“Barf...a sensational surprise for those who reach the top from 'behind'”
A Wainwright
The five summits of the Whinlatter Fells make an enjoyable circuit on lesser known hills away from the crowds, each top has it's own merit with the view from Barf the highlight of the day.
The lower slopes of these fells are clad in forestry land but we spend most of the day above the trees on open grassy fells.
“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
Our route starts at the Spout Force car park, on the Lorton side of the Whinlatter Pass, from the car park we follow the track past Darling How Farm and through the trees to emerge onto the open fellside below Brown How.
A short climb over grass and heather covered fellside brings us up to Brown How, the western summit of Whinlatter Top and a great view over Lorton and the West Cumbrian coast.
It's just a short walk along the ridge from Brown How to the summit of Whinlatter Top, from here the views east open up with a good view down towards Keswick and across to Helvellyn.
From Whinlatter Top we descend to the north, dropping back into the trees for a short while at Tarbarrel Moss to meet one of the forest tracks that takes us around Ullister Hill and across to the summit of Barf.
The dramatic view from the summit of Barf comes as a little of a surprise, the gentle heater covered slopes we have crossed suddenly give way from the summit to drop almost straight down to the shores of Bassenthwaite Lake. Across Bassenthwaite is a fine view of the ridges and summit of Skiddaw and to the south east there is a great view over Derwentwater and Keswick to Helvellyn beyond, you can even see as far as some of the higher southern fells.
From Barf it's a short easy climb up to the summit of Lord's Seat, our highest point of the day and a great panorama, from the higher Coledale Fells to the south and the Solway Coast to the north with Scotland beyond.
From Lord's Seat we follow the ridge to the west, easy walking over grassy slopes, passing the pillar marking the summit of Broom Fell before climbing to the summit of Graystones, our final summit of the day.
The descent from Graystones drops down towards Scawgill Bridge and the path to Spout Force, a picturesque waterfall hidden in the trees.
From Spout Force it's a a short climb back up 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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A lovely walk Review by Helen
This is a great walk for anyone wanting something that's not too strenuous, but which affords spectacular views. We thoroughly enjoyed our day with Lake District Walker. Ross was a fantastic guide; he was great company and really looked after us. (Posted on 23/05/2016)
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