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Great Mell Fell from near Brownrigg Farm

Great Mell Fell from near Brownrigg Farm

Start/Finish

Track on W side of the minor road at NY 407 247 on the minor road from Matterdale End (A5091) to Beckces (A66). This track is about 250 N of the entrance to Brownrigg Farm. Parking is quite limited and is on the verge on the W side of the road just N of the track. Wide tractors with trailers frequently use this road so make sure you leave them enough space to get past without the risk of scraping your car.

Distance/Time

3 km       About 1 - 2 hours

Peaks

Great Mell Fell, 537 m, NY 397 254.      OS 1: 50 000 , Sheet 90.

OS 1: 25 000 Outdoor Leisure 5, English Lake District NE Area.

Introduction

This is a short walk, ideal for a mid-winter's day. It offers good views on clear days of the Helvellyn range, the Skiddaw and Blencathra range and the hills across Ullswater. The ascent described is, initially, quite steep through a wood and can be slippery when there are Autumn leaves on the ground. The steepness can easily be seen from the first gate and can be avoided by using the route of descent.

Route

(1) Walk up the track for about 100 m to the first gate which has a stile and a national trust notice. Go through the gate then, immediately, pick a way up the steep slopes on the left. Gradually drift slightly right. Eventually, leave the wood and join a path heading roughly NW through scattered trees. In places, the path splits and either can be followed although the main path is fairly obvious. Continue up. When the angle eases, soon reach the very small cairn which marks the summit of Great Mell Fell, 537 m.

(2) Retrace on the main path and stay on it to avoid going through the wood. The path leads down to the second gate on the track which is then followed back to the road.

Notes

(a) This walk took place on 11th November, 2013.

(b) To avoid the steep ascent through the wood, walk along the track to the second gate and follow the path to the summit.

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