A quiet Birkett

The walk, stage by stage

1. 1

   Start → Green How - Aughertree Fell (3.4 km, 201 m)

   Climb of about 201 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 255 353). Aughertree Fell Enclosures: Iron Age earthworks visible as raised circular banks on the lower slopes. Green How Summit (321 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 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. 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.

   If you need to get off

   Retreat: The map shows the line on the road from Uldale for its first 3.1 km; only the last 0.3 km to Green How is off it, so the way off is back down to that road; not walked for this guide.

2. 2

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

   Descent of about 50 m, then a climb of about 325 m, over 6.2 km.

   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 (509 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.

   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. 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. The mapped ways off at about 7.2 and 8 km go north-east to the lane at Burblethwaite instead.

   If you need to get off

   Retreat: The map shows the line within about 400 m of the road over Green How and Aughertree Fell, with short paths down to it at about 3.9 km, and on a lane from about 5.2 to 5.9 km; beyond that, at about 7.2 km a mapped path and at about 8 km a mapped track lead about 1 to 1.3 km north-east to the lane at Burblethwaite; otherwise the way off is back or on, up to about 2.4 km; not walked for this guide.

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 the 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, 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 to push on to Longlands Fell, which sets you up for the direct descent. Emergency: If high winds make the ridge unsafe, the way back is the way you came, over Lowthwaite Fell. We have not checked a line off the ridge down to the Uldale road, so none is offered here.

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.

   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: A roadside hamlet.

   Decision point

   Visual Targeting: The hamlet of Longlands is visible below you for much 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. Do not allow yourself to drift off the main spur to the south (left-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. Stick strictly to the crest of the north-western spur.

   If you need to get off

   Retreat: This stage is the primary escape route off the mountain.