in Dumfries and Galloway. The strong winds were giving the west coast turbines a good run for their money.
Adventurer Nic on St. John’s Hill
The view to Bassenthwaite Lake had disappeared at this point, but Binsey and Skiddaw still looked really grand from this top.
The Descent
Views on the descent of St John’s Hill
We headed down and found a gate in the wall, before picking up our route of ascent back to the car.
Wrapping Up
It wasn’t the best of walks what with the cows and barbed wire to negotiate. Consequently, we were left wondering why Alfred Wainwright picked these two tops as he wasn’t very complimentary of the walk in his book either. In short, the view to Bassenthwaite Lake is adequately covered by Clints Crags which has the added bonus of having no access issues to contend with. Only hardcore peak baggers will head to these two fells.
Adventurer Nicis 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.
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 Nicwalked 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.
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.
Cows lazing in the sunshine just outside Staveley
As the trail wound uphill to the west, gorse bushes lined the way.
Staveley from the ascent of Reston Scar
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.
Green hills of south Lakeland
We hiked to the summit of Reston Scar over undulating ground.
The Summit – Reston Scar
Adventurer Nic on the summit of Reston Scar, the first of two Wainwright Outlying Fells of Lakeland on this hike
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.
Views to the higher fells from Reston Scar
The Summit – Hugill Fell
We followed the trail north though fields.
Views from the trail between Reston Scar and Hugill Fell
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.
Looking towards the Wainwright summit of Hugill Fell
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.
Adventurer Nic on Hugill Fell
Moreover, the view down the Kentmere valley was really pretty.
The Kentmere Valley from Hugill Fell
The Descent
We descended down following a path to the south east.
Descending Hugill Fell
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.
Adventurer Nicis 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.
Watch Hill and Setmurthy Common are included in Alfred Wainwright’s Outlying Fells of Lakeland. The fells are situated on the northwestern edge of the Lake District National Park. This route card suggests a fantastic walk for someone peak bagging the Outlying Fells of Lakeland.
Adventurer Nicwalked this route on Saturday 6th June 2020. These were Outlier numbers 17 and 18 of 116 for Nic. Here, she explains how you can bag these outlying fells too.
Watch Hill Route Stats
Fells: Watch Hill (235m) and Setmurthy Common (254m)
Our previous peak bagging walk was a hike up Faulds Brow in the far north of the Lake District. Walking Wainwright’s Outlying Fells of Lakeland with my boyfriend James has given me the opportunity to explore new and wonderful places, and in this case, it has made me appreciate the hills closer to home. Watch Hill is our local Outlying Fell and the one I’ve hiked the most. It’s a really great little fell with awesome views over the northwestern Lake District mountains and down into Buttermere.
We have walked up Watch Hill from home in the past, but on this occasion we parked in the layby to the south of the fell, where the main road out of Cockermouth splits beside the Bitter Beck.
The Ascent
It was early evening as we walked west on the path along the main road before reaching a kissing gate which led into a field.
This field often contains sheep and lambs in the spring/early summer.
The lambs were very curious and not at all skittish on this occasion.
We ascended following the right of way north east through the farmers fields, to another gate.
Gorse bushes lined the way as we ascended gently, keeping the dry stone wall on our left.
Right from the start, the stunning Lake District panorama began to open up, with views to Skiddaw, Grisedale Pike, Hopegill Head, Grasmoor, High Stile, Red Pike (Buttermere), Scoat Fell, Mellbreak, Starling Dodd and Great Borne to name just a few.
James Forrest ascending Watch Hill
We left the wall as it dipped down towards the edge of the woodland and we continued up the grassy ridge, aiming for the highest point.
The Summit – Watch Hill
Alfred Wainwright described the top of Watch Hill as ‘a most delightful promenade’ and I would have to agree with him.
Adventurer Nic on the summit of Watch Hill
Linking the Fells
We progressed along the rippled ground, sticking to the crest of the wide ridge in the direction of the woodland at the end of the ridge.
Rippled ground joining Watch Hill to Setmurthy Common with Skiddaw in the background
It’s widely assumed that the ripples are the remnants of medieval field systems known as ridge and furrow.
The Summit – Setmurthy Common
Adventurer Nic on the summit of Watch Hill-Setmurthy Common
The summit of Watch Hill (Setmurthy Common) is the highest knoll next to the corner where two boundaries meet beside the woodland.
Adventurer Nic at Setmurthy Common
After pausing on the summit we went over the stile and continued into the woodland.
The Descent
The sky was threatening rain so we were pleased to be under the cover of the trees. We followed a thin path at first which soon led to a steep but short downhill section.
James Forrest entering Setmurthy Woods
We then picked up the main forestry track which was wide and made for easy walking.
James Forrest walking on the Setmurthy woodland trails
The forest path undulated and we walked to the soundtrack of birds tweeting away in the higher branches.
Woodland View in Setmurthy
The woodland eventually exits through a gate and back onto the field we originally ascended.
It was simply a case of following the wall back down to the road. However, our descent was quite eventful! Firstly, it started tipping it down with heavy rain which led to us half walking and half jogging for the last fifteen minutes of the walk. Then we encountered some cows which were congregating around one of the gates. Luckily they dispersed with minimal persuasion.
Looking like drowned rats, we retraced our steps back to the car.
Wrapping Up
We made the short drive back to James’s house to dry off and the following day we headed to the south east in a quest to summit Whitbarrow.
Adventurer Nicis 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.
Faulds Brow is one of Alfred Wainwright’s Outlying Fells of Lakeland. It is situated on the northern edge of the Lake District National Park. This route card suggests a great route for someone peak bagging the Outlying Fells of Lakeland.
Adventurer Nicwalked this route on Tuesday 2nd June 2020. This was Outlier number 16 of 116 for Nic. Here, she explains how you can bag this outlying fell too.
The previous day we’d had a hot and sweaty walk up Clints Crags in the north west Lake District, but the weather was about to turn. A long sunny heat wave was about to give way to stormy and much cooler climes.
My boyfriend James and I decided to head for Faulds Brow while visibility was still half descent. It did however look dark and threatening so a rain jacket came with me. Optimism gave way to realism…this is Cumbria after all.
The Ascent
We parked up in the small car park just outside Whelpo and hiked uphill along the road to start the walk. Up ahead we could see a bunch of tiny bunny rabbits, hopping in and out of the gorse bushes on either side of the road.
Sign post to Whelpo on the T junction
We arrived at a T junction in the road and hit the hillside, where a faint footpath led uphill in a northerly direction towards the summit of Faulds Brow.
View over to Skiddaw from the ascent of Faulds Brow
Views of the triangular summit of Skiddaw opened up behind us as we ascended gently on grassy terrain.
The Summit – Faulds Brow
Adventurer Nic standing at the summit of Faulds Brow, looking towards Carrock Fell and High Pike
At the summit we were greeted by a large cairn. The most recognisable peaks on the skyline were Carrock Fell, High Pike and Skiddaw.
Faulds Brow is 344m in height and is the most northerly summit of Wainwright’s Outlying Fells of Lakeland. It’s most definitely a ‘hill of two sides’ – one side being the mountainous panorama of the Back O’Skiddaw fells and the other featuring two ugly television masts.
The Descent
As the sky began to bruise, we headed down from the summit of Faulds Brow to the east, walking past a small car park, before turning south down a track towards a farm.
There was a right of way through the farm but there was a polite sign stating that the residents were self isolating due to being vulnerable to COVID-19 so we were deterred from venturing further. Instead we turned right and headed through the fields.
This came with its own challenges. There were cattle with calves in the next field. James wanted to turn back but I was keen to continue towards the stile in the next wall cautiously. The cows eventually lost interest and moved away, giving us the freedom we needed to escape the field quietly and calmly.
Descending Faulds Brow through farm land
We then descended south down towards the road we’d started on. Passing through a gate and walking right around a copse of trees, we made it back onto the road.
We saw one of the rabbits again. This time on the grass beside the bushes so I snapped a photograph. So cute!
Bunny in the gorse bushes
Wrapping Up
This was a great short walk on the far northern edge of the Lake District. Faulds Brow is seldom walked by visitors of the Lake District National Park, who are lured by the bigger mountains, the lakes and the picturesque towns and villages, but this fell still has a lot to offer, especially to those who have hiked all the Wainwrights.
Next up on our Wainwright’s Outlying Fells agenda was Watch Hill.
Adventurer Nicis 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.
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