Low Fell

Low Fell

Route: Low Fell and Darling Fell

Area: Western Lake District

Date of walk: 27th February 2020

Walkers: Andrew and Gilly

Distance: 3.8 miles

Ascent: 1,400 feet

Weather: Mostly sunny, windy and bitterly cold on the tops

Low Fell is one of our favourites in the district, and we’ve been up here many times (40 to be exact). We parked as usual in the small layby just outside Thackthwaite. After walking into the village we turned right to follow the signed path uphill. There are good views back over Lorton Vale during this early section of the walk

We soon arrived on the undulating ridge of Low Fell. The views from here are wonderful all the way along, but the very best vantage point is at the furthest end. Anyone who turns back when reaching the north summit cairn is missing the whole point of the walk. The view from the cairn just below the south summit is described by Wainwright as a ‘view of classical beauty, an inspired and inspiring vision of loveliness…..a scene of lakes and mountains arranged to perfection’. We could never tire of this scene and lingered here for a while taking in the view. It was bitterly cold though and Gilly decided to retrace her steps. We came up with a plan which would enable me to continue the walk by visiting nearby Darling Fell, and Gilly would pick me up on the Loweswater road

Darling Fell is not a Wainwright although in some ways it deserves to be, as the views from here rival those from Low Fell. However, it’s a steep descent and an energy sapping ascent before they can be enjoyed. From here I descended west, with views of the Irish Sea and the hills of Scotland in the distance. The public footpath marked on the OS map does not accurately record the location of the path on the ground, but there are no navigation difficulties and route finding is straightforward

I eventually arrived at the old Mosser Road and descended down it to the Loweswater road. I only had to wait a couple of minutes before Gilly arrived in the car. For anyone who prefers a circular route, it’s a very pleasant stroll back to Thackthwaite along quiet country lanes, or alternatively Loweswater could be included in the round – click here for the route

For other walks here, visit my Find Walks page and enter the name in the ‘Search site’ box

Click on the icon below for the route map (subscribers to OS Maps can view detailed maps of the route, visualise it in aerial 3D, and download the GPX file. Non-subscribers will see a base map)

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