Mungrisdale Common

Mungrisdale Common

Mungrisdale Common reaches 631.8 metres in the Northern Fells. Its broad, grassy top offers a very different outing from the craggy ridges of neighbouring Blencathra.

Summit and views

The highest point is unmarked ground at NY 31169 29204. The familiar cairn stands about 120 metres west, at NY 31055 29228, on ground only 0.3 metres lower. Visit both if you want to reach the recorded summit as well as the cairn. Summit record.

In clear weather, the cairn gives an open outlook towards the Skiddaw massif and Lonscale Fell, with Great Calva farther north. Summit photographs.

From the Blencathra Centre and back

Start at the small parking area beyond the Blencathra Centre on Blease Road, above Threlkeld, at NY 302 256. Spaces are limited; check signs and keep access clear. Starting point.

Follow the track north above Glenderaterra Beck. Cross the bridge over Roughten Gill and continue to Sinen Gill, where the track bends sharply left. Cross Sinen Gill only if conditions allow, then climb the faint path along its far bank, bearing left towards the Cloven Stone. Approach description.

From the Cloven Stone, continue uphill past the marker cairn. At the crest, turn right onto the path across the Common to its small cairn. The recorded highest ground lies a short distance east. Photographed approach.

Return to the small cairn, then retrace the approach past the marker cairn and Cloven Stone to Sinen Gill. Recross Sinen Gill, rejoin the valley track and cross Roughten Gill, then follow the track south to the parking area. This out-and-back does not climb Blencathra. Return option.

Geology

The mapped bedrock is the Kirk Stile Formation of the Skiddaw Group: Ordovician sedimentary rocks dominated by finely layered mudstone and siltstone. Summit geology; BGS formation description.

Access and preparation

Paths across the Common can be faint and the ground wet or boggy. In cloud, a small cairn and branching tracks are poor substitutes for confident navigation. Carry a detailed map and keep track of your position. Terrain photographs.

For a car-free visit, check current services to Threlkeld and plan the onward walk up Blease Road and your return journey.

Check the mountain forecast, carry food, drinking water and suitable clothing, and leave your route with someone. Turn back if streams are unsafe. Allow enough daylight for the descent; snow and ice require winter skills and equipment. Fellwalking advice.