Lonscale Fell

Lonscale Fell

Lonscale Fell is a 715m Wainwright in the Northern Fells above Keswick. Its broad summit rewards careful navigation, while the separate eastern top overlooks the Glenderaterra valley. Summit details

The summit and landscape

The main summit is at NY285271. The recorded highest ground, NY2854527144, lies about 25m south of the cairn. That cairn, at NY2854027171, is the Wainwright and Birkett top. Summit locations

Lonscale Pike, also called Lonscale Fell East Top, is a different, lower top at 703m, near NY288272. It is optional on these walks and is not the main Wainwright summit. East Top record

On the eastern side, the Kirk Stile Formation is recorded at NY29242704. Its characteristic rocks are thinly layered siltstone and mudstone, part of the Skiddaw Group. These are sedimentary rocks, originally laid down in a marine environment. British Geological Survey

In clear weather, the eastern top looks across to Blencathra and into the Northern Fells, while Skiddaw rises close to the west. Views from Lonscale

Two complete circuits

These are substantial mountain days. Use current mapping and the linked detailed guides; all quoted distances cover the return to the stated start.

Keswick, Little Man and Lonscale Fell: 14.5km with 866m ascent; allow 5–6 hours. Start at the car park behind Keswick Country House Hotel, NY270238. Take the signed Skiddaw approach around Latrigg to Gale Road, then climb to Jenkin Hill. Visit Little Man, return to its foot, and follow the moorland path east to Lonscale Fell. Descend beside the southern fence to the lower track, turn west and cross Whit Beck. At Gale Road, retrace the outward approach to the original Keswick car park. Keswick circuit guide

Threlkeld via Burnt Horse: 16.7km with 717m ascent; allow 6–6½ hours. Start at Blease Road car park, NY318256. Continue past the Blencathra Centre into Glenderaterra, cross the valley bridges and climb Burnt Horse to the main summit. Descend by the southern fence and lower track, crossing Whit Beck to Gale Road. Turn onto Latrigg’s northern flank and descend to the valley lane. Join the railway path eastwards, then use the pavement beside the A66 and village roads back to Blease Road car park. Threlkeld circuit guide

The eastern top can be omitted by staying with the main route and returning to the southern fence. Neither circuit requires following the crag edge.

Getting there

Gale Road car park, NY281253, is a higher starting point reached via Applethwaite or Ormathwaite. Starting here changes the first circuit’s distance and ascent. Follow current parking notices and keep access clear. Use Keswick for toilets and refreshments before setting out. National Park access information

Stagecoach’s X4/X5 links Penrith railway station with Keswick. Check the current timetable and last return. The Keswick walk starts in town; do not plan on a bus delivering you to Gale Road car park. Stagecoach travel information

Terrain and preparation

Expect sustained climbing, stony tracks and fainter paths over grass and heather. The eastern crag edge has serious drops; leave that optional detour out in wind or mist. Route and terrain

Check a mountain forecast and allow daylight for the whole return. Rain can make stream crossings impassable: do not enter Whit Beck if the water is too deep, fast or uncertain. Choose a route avoiding the ford when high water is expected. Snow and ice require winter skills and equipment. Carry navigation you can use, waterproofs, food, water and a torch, and leave your route with someone. Walking safety