Seathwaite Fell (Wainwright summit)

Seathwaite Fell (Wainwright summit)

Seathwaite Fell puts you among the big Borrowdale mountains without climbing onto their highest ridges. Great Gable stands across Styhead Gill, Great End rises to the south, and the northern top looks back down the valley. Fell and views.

The Wainwright top

The recorded summit is a 601.1-metre rock at NY 22916 10168, 16 metres southeast of the Wainwright cairn at NY 22903 10180. The fell’s higher 631-metre summit lies farther south. Summit details.

This northern top belongs to Wainwright’s Southern Fells. Its outlook along Borrowdale reaches Derwent Water, with Skiddaw and Blencathra beyond in clear weather. The higher summit, Great Slack, is a separate stopping point. Summits and panorama.

From Seathwaite via Sprinkling Tarn

Start at Seathwaite Farm in Borrowdale and follow the track south through the buildings and gates to Stockley Bridge. Cross it, pass through the gate and climb the pitched Sty Head path. Keep Styhead Gill on your right until the footbridge, then cross and continue past Styhead Tarn to the stretcher box. Seathwaite approach.

At the box, turn left across the stepping stones and take the climbing path towards Sprinkling Tarn. Rock steps and uneven ground make this a substantial mountain walk even before leaving the main path. Sty Head to Sprinkling Tarn.

Cross the stepping stones only when safe. Consider the return crossing too; turn back early if rising water threatens to cut off your route. Water hazards.

Immediately before Sprinkling Tarn, turn left onto Seathwaite Fell. Climb through grassy rock outcrops, then follow the faint, winding trod north and generally north-northeast over the uneven plateau. Work around pools and boggy hollows to the cairned Wainwright top at the northern end. You lose some height approaching it; stopping at the first higher knoll would miss it. Plateau approach.

Retrace the plateau crossing south to Sprinkling Tarn. Rejoin the main path and turn right for Sty Head. From the stretcher box, descend past Styhead Tarn, recross the Styhead Gill footbridge and follow the pitched path back to Stockley Bridge. Cross the bridge and take the farm track north to Seathwaite. Return to Seathwaite.

The plateau’s intermittent paths require navigation. Keep to your planned return via the tarn rather than attempting a shortcut down the steep northern or western slopes. Route terrain.

A landscape built from volcanic sediment

The Seathwaite Fell Formation records sediment settling into a lake within the ancient Scafell caldera. Much of that material came from volcanic rocks. Sandstone, siltstone, mudstone and coarse breccia preserve a more varied history than a simple sheet of lava. Geological field guide.

Parking and getting there

Roadside space at Seathwaite is limited; leave enough room for farm and emergency vehicles. Seatoller’s National Trust car park provides an alternative, with roughly 2 km of road walking to the farm. Its toilets may be closed in winter. Keep dogs on leads through farmland and around livestock. Parking and facilities.

The 78 bus connects Keswick with Seatoller. Allow for the onward walk to the farm and check the timetable for your date, including the last return. Bus timetable.

Conditions and preparation

Carry a map and compass and know how to use them, alongside waterproofs, warm layers, food, water and a headtorch. Check the mountain forecast. Low cloud makes route-finding harder, and streams can rise after rain. Snow or ice calls for winter equipment and the skills to use it. Turn back if conditions exceed your experience. Mountain safety.