A challenging 16.2 km fell walk in the Southern Fells, taking in 2 Wainwrights including Illgill Head and Whin Rigg. Starting from NT car park, the route climbs 749 m. Allow around 4h 29m by Naismith's Rule.
The Southern fells include the Coniston group and the wild, rocky terrain above Langdale, some of the most dramatic and popular walking in the Lake District. This is big mountain country, with steep ascents rewarded by unforgettable summit panoramas.
At 16.2 km with 749 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 2 Wainwrights, covering 16.2 km from NT car park. Using Naismith's Rule, allow around 4h 29m of walking time, plus extra for rest stops, navigation, and photos. Fine-tune your estimate with the Naismith Calculator.
The walk starts at NT car park. 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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