September
8:00 start with 17:30 return
13 miles (20.9km) with 2461ft (750m) Total Ascent.
Our past A walks in this area have usually accessed the Caldbeck Fells via Roughton Gill. Whilst this is an impressive route I thought that, today, we would try an alternative approach.
From Caldbeck we proceed to Whelpo and then on to Branthwaite to join the Cumbria Way. We follow this to Charleton Wath and then commence the ascent of Longlands Fell and Lowthwaite Fell. This ridge eventually tops out at great Sca Fell (2136ft/651m). From the summit we have a short descent before climbing again to reach the summit of Knott (2329ft/710m) the highest point of the walk.
The return to Caldbeck will be via Great Lingy Hill and High Pike (2159ft/658m) hopefully in time for a well earned brew!
10 miles (16km) with 1900ft (579m) Ascent.
From Caldbeck we head south to Nether Row where we start the steady climb to High Pike, passing mine workings on the way. From the top, weather permitting, we should have magnificent views of the surrounding fells, including Blencathra and Skiddaw. From here it's downhill all the way, following Carrock Beck to Calebreck then on to Hesket Newmarket and back to Caldbeck.
9 miles (14.5km) with 900ft (274m) Ascent.
We leave Caldbeck following the Whelpo Beck past the Howk Bobbin Mill and on to Whelpo Bridge. Here we use the Keswick road for a short distance to Park End where we leave the road and follow field paths to Fellside.
We now follow the Cumbria Way to Nether Row, then fields and paths to Hesket Newmarket. We now descend through woods and fields before, once more, picking up the Cumbria Way which we follow back to Caldbeck in plenty of time for refreshments and exploration of this small village.
6.1 miles (9.8km) with 550ft (168m) Ascent.
Today there are several stiles and gates, but all in good condition.
Our walk starts with a gentle stroll to the Howk and the Old Bobbin Mill. We then continue on to Whelpo and one of our two main climbs - on a good track. We will probably have lunch here before continuing on to Little Fellside and our second and last climb of the day. Here we join a rather wet, boggy, section of the Cumbria Way to Potts Gill and then on to Nether Row on a good track. From here it's possible to take a short cut back to Caldbeck. Otherwise we carry on through fields and tracks to Street Head, Townhead and then Caldbeck.
There will then be time for you to find John Peel's grave, visit the Priests Mill and the other numerous cafes and gift shops as you discover the delights of Caldbeck. Have a nice day!