A challenging 16.9 km fell walk in the Eastern Fells, taking in 3 Wainwrights including Great Mell Fell and Little Mell Fell and more. Starting from Under Great Mell, the route climbs 849 m. Allow around 4h 48m by Naismith's Rule.
The Eastern fells stretch from Kirkstone Pass to the Shap Fells, a quieter and wilder corner of the Lake District popular with those seeking solitude. Expect long grassy ridges, ancient drovers's roads, and expansive views towards the Pennines.
At 16.9 km with 849 m of ascent, this route is rated Challenging. This is a demanding route requiring good navigational skills, a strong level of fitness, and full mountain kit. Start early and monitor the weather closely.
The route takes in 3 Wainwrights, covering 16.9 km from Under Great Mell. Using Naismith's Rule, allow around 4h 48m of walking time, plus extra for rest stops, navigation, and photos. Fine-tune your estimate with the Naismith Calculator.
The walk starts at Under Great Mell. Check parking availability before you go as popular Lake District car parks fill quickly on weekends. The Lake District National Park Authority website has up-to-date car park information.
Download the GPX file to your device before setting off. The map shows the route and Wainwright summit positions. In poor visibility, always use a physical OS map and compass. Do not rely solely on a phone GPS in mountain terrain.
Late spring through early autumn (May to October) gives the best conditions. Winter walking on the fells requires additional skills and daylight planning. Always check the Mountain Weather Information Service before heading out.
A serious day on the high fells. Kit choice matters — I wouldn't leave any of this behind on a route like this.
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