Terrain Overview
Walk Overview
We had originally intended to walk the Naddle Horseshoe (near Haweswater) however
the weather was not promising so we opted for this very simple walk in the Western
region of Lakeland which takes in 2 Outlying Wainwright Fells. Due to low cloud
and mist we were denied some good views towards the Scafell massif, but you pay
your money you take your chance. Such are the vagaries of walking in Lakeland
Travelling west from the A590 head for Ulpha and the Birker Fell Road. Towards the
upper reaches you approach the Crosbythwaite Farm "Snack Shed" and approx 300 yards
further north, a layby on the right provides free parking for around 2 or 3 cars
The lay by on the Birker Fell Road that is the start point for this walk
Hesk Fell from the lay by
The Pike from the lay by
Looking towards the Dunnerdale Fells from the Lay by, with Crosbythwaite Farm
in the foreground
From the Lay by we travel south and pass the Farm shop looking out for
a gate on the right hand side of the road, some 200 yards or so further on
The gate that gives access to the open fell side
Through the gate and an initial path very soon fades in favour of thick
and sometimes boggy grass. Its best to aim right towards a wire fence
that leads directly to a hand gate
Crossing the first field is probably the worst part of this walk due to the terain, however
the first hand gate is soon reached after which the path improves
Looking back to the Farm from the wooden gate
The path across the second field improves greatly
Looking towards the Coniston Fells from the path
Fairly soon after some gentle walking a second gate is reached
Through the gate and a view of the wall which leads directly to our second summit
of the day The Pike
Shortly after crossing the third field another hand gate is reached.
Do not go through this, turn immediately right to follow a grass track
that runs parallel with the wall as it climbs gradually towards Hesk Fell
Following the grass track gently upwards
Looking towards the Duddon Estuary from the path
Very shortly a gated wall is reached. The gate is permanently locked however
a stile built from some of the wall stones allows you to gain access to
the summit approach
Over the wall and a steepish climb on a good path towards the summit
Looking towards The Pike from the climb up to Hesk Fell
Eventually the solitary stone cairn is reached that marks the summit
of Hesk Pike. Click here for a 360 degree view
Mist rolls in from Whit Fell
After a short while on the summit we retrace our steps to head towards The Pike
Looking towards Caw from the return trip
Returning to the wall stile, keep to the left hand side of the wall as it
leads unerringly towards the summit of The Pike
Following the track to The Pike. A wire fence that runs perpendicular to
the wall needs to be crossed. This is aided by a style
The fence stile
Heading towards the summit of the Pike
There is now no longer any summit cairn on the Pike, so we chose this
highest piece of ground to be the summit. Click here for a 360 degree view
Looking towards Stickle Pike from the summit of the Pike
