“The fell, indeed, has all the qualities of ruggedness and cragginess characteristic of the Wasdale mountains, and the approaches to it have charm of surroundings not usually associated with such rough terrain”
A Wainwright
The fells to the south of the Ennerdale Valley are some of the most remote summits in Lakeland, although a long distance the conditions underfoot are very good, grassy slopes prevail for much of the day.
The views from Crag Fell, Caw Fell and particularly Haycock are spectacular, bot across the Ennerdale Valley and of the higher fells of the Lake District.
“Caw Fell is a fell that should not be under-estimated. It is remote from shelter or habitation”
A Wainwright
Starting from the car park near Bleech Green Cottages we will cross the fields and take the path up through the trees to Ben Gill and then up to the summit of Crag Fell. The first summit of the day, Crag Fell is a wonderful viewpoint over the Ennerdale Valley with great views up the valley to Pillar.
From Crag Fell we descend to the south west to meet a path following the fenceline, this will bring us up to the summit of Grike with it's views of the Solway Coast.
A short descent brings us down to the old forestry track, the trees have now been felled but the forest land can still be clearly seen, this track brings us onto the fellside above Black Pots, here a well built wall, the Ennerdale Fence, climbs the fellside, we follow this wall for much of the day, over Iron Crag to the summit of Caw Fell and then over Little Gowder Crag to Haycock.
From Haycock we descend to the north, following the path down the ridge over Tewit How and then down to the forested land in the valley, taking the track down to the lakeshore.
We follow the southern shore of Ennerdale Water, a picturesque walk with many great viewpoints, skirting around Anglers' Crag before returning to Bleech Green Cottages.
Each participant will be required to bring suitable equipment for their chosen event, please see Kit List tab above.
Where to meet: Ennerdale Water Car Park, Near Bleach Green Cottages
Postcode: CA23 3AS
Grid Reference: NY 085 154
Directions
From Cockermouth: Follow the A5086 south from Cockermouth, until shortly after the Lamplugh Tip pub is passed to the right turn left, on the road signposted to Kirkland and Ennerdale Bridge.
Follow the road through Kirkland and down the hill into Ennerdale Bridge, turn left in the village just after the Shepherds Arms and take the next right, through the forest where after a left and then a right turn will come to a car park on the left of the road, just past the campsite, we will meet at the car park.
Bus Services
There are no bus services to Ennderdale Water.
Stagecoach bus timetables can be viewed here
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