Bleaberry Fell

Bleaberry Fell

Bleaberry Fell is a 590-metre Wainwright in the Central Fells. Its summit cairns look towards Skiddaw and Blencathra, while the north-western viewpoint opens across Derwentwater. Fell profile.

Finding the summit

The recorded high point is an outcrop ten metres east of the wind shelter, at NY 28577 19577. A rock thirty metres southeast of the shelter is equally high. The shelter marks Wainwright’s summit. Summit record.

Ashness Bridge out and back

Start at Ashness Bridge car park. Cross the road to the High Strutta path and climb beside the beck briefly, then turn left over the footbridge. Pass through the gate and follow the path across Brown Knotts towards Walla Crag. Leave that line for the Bleaberry Fell path and climb towards the old sheepfold. Photographed ascent.

From the sheepfold, the firmer track leads to a steep stone-pitched climb. Follow the steps to the large cairn, then continue over the higher ground past another cairn to the summit shelter and nearby rocks. The first cairn is a viewpoint rather than the summit. Upper path.

Return the same way: descend the pitched steps to the sheepfold, retrace the path to the Brown Knotts junction and turn back towards Ashness Bridge. Cross the same footbridge, descend the short beck-side section and cross the road carefully to the car park. Approach landmarks and Return to Ashness.

This route stops at Bleaberry Fell. The open moorland can be wet, with less distinct paths below the final climb. Use a map and compass in poor visibility, and take care on the steep steps when descending. Terrain guidance.

Volcanic rock

Bleaberry Fell’s bedrock is the Birker Fell Andesite Formation, part of the Ordovician Borrowdale Volcanic Group. Much of this formation consists of successive andesite lava flows, with broken volcanic rock at their tops and bases. Local geology and BGS rock description.

Getting there

Ashness Bridge National Trust car park is at NY 269196, postcode CA12 5UN. It is small and popular, reached by a steep, narrow road with passing places. Check parking charges before travelling and leave access clear. Parking information.

The 78 bus runs between Keswick and Seatoller, with stops at Calfclose Bay and Derwentwater Youth Hostel. These are valley stops, not the fellwalk start: plan the onward approach to Ashness Bridge and check the return timetable. Bus information.

Plan toilet stops before setting out. Cumberland Council lists public toilets at Lakeside Car Park in Keswick; check current availability and payment arrangements. Do not rely on toilets or refreshments at the trailhead. Toilet information.

Before you walk

Carry food, drinking water, weatherproof layers and a map and compass you know how to use. Check the mountain forecast, tell someone your route and allow daylight for the full return. Wet rocks can be slippery; strong wind and mist make the upper fell more demanding. Snow and ice require winter skills and equipment. Walking safety.