Hazard: Moderate
A rough, heathery top above Keswick and Derwentwater, easily reached from Walla Crag but boggier and less distinct than it looks. The ridge on toward High Seat is reckoned the wettest ridge walk in the Lakes, the path is faint over rough ground, and there are steep pulls and a steep descent toward the lake. Navigation in cloud is the main hazard. Keswick Mountain Rescue Team covers this ground.
- Boggy, indistinct ground & navigation: The path is faint across rough, very boggy ground, especially the notoriously wet ridge toward High Seat. In mist it's easy to lose the line — keep to the west of the fence as a handrail and navigate by compass.
- Steep pulls & steep descent to Derwentwater: There's a short steep final pull to the summit, and the descent toward the lake (over Dodd) is steep. Take care with footing on the steep, sometimes greasy ground, particularly coming down.
- Exposure & winter on rough ground: Open and shelterless, the rough boggy ground becomes slippery in rain and treacherous in snow or ice. Save the wettest sections for drier spells and carry full kit in winter.
Who should attempt this fell: Bleaberry Fell is an easy add-on from Walla Crag, but the rough, boggy ground and faint paths make navigation the real challenge — use the fence as a handrail and a compass in cloud, and take the steep sections carefully. The ridge to High Seat is best left for dry spells, and it's exposed, slippery ground in winter.
What to watch for: Navigation errors on the faint, boggy ridge in cloud · Slips on the steep summit pull and steep descent to the lake · Floundering in the very wet ground toward High Seat · Slippery conditions in rain, snow or ice
Local Mountain Rescue: Keswick Mountain Rescue Team (opens in new tab)
Safety: Always check current conditions, carry proper navigation equipment, and seek qualified instruction before heading onto the fells. In an emergency, call 999, ask for Police, then Mountain Rescue.
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