“...a sensational surprise for those who reach the top from behind”
A Wainwright
A circuit of the lower fells above Whinlatter makes an enjoyable days walking, covering some of the lesser known fells of the Lake District. Each summit offers a different view of the surrounding mountain country or north over the Solway Coast to Scotland.
Whinlatter Top, above the Whinlatter Pass gives stunning views of the higher fells across the pass and beyond towards Keswick while Barf has a spectacular viewpoint with Bassenthwaite Lake far below and across the lake to Skiddaw, this is the best viewpoint of the Skiddaw Massif.
Lords Seat, the highest point of the day has a good 360° view while Broom Fell offers a great viewpoint of the secluded valley of Wythop and Graystones overlooks the Vale of Lorton.
“Once a fashionable climb, Lord's Seat is now out of favour - yet the heathery top is a pleasant lunching place no less than of yore, retaining the indefinable charm of Lakeland”
A Wainwright
From the Spout Force car park, on the western side of the Whinlatter Pass we will climb through Aiken Plantation to the summit of Brown How and on along the ridge to Whinlatter Top a fine viewpoint over Whinlatter Pass to Grisedale Pike and across the Vale of Keswick.
We will follow the ridge east descending over Tarbarrel Moss and down to the forest track over Ullister Hill and north circling below Lords Seat to the summit of Barf, the best viewpoint over Bassenthwaite Lake to Skiddaw.
A short climb from Barf will bring us to the summit of Lord's Seat, our highest point of the day.
The ridge north west from Lord's Seat crosses grassy ground to the summit of Broom Fell with it's distinctive summit cairn, along this ridge we will have extensive views over the Wythop Valley and north to the Solway Firth and Scotland.
From Broom Fell we will descend to Widow's Hause, the lowest point on the ridge, before the short climb to Graystones, a remote and quite summit with some stunning views over Cockermouth and the Vale of Lorton.
From Graystones we will descend south, towards Scawgill Bridge where a short detour will bring us through the forest to Spout Force and the path back to the car park.
Each participant will be required to bring suitable equipment for their chosen event, please see Kit List tab above.
Where to meet: Spout Force Car Park, Whinlatter Pass
Postcode: CA12 5TW
Grid Reference: NY 181 255
Directions
From Keswick: Follow the A66 west from Keswick, towards Cockermouth & Workington turning off the road at Braithwaite, follow the road passing the Royal Oak and climb over the Whinlatter Pass, passing the Visitor Centre, the road descends through the woods until the Spout Force Car Park will be seen to the right, we will meet here.
Bus Services
A seasonal bus service runs past Spout Force, stopping at the entrance to the car park..
The 77/77a bus runs between Keswick and Buttermere, over Whinlatter Pass, this is a seasonal service from Easter to October.
Stagecoach bus timetables can be viewed here
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