NY2835 : Brae Fell Summit
Moderate; navigation and stream crossings

Brae Fell

586m Elevation
14m Prominence
England Country
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Overview

Brae Fell is a 586-metre Wainwright in the Northern Fells.

Brae Fell

Brae Fell is a 586-metre Wainwright in the Northern Fells of the Lake District. A large cairn marks its summit at NY 28875 35159. Summit record.

Summit and outlook

In clear weather, look northwest towards the Solway Firth, with Binsey to the left. Brae Fell appears in Book Five, The Northern Fells, of Alfred Wainwright’s pictorial guides. Summit photograph and guidebook.

From Longlands via Charleton Gill

From Longlands (NY 266 359), use the gate north of the beck bridge and follow the Cumbria Way beneath Longlands Fell’s north ridge. Branch half-right onto the Charleton Gill bridleway.

Stay beside the gill to the shallower ravine crossing near the valley head, avoiding the deeper lower ravine. Continue on the bridleway. A little beyond a quarter-mile from the crossing, take the path up Brae Fell’s southwest slopes. It curves north across the head of Charleton Gill and reaches the ridge, then the cairn.

Return by reversing this route: descend to the bridleway, recross the upper ravine and follow the valley back to the Cumbria Way and Longlands. Ascent photographs.

Geology

The mapped summit bedrock belongs to the Eycott Volcanic Group. These Ordovician rocks include basalt, andesite and dacite lavas, together with tuffs and other deposits formed from volcanic material. Summit geology; BGS rock description.

Access and preparation

Longlands has a small parking area or layby near the United Utilities building. Keep gates and entrances clear, and check signs before leaving your vehicle. Starting point.

For a car-free visit, check current travel options to Longlands and plan the return journey before setting out.

Grassy slopes dominate the surrounding fells, with both paths and pathless ground. Wet patches can become boggy after rain. Take care with navigation when cloud hides the broad slopes and junctions. Local terrain.

Carry a detailed map and compass and know how to use them. Check the mountain forecast, take food, drinking water and suitable clothing, and leave your route with someone. Allow enough daylight for the return. Turn back if a water crossing is unsafe. Snow and ice require winter skills and equipment. Walking safety.

Explore routes near Brae Fell

Public walks starting within 80 km of this hill. Nearby does not mean a route reaches the summit; check its map and access before setting out.

Brae Fell from Longlands Wainwright

8.8 km 2h 15m–3h Moderate

View route

Mungrisdale Common and Bowscale Fell from Mosedale Valley Wainwright

13.4 km 4h 30m–6h 45m Hard

View route

Binsey from Binsey Lodge Direct Out and Back Wainwright

2.4 km 40 min–50 min Moderate

View route

Bannerdale Crags from Mungrisdale Wainwright

6.9 km 1h 45m–2h 20m Moderate

View route

Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches, not verified navigable routes or permission to cross land. Check current paths, local access rules and conditions before setting out.

Longlands via Charleton Gill

Climb Brae Fell and return along the same route.

Moderate fell walk
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Wainwright Birkett Synge Fellranger

Elevation

586m

1,923 ft

Prominence

14m

Coordinates

54.7064, -3.1054

NY288351

OS Map

89 90

Explorer: OL4N

At the Summit

Large cairn at NY 28875 35159.

Terrain & Geology

Grassy slopes and paths with wet or boggy patches after rain.

Eycott Volcanic Group: Ordovician lavas, tuffs and other volcanic deposits.

Views & Scenery

Northwest towards the Solway Firth, with Binsey to the left.

History & Heritage

Historical Significance

Brae Fell appears in Book Five, The Northern Fells, of Alfred Wainwright’s pictorial guides.

Getting There & Facilities

Check current local access restrictions, parking rules and transport timetables before travelling. These notes do not confirm public access to the summit.

Parking

Small parking area or layby at Longlands, near the United Utilities building. Keep access clear.

Public Transport

For a car-free visit, check current travel options to Longlands and plan the return journey before setting out.

Nearby Facilities

Carry food and drinking water; arrange supplies before starting the fell walk.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Broad slopes and path junctions need care in cloud.
  • Boggy ground and wet grass can slow progress.
  • Do not attempt water crossings in unsafe conditions.

Seasonal Hazards

Snow and ice require winter skills and equipment. Strong winds, storms and short daylight can make the walk unsuitable.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Brae Fell?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Brae Fell through the maps

Are there other walkers around Brae Fell?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Brae Fell search or of course create your own walk for Brae Fell

Can I organise a walk to Brae Fell?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Brae Fell.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Brae Fell?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Brae Fell here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

Brae Fell location map

Grid reference: NY288351

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.

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Straight-line distance, not a walking route or confirmation of access.

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