Hidden Gems

Thailand markets itself well, really well. Neighbouring Malaysia, not so much. I'm sure lots of us have heard of Bangkok, Phuket or Koh Samui, but how many of us know as much about Terengganu, The Cameron Highlands or Pangkor Laut? The same is true of Lakeland. The big beasts; The Scafells, Blencathra, Skiddaw and Helvellyn are all beautiful, well known, well visited, well liked and deservedly so. I'd like to put a word in for the quiet ones; some of the smaller, perhaps less well known and sometimes more remote fells that are just as beautiful and well worth a visit and a climb. I've chosen some favourites from each of the seven pictorial guides, just to give a fair representation of the whole of Lakeland.

Eastern Fells: Glenridding Dodd:

This little beauty sits above Glenridding Village at the end of the ridge coming down from Helvellyn and looks out over the western shore of Ullswater. Wonderful views for little effort and a lovely little pine forest on the top.

Glenridding Dodd

Far Eastern: Caudale Moor:

Also called Stony Cove Pike, Caudale Moor sits opposite Red Screes, like sentinels of the Kirkstone Pass. It's on the ridge that comes down from High Street and is an easy pull up from the Kirkstone Pass Inn (handy for refreshment on the way back). Beautiful, far reaching views down towards Patterdale and the Troutbeck Valley and very peaceful.

Caudale Moor

Central: Bleaberry Fell:

This lovely fell sits on the plateau between Thirlmere and Borrowdale and can be climbed from either side. The 360 panoramic views from the top are staggering. Incorporating Walla Crag makes for a great, and not too strenuous, day.

BLUEBERRY fell summit looking to blencathra

Southern: Black Crag:

This little gem is at the northern end of Tarn Howes and the straightforward walk round the tarn and up to summit rewards you with a huge panorama of Windermere, Langdale and Coniston. A great place for a picnic.

Waterhead from Black Crag

Northern: Carrock Fell:

This gorgeous fell is tucked away about 8 miles north east-ish of Keswick. Aside from the wonderful views to the Pennines, the Far Eastern fells and down the Caldew Valley, it's full of interest; volcanic rock, old mine workings and an ancient hill fort on the summit plateau. A fantastic walk if combined with High Pike as well.

Carrock Fell

North Western: Barf:

The little beauty that is Barf looks over Bassenthwaite Lake, opposite Dodd and Skiddaw and is noticeable from the A66 for the white Bishop's Rock on its flank. A gentle approach from the Whinlatter Visitor Centre through the forest is easy and beautiful, and the views down Bassenthwaite and Derwentwater are just staggering.

Barf’s views

Western: Blake Fell:

Blake is the highest  of the Loweswater Fells and can be climbed from the village of the same name or from Cogra Moss. We started at Fangs Brow Farm and took in Burnbank Fell, then went on to Gavel Fell and back to Fangs Brow past Loweswater itself for a great walk. Beautiful views north to south, from Binsey to Grike and down the Lorton Vale.

looking Towards Scotland from Blake fell