“The start up the steep, craggy north ridge looks rather intimidating but is really - especially after a pint at the inn - a very pleasing scramble through heathery outcrops with magnificent aerial views”
A Harry Griffin
A wonderful ascent from the Kirkstile Inn at Loweswater, Mellbreak surprises with it's stunning views, which you come across often almost by surprise when turning a corner around a crag on the ascent.
Stunning views over Crummock Water are the reward for the steep climb to Mellbreak and a descent by Scale Force, the highest waterfall in the Lake District, and returning either along the Crummock Water lakeshore or over the summit of Hen Comb.
“there is, of course, a natural affinity between mountains and lakes; they have developed side by side in the making of the earth”
A Wainwright
From the Kirkstile Inn at Loweswater we will climb the northern ridge of Mellbreak, which from the inn looks an intimidating climb, but from closer in there will be seen a good route climbing around the crags to the summit ridge.
The path around the crags is a great climb, a new view is unveiled at each turn in the path and once the north summit is reached a full panorama is revealed.
An easy walk along the ridge leads to the slightly higher south top of Mellbreak and a great view down to Buttermere.
From the south top we will descend south crossing to Scale Force, the highest waterfall in the Lake District.
From Scale Force we will either descend to the Crummock Water lake-shore and follow the scenic lake-shore path back to Loweswater or if preferred we will climb to the summit of Hen Combe and descend the north ridge back to Loweswater and the Kirkstile Inn.
Each participant will be required to bring suitable equipment for their chosen event, please see Kit List tab above.
Where to meet: The Kirkstile Inn, Loweswater
Postcode: CA13 0RU
Grid Reference: NY 141 209
Directions
From Keswick: Leave Keswick on the A66 turning off at Braithwaite, following the signposts for Whinlatter through the village.
Follow this road over Whinlatter Pass and descend to Lorton, when the B5289 is reached turn left and continue on this road until Loweswater is reached. The Kirkstile Inn is signposted down the lane to the left.
From Cockermouth: Leave Cockermouth on the Lorton Road, leaving town opposite Sainsburys. Follow this road through the village of Low Lorton and continue to Loweswater. The Kirkstile Inn is signposted down the lane to the left.
Bus Services
There are no buses to Loweswater.
Stagecoach bus timetables can be viewed here
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