Southern Fells Moderate

Black fell and Holme Fell

A moderate 11.3 km fell walk in the Southern Fells, taking in 2 Wainwrights including Black Fell and Holme Fell. Starting from Glen Mary Bridge Car park, the route climbs 478 m. Allow around 3h 3m by Naismith's Rule.

Distance
11.3 km
7.0 mi
Ascent
478 m
1,568 ft
Wainwrights
2
Est. Time
3h 3m
Start
Glen Mary Bridge Car park
Difficulty
Moderate

Route Details

AreaSouthern Fells
StartGlen Mary Bridge Car park
Distance11.3 km / 7.0 mi
Ascent478 m / 1,568 ft
Wainwrights2
Est. Time3h 3m
↓ Download GPX ← Back to walks list
Wainwrights on This Route
Black Fell
Holme Fell

About the Southern Fells

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.

What to Expect

At 11.3 km with 478 m of ascent, this route is rated Moderate. Expect a solid day out with sustained climbing sections. Walkers should be comfortable on open fell terrain and carry map, compass, and adequate layers.

The route takes in 2 Wainwrights, covering 11.3 km from Glen Mary Bridge Car park. Using Naismith's Rule, allow around 3h 3m of walking time, plus extra for rest stops, navigation, and photos. Fine-tune your estimate with the Naismith Calculator.

Planning Your Walk

Getting There

The walk starts at Glen Mary Bridge 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.

Navigation

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.

Essential Kit

  • Waterproof jacket and trousers
  • Sturdy walking boots or trail shoes
  • OS map 1:25,000 and compass
  • At least 2 litres of water per person
  • Food and emergency snacks
  • First aid kit and charged mobile

Best Time of Year

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.

Gear I Used

My standard Lake District day kit. Everything here has been out on the fells with me and earned its place in the pack.

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