Wainwrights in 21 Days

28km & 1534m (19miles & 5032ft)

Predicted Walking Time 8hr 45m

To download the gpx file click on the button below.

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One of the shorter days in the Southern Wainwright fells, but with some stunning scenery.

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The paths up Far Easdale are easy to find, but it gets a bit tricker on the start of the smaller path to Tarn Crag. The ridge to the Crag is a delight.

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Descending to Codale Tarn is off piste, but easy as long as there is no mist and the tarn is visible. You're then back on paths to Blea Rigg (which I have wrongly shown as Blea Crag on the sketch map.) Note Wainwright's comment "...it gets little attention and the cairn surmounting a rocky bluff is often passed unnoticed." It's not the most obvious summit!

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Descend to Stickle Tarn by one of a number of paths, then up the path behind Pavey Ark. You could, of course, choose to go up Jake's Rake if you fancied a scramble with some exposure, but the path suggested is much easier, though steep in places.

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Joining the crowds, the next task is to traverse the three major Langdale Pikes. A path not shown on the OS maps then leads direct to Thunacar Knott. Continue on a diversion to Sergeant Man and then back on the direct path to High Raise.

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From High Raise, there is a diversion to the delightful ridge to Sergeant's Crag and Eagle Crag. The path is initially not always clear, so take care to aim for the ridge, not going too far East towards Long Crag. On the ridge itself, the path is obvious.

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Return off piste to the Greenup Edge ridge, this time passing below Long Crag. After Low White Stones turn right on a clear path to Calf Crag. Before reaching that summit continue onto the ridge going North East to Steel Fell. Return to reach Calf Crag itself, then pass over Gibson Knott and Helm Crag. Now join the crowds and return to Grasmere.

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It's a lovely route among some of the most popular hills in the central Lakes. Not the quietest day, but there must be a reason why so many other people visit the area.

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