NY1518 : Steepness of eastern face of Mellbreak
Steep, rough fell walk

Mellbreak [Mellbreak South Top]

511m Elevation
259m Prominence
England Country
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Overview

Mellbreak’s 511.1-metre South Top is the highest point of this western Lakeland Wainwright.

Mellbreak South Top

Mellbreak is a double-topped Wainwright in the western Lake District. Its South Top reaches 511.1 metres, with a prominence of 259 metres. The highest point is a flat rock at NY 14843 18613. Summit record.

The outcrop at NY 14839 18558, south of the highest ground, may be the site of Wainwright’s former cairn. Cairns change, so use the highest-point grid reference rather than relying on a pile of stones. Summit locations; survey note.

From the southern summit area, a short walk south-east opens the view along Crummock Water towards Buttermere, framed by the surrounding fells. Views.

Loweswater circuit

From Church Bridge in Loweswater, follow the lane past Kirkgate Farm. Where the walled bridleway bends right towards Mosedale, continue ahead through the trees to the open fell. Climb the zigzag path on the scree to the rock gateway, then follow the north ridge over rocky knolls to North Top. Cross the broad saddle and climb to South Top. Photographic ascent guide.

This is a steep fell walk with loose scree and worn paths, requiring steady footing. Terrain guide. The open ground between the tops can be wet and boggy. Conditions.

Return north-west to the saddle. At the junction near NY 144190, turn left onto the faint path south then south-west towards Mosedale. On meeting the valley track, turn right and follow it north, keeping Mosedale Beck on your left. At the woodland edge bear right to regain the walled lane, then retrace it past Kirkgate Farm to Church Bridge. Circuit and return.

Do not take a direct descent down the craggy eastern slopes towards Crummock Water. Descent advice.

Geology

The summit area is mapped on the Kirk Stile Formation of the Skiddaw Group. Local geology.

The formation contains dark-grey mudstone and siltstone in thin layers, with local lenses of coarser sedimentary rock. BGS formation description.

Access and preparation

Parking around Church Bridge is limited. Follow current signs and keep gateways and farm access clear. Start-point information.

Kirkstile Inn in Loweswater serves food and drink. Check its current hours before planning a stop. Inn information.

Check the mountain forecast and allow enough daylight for the whole circuit. Carry a map and compass, headtorch, warm and waterproof clothing, food and water. Leave your route and return time with someone; turn back if conditions deteriorate. In an emergency, call 999 or 112 and ask for Police, then Mountain Rescue. Mountain safety.

Explore routes near Mellbreak [Mellbreak South Top]

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.

Scafell Pike from Seathwaite via the Corridor Route

14.1 km 4h 45m–7h 5m Hard

View route

Scafell Pike via Brown Tongue and Hollow Stones

8.1 km 2h 45m–4h 5m Hard

View route

Derwentwater Walk: full lakeside circuit from Keswick

15.9 km 4h–5h 20m Moderate

View route

Binsey from Binsey Lodge Direct Out and Back Wainwright

2.4 km 40 min–50 min 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.

Loweswater via North Top and Mosedale

From Church Bridge via Kirkgate Farm and North Top to South Top; return to the saddle and descend through Mosedale to Church Bridge.

Steep, rough fell walk
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn Dodd Dewey Wainwright Birkett Synge Fellranger

Elevation

511m

1,677 ft

Prominence

259m

Coordinates

54.5556, -3.3183

NY148186

OS Map

89

Explorer: OL4S

At the Summit

Flat rock at NY 14843 18613; a lower southern outcrop may have held Wainwright’s cairn.

Terrain & Geology

Loose scree rocky paths grass heather and boggy ground.

Kirk Stile Formation: thinly layered mudstone and siltstone of the Skiddaw Group.

Views & Scenery

Crummock Water and Buttermere from viewpoints south-east of the summit.

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 near Church Bridge, Loweswater. Follow current signs and leave access clear.

Public Transport

Check current services and the onward journey to Church Bridge before arranging a car-free walk.

Nearby Facilities

Kirkstile Inn in Loweswater serves food and drink; check current hours. Bring supplies and plan toilet stops before setting out.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Steep, loose scree and worn paths on the north-ridge ascent.
  • Wet and boggy ground between the tops.
  • Avoid direct descents towards Crummock Water through the eastern crags.
  • Carry navigation equipment and turn back if conditions deteriorate.

Seasonal Hazards

Short winter days leave less time for the return. Check the mountain forecast and carry a headtorch.

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 Mellbreak [Mellbreak South Top]?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Mellbreak [Mellbreak South Top] through the maps

Are there other walkers around Mellbreak [Mellbreak South Top]?

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 Mellbreak [Mellbreak South Top] search or of course create your own walk for Mellbreak [Mellbreak South Top]

Can I organise a walk to Mellbreak [Mellbreak South Top]?

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 Mellbreak [Mellbreak South Top].

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 Mellbreak [Mellbreak South Top]?

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.

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Location

Mellbreak [Mellbreak South Top] location map

Grid reference: NY148186

View on OpenStreetMap

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