Walk: Wainwright described Borrowdale as the “the most beautiful valley outside the lake district”.
For: Suitable for all.
Duration: Around 7 hours with stops and lunch.
Distance / Ascent: 12 miles / 19.5 km, 3219 ft / 981 m.
Grading: Moderate.
Description: Wainwright described Borrowdale as the “the most beautiful valley outside the lake district” but with the extension of the National Park some time ago it is now truly part of the Lake District.
This route takes us on some of Borrowdale’s outer laying fells, we start at Huck’s Bridge then take in Ashtead Fell 455m, Mabbin Crag 482m, Whinfell Beacon 472m, Greyrigg Forest and Greyrigg Pike 478m, Birk Knott 404m.
From there we walk along Borrowdale Beck before we start our next climb up to the other side of the valley and now summit Belt Howe 380m, Whinash 471m, where we have a very good chance to see the wild ponies of Borrowdale.
We then head down Breasthigh road (more like a track not an actual road) past Thunder Stone and back to the cars.
Meeting Place: Layby at Huck's Bridge Penrith LA8 9LG.
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See Start Locations.
Meeting Time: Saturday 23rd / 09:00.
Leader / Organisation: Tony Lowe / www.tonylowemountaineering.com.
Equipment: Suitable walking footwear, waterproofs, food and drink. Walking poles (recommended). Parts of the route can be boggy, but normally these can be avoided with some careful planning.
Dogs: Well behaved dogs are welcome.
Max No People: 12.
Cost: Child (under 16) £5.00, Adult £10.00, Concession £5.00.