Seatallan

Seatallan

Seatallan is a 693-metre Wainwright in the western Lake District, with a broad grassy summit above Wasdale. Fell record.

Finding the highest point

The surveyed summit is unmarked ground at NY 14003 08442, about 60 metres northeast of the trig point and 15 metres south-southwest of a small cairn. Neither marker is the highest point. Survey details.

The large cairn and wind shelter at NY 13944 08401 is Wainwright’s chosen top, around 72 metres southwest of the surveyed summit. It is distinct from both the trig point and the small cairn. Wainwright top.

The contrast between Seatallan’s smooth grassy upper slopes and the rockier neighbouring fells is part of this walk’s appeal. Clear-weather views take in the Scafells and the Irish Sea; Middle Fell and Buckbarrow add different perspectives over Wasdale. Photographed walking account.

Volcanic geology

The summit bedrock is mapped as the Seatallan Dacite Member. Summit geology.

The British Geological Survey describes this as dacite lava with visible crystals and flow layering, weathering white to pink. Seatallan is its type area. The member belongs to the Birker Fell Andesite Formation, so the formation name does not mean every outcrop is andesite. BGS rock-unit description.

A Greendale circuit

Walking Britain’s circuit covers 11.4 km with 758 metres of ascent and an estimated 5 hours 40 minutes. Route guide.

Start east of Greendale cottages, NY144055. Walk west along the road to Gill Beck, turn right northwards uphill beside it, then east towards Buckbarrow. Watch for traffic on the road. Continue north through Glade How and Cat Bields, then northeast up Seatallan. Outward route.

Descend steeply northeast towards Pots of Ashness. Before reaching the col, turn right at easier ground around NY143088 and contour across Seatallan’s eastern slopes to the Middle Fell path. Climb Middle Fell, descend south along its ridge, then southwest to the Greendale Tarn path. Follow that path downhill to the start. Return route.

Expect boggy hollows, rough ground and steep grass, with indistinct paths in places. Mist makes navigation harder; wet grass increases slipping risk. Terrain guidance.

Access, travel and facilities

There is limited informal roadside parking east of Greendale cottages. Follow local signs, leave access clear and have another plan if spaces are full. Start-point information.

Travel check, 6 November 2026: the Wasdale Explorer’s summer season ended in August. Do not assume a year-round Greendale bus. Check current outward and return transport before travelling. Mobile coverage is poor in parts of Wasdale. National Park transport update.

The National Trust confirms toilets and a welcome centre at Lake Head, farther up the valley. These are separate from this Greendale walk’s start, so plan any facilities stop beforehand. Visitor facilities.

Check current access notices and respect temporary restrictions. Keep dogs under close control, take litter home and give other path users space. Access guidance.

Preparing for the walk

Carry a map and compass and know how to use them. Take warm spare layers, waterproofs, food, water and a headtorch. Check a mountain forecast and leave your route and return time with someone. Allow extra time for stops and navigation. Turn back if conditions exceed your skills; snow, ice and short winter days increase the demands. In an emergency, call 999 or 112 and ask for Police, then Mountain Rescue. Mountain Rescue advice.