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12.99 km · ~587 m ascent · ~3.5–5 h · loop · 3 summits

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Hard steepnessLoopPlanned

A quiet Birkett

12.99 km
Distance
~3.5–5 h
Typical time
~587 m
Ascent
3
Summits
Download GPX →Planned route · not yet walked

Key facts

Distance 12.99 km
Ascent ~587 m
Descent ~587 m
Time ~3.5–5 h
Type Loop
Start Uldale
Three low tops on the empty northern edge of the fells — Green How, Lowthwaite Fell and Longlands Fell — in a 13 km round with 587 m of climbing. No stage averages steeper than about 6%, and it is easy for exposure: about 3.6 hours of quiet walking.
✎️ Planned route — drawn but not personally walked or checked yet. A planned line is a suggestion, not a guarantee — conditions change. Navigate independently and carry a map & compass. How to use this guide.

Difficulty profile

LengthModerate12.99 km round.
SteepnessHardSteepest sustained pull about 35% around the 10.6 km mark.
TerrainModerateMostly good mountain path. desk assessment — not field-verified
NavigationModerateClear line, hard to stray. desk assessment — not field-verified
ExposureNot assessedExposure (drops, scrambling, how bad a slip would be) can’t be judged from gradient data alone, so we don’t guess. A rating appears once the route is editorially assessed or walked.

Five independent axes, not one score. “Desk” ratings come from maps and guidebooks, not yet walked — treat them as a guide, not a survey.

Access & barriers

Can a dog, a buggy or dodgy knees manage this route? A quick read from the gates and stiles mapped along the way.

Dog
Gates only
Buggy
Not buggy-able
Knees
Gentle descent
  • Dog: Gates and kissing gates only — a dog can do the whole route.
  • Buggy: Stiles or rough going on the route.
  • Knees: No sustained steep descent — kind on the knees.

On the line: 2 gates

These are mapped barriers, from OpenStreetMap — coverage in the Lakes is good but not guaranteed complete. Spotted a stile or gate we’ve missed? Tell us and we’ll fix it. Barrier data as of 2026-07-26. Access data © OpenStreetMap contributors (via Overpass).

Conditions on this route

We score every Lakeland Wainwright each morning on cloud, wind, rain and underfoot, and this route crosses 1 of them. The worst summit governs the verdict — a route is only as kind as its roughest top.

Modelled guidance — not a substitute for the mountain forecast or your own judgement. See how every fell ranks today →

Daylight & turnaround

Daylight is short from October to February — check today’s sunrise and sunset before you set off, and carry a head-torch and spare batteries. On short days, decide your turn-back time before you start.

Why this matters: 78% of Mountain Rescue call-outs come after midday — the day runs out on the way home, not on the way up. See also walking in bad weather and today’s conditions.

OpenTopoMap
Elevation profile, shaded by steepness
Elevation profile Rises from about 174 m to 505 m over 13.0 km, with the summits marked in order. The area beneath is shaded by sustained steepness over a 250 m window, in the same four bands as the route’s steepness rating: Easy under 15%, Moderate 15 to 25%, Hard 25 to 35%, Severe above 35%. 505 m 174 m 0 km 13.0 km 123

1 Green How - Aughertree Fell2 Lowthwaite Fell3 Longlands Fell

Easy 82%Moderate 12%Hard 6%Severe

~587 m
Total ascent
505 m
High point
192 m
Start height

Free mapping: OpenTopoMap / OpenStreetMap (switch layers top-right).

This walk covers about 12.99 km with around 587 m of ascent, taking in 3 summits. The map above shows the line; the elevation profile and stage notes are below.

Pacing

SummitCumulativeAscentTime (fast–steady)
1Green How - Aughertree Fell3.4 km200 m1:01–1:21
2Lowthwaite Fell9.7 km525 m2:48–3:44
3Longlands Fell10.4 km557 m3:00–3:59
Finish13.0 km587 m3:35–4:45

Naismith-based estimate — a fast/steady range. Your pace will vary. These use Naismith’s textbook constants (5 km/h, 600 m of ascent an hour). Measured against a pace fitted to 41 recorded Lakeland walks they run about 8% slow, and we have left them that way deliberately: a slow estimate strands nobody.

The walk, stage by stage

  1. 1

    Start → Green How - Aughertree Fell (3.4 km, 200 m)

    Climb of about 200 m over 3.4 km (around 6% average).

    Starting from the quiet lanes near Uldale/Aughertree, the route leaves the tarmac for agricultural tracks, transitioning onto the open, unfenced moorland of the northernmost Uldale Fells. The terrain here is gently rolling, dominated by rough pasture, thick fell grasses, and modest gradients (averaging around 6%). The path is largely indistinct, relying on sheep trods as you make the initial pull up to the modest heights of Aughertree Fell and Green How

    Waypoints

    Start Point: Roadside verge/parking area near Uldale (approx. NY 250 370). Aughertree Fell Enclosures: Iron Age earthworks visible as raised circular banks on the lower slopes. Aughertree Fell Summit (290 m): A minor, grassy rise. Green How Summit (394 m): The first distinct topographical high point of the route

    Decision point

    Handrails: Drystone walls and fencelines bounding the lower enclosed pastures serve as a reliable boundary to keep on your right (west) during the initial ascent. Visual Checks: The distinct circular earthworks of Aughertree Fell provide excellent visual confirmation of your position early in the walk

    Easy to get wrong

    Seasonal Hazards: Lower slopes are choked with bracken from late June to September, which can obscure the faint sheep trods and hide uneven ground. Terrain: Expect heavy, energy-sapping tussocks. After prolonged rain, the shallow depressions between the rises become saturated, holding standing water. Clag Navigation: Because the terrain lacks dramatic crags or sharp drops, the grassy mounds all look identical in thick mist. It is very easy to walk in circles here

    If you need to get off

    Retreat: Turn directly west or north-west. You will quickly intercept the minor fell road linking Uldale and Ireby. Trap: Do not drift east into the marshy catchments feeding the River Ellen; the ground becomes significantly wetter and pulls you away from the road network

  2. 2

    Green How - Aughertree Fell → Lowthwaite Fell (6.2 km, 325 m)

    Climb of about 325 m over 6.2 km (around 5% average).

    This is the longest and most sustained section of the route, requiring a wide, sweeping traverse across the grassy expanse of the Uldale Fells. The gradient remains forgiving (around 5% average), but the sheer distance over pathless, springy turf makes it a physical test. You will cross broad saddles and shallow valleys, navigating the undulating moorland before making the final, steady pull up to the summit of Lowthwaite Fell

    Waypoints

    Broad Col: The grassy saddle separating the Green How rises from the main Uldale ridge. Headwaters of Longlands Beck: The marshy depressions you must skirt or cross mid-stage. Lowthwaite Fell Summit (425 m): Marked by a small, often modest pile of stones (a Birkett)

    Decision point

    Compass Bearings: Essential in clag. You will need to shoot and follow accurate bearings from Green How to Lowthwaite Fell, breaking the 6.2 km leg down into smaller 1 km pacing blocks. Watercourses: The flow of the upland gills (streams). Streams flowing east feed into the Longlands/Dash beck system; streams flowing west feed the River Ellen. Use this to orient yourself

    Easy to get wrong

    Bogs: The primary hazard on this stage. The 6.2 km distance means crossing several subtle drainage lines. The mossy green patches are deceptive and can easily swallow a boot to the shin. Exposure: The 'Back o' Skiddaw' fells are notoriously exposed to weather blowing in off the Solway Firth. There are zero crags or bields to take shelter behind if the wind picks up. Mental Fatigue: The landscape’s lack of scale and shifting false horizons can make progress feel painstakingly slow

    If you need to get off

    Retreat: The safest bail option is to take a bearing strictly West to drop down into the Ellen valley, eventually hitting the road near Orthwaite. Trap: Avoid bailing East. Dropping east puts you into the deep, often boggy and isolated valley of Longlands Beck / Charlton Gill, committing you to a long, wet walk-out far from any roads

  3. 3

    Lowthwaite Fell → Longlands Fell (0.7 km, 32 m)

    Undulating section of about 0.7 km.

    A brief, highly enjoyable high-level traverse. From the summit of Lowthwaite Fell, the route follows a clear, well-trodden grassy ridge heading north-north-west. The terrain here is much drier and firmer underfoot. It’s an undulating, easy walk across a slight col before a very short 32 m climb delivers you to the top of Longlands Fell

    Waypoints

    Lowthwaite / Longlands Col: The slight grassy depression midway between the two tops. Longlands Fell Summit (483 m): A Wainwright summit. The highest point of your route, offering sweeping views over the Solway Plain and back towards the Skiddaw massif

    Decision point

    Handrails: The ridge itself is your handrail. Simply follow the crest of the high ground. Visuals: In clear weather, the imposing bulk of the Skiddaw range directly to your south acts as a perfect compass point

    Easy to get wrong

    Wind Tunnels: The saddle between these two fells often funnels wind. Be prepared for sudden gusts as you cross the col. Terrain: A welcome respite. The turf is short and springy, making for fast, easy miles. No bogs or scrambling to contend with

    If you need to get off

    Retreat: Given the short distance (0.7 km), the best option in bad weather is simply to push on to Longlands Fell, which sets you up for the direct descent. Emergency: If immediate descent is required due to high winds, drop off the ridge to the right (north-west), contouring down the grassy slopes toward the Uldale road

  4. Longlands Fell → Finish (2.6 km, 30 m)

    Descent of about 286 m over 2.6 km.

    The final stage is a sustained, direct descent off the north-western nose of Longlands Fell. The route picks up a distinct fell-walkers' trod that zigzags slightly down the steep, grassy spur. As you lose elevation, the path merges with muddier agricultural tracks that lead you back to the hamlet of Longlands and your starting point

    Waypoints

    North-West Ridge Trod: The distinct path dropping off Longlands Fell. Fell Gate: The boundary where the open fell meets the enclosed farmland above Longlands village. Longlands Hamlet / Finish: The roadside finish point

    Decision point

    Visual Targeting: The hamlet of Longlands is clearly visible below you for the entirety of the descent in good weather. Handrails: Once off the steep open fell, drystone walls will funnel you directly into the village

    Easy to get wrong

    Descent Strain: The grassy descent is unrelenting and can be tough on the knees. Slippery Terrain: After rain, the steep fell grass acts like an ice rink. Trekking poles are highly recommended here to prevent a slip. Mud: The final kilometre through the farm enclosures is heavily churned by livestock and can be exceptionally muddy and rutted during winter and spring

    If you need to get off

    Retreat: This stage is the primary escape route off the mountain. Trap: Do not allow yourself to drift off the main spur to the East (right-hand side on the descent) early on, or you will find yourself in the steep, heavily bracken-choked ravine of Longlands Beck, which is difficult to cross and will deposit you far from your car. Stick strictly to the crest of the north-western spur

Summits bagged (3)

  1. 1Green How - Aughertree Fell321 mNorthern · Birkett, Synge
  2. 2Lowthwaite Fell509 mNorthern · Birkett, Synge
  3. 3Longlands Fell483 mNorthern · Wainwright, Birkett, Fellranger, Synge

In the order you walk them — the same numbers the elevation profile, the stage notes and the pacing table use.

Getting there & parking

Little Cockup car park — 0.0 km from the start (straight line)
1.8 km from Little Cockup.
Directions Something changed here?
Roadside parking for Longlands Fell (free) — 1.1 km from the start (straight line)
1.1 km from Longlands Fell. Added from the 5 Aug 2026 OSM candidate review.
Directions Something changed here?
Longlands Fell car park — 1.2 km from the start (straight line)
Walking base for Longlands Fell, Lowthwaite Fell, Brae Fell and Little Sca Fell — the 'North of Skiddaw' route starts 1 m away. Unpaved surface (OSM-tagged). Fee not verified — check signage on arrival.
Directions Something changed here?

Positions are approximate. Lakeland car parks fill before 9am on fine weekends.

Vehicles are left entirely at their owner’s risk. We list places people park; we cannot vouch for any of them. Judge it on the day: take valuables with you, leave nothing on show, and if a spot feels wrong when you get there, park somewhere else.

Every option near this start, on the parking map →

💧 No mapped drinking water or shelter on this route — that doesn’t mean there is none, and never drink untreated from a beck. (Facilities data © OpenStreetMap contributors.)

Buses

The nearest bus stop we hold is the X4 at Castle Inn (stop 6), 5.3 km of walking from this start — not realistically reachable without a car.

Rural routes change seasonally — confirm on stagecoachbus.com or Traveline before travelling.

If the parking is full

There is no real plan B here. Every place we know beside this route serves the same walks and sits close together, so if one is full the others usually are too. Worth starting early, or having a different walk in mind before you set off.

  • Roadside parking for Longlands Fell (free)
  • Green How (layby)
  • Little Cockup car park

Worked out from the parking we hold within walking reach of this route and the other walks each place serves — two places that serve the same walks fill for the same reasons. We are not saying whether anywhere has spaces today, and we never will: this is what exists, not what is free.

When the sun reaches the tops

Not sunrise — the moment the sun clears the skyline from that summit, which on a fell with high ground to its east can be a good deal later. The two equinoxes are shown because they fall in the walking season, and late December too wherever a top keeps you waiting then; the clock gap between the equinoxes is British Summer Time, not the hill. Rounded to the nearest quarter hour and meant as a general idea, not a schedule.

  • Longlands Fell — in late March the sun reaches it around 06:45, about half an hour later. In late September, about 07:30. It waits longest in late December — about an hour after sunrise.

Modelled from a 30 m elevation model against each summit’s own skyline — the same figures the fell pages carry, never observed. Cloud is not in it.

Safety & conditions

  • The Longlands and Lowthwaite section is faint-trod heather and grass — about a third of the route follows drawn lines where no clear track exists. Bearings country in poor visibility.

Check live conditions in the “From the fells” panel, on MWIS and the Met Office mountain forecast before you set off.

Make it easier or harder

Short version: turn back at about 5.4 km (drop to Start) — roughly half the distance.

Download

Download GPX

GPX track for your GPS or phone.

Places to stay near this start

Woodlands Country House & Cottage guest house

about 4.3 km from the start, in a straight line

Ranked first on usefulness rather than distance. It is the only property in the whole 3-mile radius that serves both a cooked breakfast and an evening meal on site - everything else here is self-catering, a closing hotel, or a group centre. For a party where one person walks the Uldale fells and the rest do not, that combination plus a dedicated Family Friendly page and a dog-welcoming cottage answers more questions than any nearer option. Its own outlook quote names Binsey and Caldbeck, i.e. it faces this walk.

A former Victorian rectory in Ireby, now a licensed B&B with its own restaurant, looking out over Skiddaw, Binsey and the Caldbeck pastures - the same block of fells this route crosses.

  • Family rooms “Woodlands Cottage sleeps 3 in a double and single”
  • Evening meal “Our restaurant, lounge, bar and gardens are open to non-residents too; please see our Dine page for more details.”
  • Children “The House The Cottage Dine Family Friendly Greener Tourism Celebrations”

Bassenfell Manor Christian Centre hostel

about 4.6 km from the start, in a straight line

The only property in the entire radius with a drying room, and it says exactly what it is for: space to dry wet coats and shoes. It is also the only one publishing a hard parking number (21 cars), the only one with a stated accessible ground-floor en-suite bedroom, and the only one that organises fell walking itself. For a soaked party coming off Longlands and Lowthwaite in November this is the practical answer, and a family of five can have one room.

They run their own guided walking weeks from the house - a Bassenfell Walking Week runs 14-19 September 2026, and the site keeps a Past Walking Routes page. The dining room seats 75 looking straight out over Bassenthwaite Lake.

  • Drying room “Drying Room and Laundry Space to dry wet coats and shoes.”
  • Family rooms “68 Bed spaces in 19 Bedrooms on 3 floors. Rooms range from twin/double up to 6 people each with en-suite or a private bathroom.”
  • Evening meal “Kitchen Fully equipped to cater for 75”
  • Parking “Parking Car park space for up to 21 cars.”
  • Children “A wonderful venue for residential groups whether adults, children, youth or mixed ages.”

Puddle Duck Cottages guest house

about 4.0 km from the start, in a straight line

The strongest evidenced option in this radius for a family with small children: free cots and high chairs, a stream and swings and a village green named as the things children actually do here, and the only property that tells you to pack wellingtons. Tumble dryers on site matter after a wet day on Longlands. Ranked below Bassenfell only because the laundry is not a drying room and there is no evening meal on site.

The cottages were formerly called Loft Holiday Cottages, and guests are invited to let the resident puddle ducks out of their shed each morning and collect the eggs.

  • Dogs “One dog is allowed provided all doggy rules are followed.”
  • Family rooms “Cots and high chairs are available free of charge but must be requested in advance of arrival.”
  • Children “Children often enjoy playing in the stream, the small open wood or on the swings by the cottages and on the village green”

What each place says about itself, quoted from their own site. We have not stayed at any of them, and there are no prices, no booking and no affiliate links. Distances are straight lines from the route start, never walking times. Properties found via OpenStreetMap.

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