NY2733 : Towards summit of Great Cockup
Moderate; navigation and stream crossings

Great Cockup

526m Elevation
92m Prominence
England Country
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Overview

Great Cockup is a 526-metre Wainwright in the Northern Fells, with a cairn marking its summit.

Great Cockup

Great Cockup is a 526-metre Wainwright in the Lake District’s Northern Fells.

Summit and views

The summit cairn stands at NY 27337 33320. Nearby tops include Meal Fell, Great Sca Fell and Longlands Fell. Summit record.

In clear weather, look towards Skiddaw and the steep face of Dead Crags, with Great Calva also in view. Great Cockup appears in Book Five, The Northern Fells, of Alfred Wainwright’s pictorial guides. Summit photograph and context.

Longlands circuit via Meal Fell

This moderate circuit is 9.8 km.

From Longlands, use the gate north of the bridge, ford the beck and follow the valley path beside the wall. Pass the sheep pens and cross the River Ellen. Turn right, cross Dale Gill, then after about 700 metres take the faint path left onto Little Cockup’s ridge. Follow it east to Great Cockup.

Descend north-east, then east to Trusmadoor. Traverse Meal Fell’s southern flank before climbing steeply to its summit. Descend north-west to the earlier River Ellen crossing, then retrace the valley path to Longlands. Full circuit guide.

Geology

The mapped summit bedrock is Watch Hill Formation, part of the Skiddaw Group. These Ordovician sedimentary rocks include sandstone, siltstone and mudstone. Summit geology; BGS formation description.

Access and preparation

Parking is limited beside Longlands Beck bridge, NY 266 358. Check signs and leave gates and access clear.

Grassy slopes and paths are typical of these fells, with wet or boggy patches after rain. Trusmadoor separates Great Cockup from Meal Fell, so the circuit involves a descent and another climb. Local terrain.

Some paths are indistinct. Carry a detailed map and compass and be able to navigate without relying on a visible summit cairn.

For a car-free visit, plan your connection to Longlands and the journey home before travelling. Check current services rather than assuming a bus reaches the start.

Check the mountain forecast and allow enough daylight for the return. Carry drinking water, food and suitable clothing, and leave your route with someone. Do not attempt a ford when the water is unsafe. Snow and ice require winter skills and equipment. Walking safety.

Explore routes near Great Cockup

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

Binsey from Binsey Lodge Direct Out and Back Wainwright

2.4 km 40 min–50 min Moderate

View route

Mungrisdale Common and Bowscale Fell from Mosedale Valley Wainwright

13.4 km 4h 30m–6h 45m Hard

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 two-fell circuit

Great Cockup and Meal Fell circuit returning to Longlands.

9.8 km Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Dodd Dewey Subhump Wainwright Birkett Synge Fellranger

Elevation

526m

1,726 ft

Prominence

92m

Coordinates

54.6897, -3.1288

NY273333

OS Map

89 90

Explorer: OL4N

At the Summit

Small cairn at NY 27337 33320.

Terrain & Geology

Grassy slopes and wet patches with steep climbs and descents around Trusmadoor.

Watch Hill Formation of the Skiddaw Group: Ordovician sedimentary sandstone, siltstone and mudstone.

Views & Scenery

Skiddaw, Dead Crags and Great Calva in clear weather.

History & Heritage

Historical Significance

Great Cockup 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

Limited parking beside Longlands Beck bridge, NY 266 358. Keep access clear.

Public Transport

For a car-free visit, plan your connection to Longlands and the journey home before travelling. Check current services rather than assuming a bus reaches the start.

Nearby Facilities

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

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Indistinct paths can be confusing in mist.
  • Wet grass and steep slopes require care.
  • Do not attempt stream crossings in unsafe water 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 Great Cockup?

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

Are there other walkers around Great Cockup?

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 Great Cockup search or of course create your own walk for Great Cockup

Can I organise a walk to Great Cockup?

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 Great Cockup.

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 Great Cockup?

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 Great Cockup 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

Great Cockup location map

Grid reference: NY273333

View on OpenStreetMap

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

Hills within 30 km

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

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Skiddaw

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 Blencathra - Hallsfell Top

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868m

 Grisedale Pike

Grisedale Pike

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 Crag Hill [Eel Crag]

Crag Hill [Eel Crag]

839m

 Grasmoor

Grasmoor

852m
See 5 more nearby hills

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