Southern Fells Challenging

Glaramara Seathwaite Fells

A challenging 18.6 km fell walk in the Southern Fells, taking in 5 Wainwrights including Great End and Allen Crags and more. Starting from Seathwaite, the route climbs 1086 m. Allow around 5h 32m by Naismith's Rule.

Distance
18.6 km
11.6 mi
Ascent
1086 m
3,563 ft
Wainwrights
5
Est. Time
5h 32m
Start
Seathwaite
Difficulty
Challenging

Route Details

AreaSouthern Fells
StartSeathwaite
Distance18.6 km / 11.6 mi
Ascent1086 m / 3,563 ft
Wainwrights5
Est. Time5h 32m
↓ Download GPX ← Back to walks list
Wainwrights on This Route
Great End
Allen Crags
Glaramara
Seathwaite Fell
Rosthwaite Fell (Bessyboot)

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 18.6 km with 1086 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 5 Wainwrights, covering 18.6 km from Seathwaite. Using Naismith's Rule, allow around 5h 32m 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 Seathwaite. 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

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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