High Seat

High Seat

High Seat belongs to the Central Fells and appears in Book Three of Alfred Wainwright’s pictorial guides. Bleaberry Fell and High Tove are its immediate fell neighbours. Fell profile.

Summit and views

The recorded summit is 609 metres at NY 28709 18045, on rock three metres west of the trig pillar. A cairn 85 metres east-north-east, at NY 28788 18074, may be higher according to the survey notes; the relative height remains uncertain. Summit record.

In clear weather, Bleaberry Fell lies below the northern skyline of Skiddaw, Lonscale Fell and Blencathra. The northwest descent looks across Ashness Fell towards Dodd. Photographed walk.

Ashness Bridge out and back

From Ashness Bridge car park, walk towards the bridge. Before reaching it, take the footpath to the right of Bark House. Cross the stile and climb with the gill on your left and wall, then fence, on your right to the kissing gate. Start.

The steep lower climb gives way to open moorland and boggy ground. Approach.

Beyond the gate, continue uphill. Where the path meets the gill, turn right onto the steep stone-built climb to Dodd. Continue ahead, then follow the path left across grassy knolls. Paving is interrupted by wet hollows. At its end, cross the boggy patch only if safe, then bear left up the summit outcrop. Ascent.

Return the same way: descend the outcrop, retrace the paving to Dodd, then follow the steep path and gill through the kissing gate, past Bark House and back to the car park. Return.

Volcanic bedrock

The summit bedrock is the Birker Fell Andesite Formation, within the Borrowdale Volcanic Group. These Ordovician rocks are chiefly andesite lava flows, with smaller amounts of basalt, dacite and fragmented volcanic deposits. Local geology and BGS formation description.

Getting there and preparing

Ashness Bridge National Trust car park is at NY 269196, postcode CA12 5UN. Spaces are limited and the approach road is steep and narrow, with passing places. Check current charges and leave road access clear. Parking information.

Do not rely on toilets or refreshments at the trailhead. Bring what you need, and keep dogs on a lead around livestock. Phone reception can be unreliable. Visitor information.

The 78 runs between Keswick and Seatoller, calling at Ashness stops on the Borrowdale road. These are below the fellwalk start: plan the connection to Ashness Bridge separately and check return services. Bus timetable.

Carry a map and compass, weatherproof clothing, suitable boots, food and drinking water. Check the mountain forecast and tell someone your route. Wet stonework can be slippery; turn back if conditions prevent safe progress. Allow daylight for the full descent. Snow and ice require winter skills and equipment. Walking safety.