A quiet Birkett round in Bannisdale, off to the east of the main fells — nine tops in 21.6 km with 774 m of climbing and no stage averaging steeper than about 11%. The difficulty here is navigation rather than gradient: it is rated hard to navigate and severe for its length. About 5.6 hours steady.
✎️ 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
LengthSevere21.61 km — a long day out.
SteepnessHardSteepest sustained pull about 34% around the 3.5 km mark.
TerrainModerateMostly good mountain path. desk assessment — not field-verified
NavigationHardCare needed in cloud — ~24% featureless high ground, 20 path junctions near the line. 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.
☀️ 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.
1 Lamb Pasture2 The Forest (Borrowdale Head)3 White Howe (Bannisdale)4 Bannisdale Fell - Long Crag5 Ancrow Brow North Top6 Harrop Pike7 Great Yarlside8 Little Yarlside9 Whatshaw Common
This walk covers about 21.61 km with around 774 m of ascent, taking in 9 summits. The map above shows the line; the elevation profile and stage notes are below.
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
Mostly gates
Buggy
Not buggy-able
Knees
Steep in places
Dog: A stile of unmapped type — a dog may need lifting over.
Buggy: Stiles or rough going on the route.
Knees: A sustained ~20% descent around the 13.9 km mark — a little jarring on tired knees.
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
Start → Lamb Pasture (2.3 km, 157 m)
Climb of about 157 m over 2.3 km (around 7% average).
Begin from the quiet valley floor near the Bannisdale river, crossing the lower pastures before striking directly up the broad, grassy southern spur. The ascent is steady and largely trackless, weaving through rough pasture and bracken on the lower slopes until you gain the broad, open crest of Lamb Pasture
Waypoints
Bannisdale valley (start), southern spur, Lamb Pasture summit (approx 360m)
Decision point
Use the valley boundary walls to funnel you onto the correct spur. Once on the open fell, simply keep climbing northwards; the terrain naturally narrows slightly towards the flat, grassy plateau of Lamb Pasture
Easy to get wrong
As with almost the entirety of the Far Eastern Shap Fells, do not expect engineered paths here. The initial climb is a trudge through thick, tussocky grass that is heavy on the calves. In summer, the lower intake fields are choked with bracken and notorious for sheep ticks, requiring constant checking of your lower legs
If you need to get off
Turn 180 degrees and visually retrace your steps down the grassy spur. The deep trench of the Bannisdale valley acts as a massive catching feature below, providing an immediate and safe retreat to the valley road
2
Lamb Pasture → The Forest (Borrowdale Head) (1.8 km, 194 m)
Climb of about 194 m over 1.8 km (around 11% average).
From Lamb Pasture, continue a relentless, trackless march generally northwards, dropping into a minor, soggy saddle before tackling the steeper, rougher slopes that pull up onto the vast, domed summit plateau of The Forest
Waypoints
Lamb Pasture, connecting saddle, The Forest summit (Borrowdale Head, 526m)
Decision point
A dilapidated old wire fence line begins to make an appearance along this ridge; pick it up as early as possible and use it as a highly reliable handrail leading directly over the high ground
Easy to get wrong
The gradient steepens noticeably on this stage, and the terrain underfoot worsens. The grass transitions into a notoriously wet, spongy mixture of sphagnum moss and hidden peat hags that rarely dry out, even in high summer. Establishing a walking rhythm is nearly impossible as you constantly zig-zag to avoid the deepest bogs
If you need to get off
Do not drop west into the trackless Borrowdale valley unless absolutely necessary, as it is a long, remote walk out. The best bailout is to retrace your steps south over Lamb Pasture to your starting point
3
The Forest (Borrowdale Head) → White Howe (Bannisdale) (0.8 km, 38 m)
Undulating section of about 0.8 km.
Leave the grassy dome of The Forest and follow the ridge line north-west over an incredibly broad, undulating expanse of moorland. The gradient is minimal, dipping slightly before a very minor rise brings you to the subtle, grassy top of White Howe
Waypoints
The Forest descent, White Howe summit (530m)
Decision point
The fence line remains your absolute lifeline across this plateau. Keep it firmly in sight and follow it as it snakes across the soggy watershed; it will guide you directly over the high point of White Howe
Easy to get wrong
White Howe is barely a summit, rather just a slight swelling in a vast ocean of featureless white grass (Molinia). In thick clag, this area is exceptionally disorienting; there are no crags, distinct peaks, or sudden drops to offer visual cues to your location. The peat groughs here can be waist-deep and require wide detours
If you need to get off
There are no safe, immediate bailout options into the flanking valleys from this central point of the horseshoe. You must either push forward to Harrop Pike or reverse your route south back along the fence line
4
White Howe (Bannisdale) → Bannisdale Fell - Long Crag (1.6 km, 35 m)
Undulating section of about 1.6 km.
Continue tracking north/north-east across the saturated, lumpy plateau. The route rolls gently over the watershed, eventually bringing you to the highest point of the Bannisdale Fell ridge, marked by a scattering of modest stones and rocky outcrops known as Long Crag
Waypoints
White Howe, Bannisdale Fell ridge, Long Crag (557m)
Decision point
Cling to the boundary fence line that traverses the ridge. It crosses directly over the stony ground of Long Crag, making micro-navigation unnecessary so long as you do not lose sight of the wire
Easy to get wrong
Do not let the name "Long Crag" fool you; this is not a prominent rocky arête but rather a slight, stony protrusion breaking through the endless peat and grass. The ground remains relentlessly boggy, demanding constant attention to foot placement to avoid sinking into the black muck hidden beneath the reeds
If you need to get off
As you are now deep into the remote backcountry of the Shap Fells, bailing laterally into the valleys commits you to miles of trackless, exhausting bushwhacking. Stick to the ridge and the fence line to safely retreat the way you came
5
Bannisdale Fell - Long Crag → Ancrow Brow North Top (1.8 km, 90 m)
Climb of about 90 m over 1.8 km (around 5% average).
From Long Crag, follow the fence west, dipping across another wide, peaty saddle before making a slow, dragging ascent over wet moorland to reach the minor, grassy prominence of Ancrow Brow North Top
Waypoints
Long Crag, peaty saddle, Ancrow Brow North Top
Decision point
In low cloud, it is dangerously easy to veer off course while detouring around the larger bogs. Always keep a strict eye on the fence line, using it as a reference to correct your bearing after navigating around the worst of the marshes
Easy to get wrong
The 1.8 km stretch crosses some of the worst peat bogs on the entire circuit. The ground is heavily scarred by drainage channels (groughs) that you must constantly hop over or climb in and out of, which is deeply fatiguing on the legs
If you need to get off
The eastern drops toward the A6 are steep, trackless, and heavily forested in places. Your only viable option in an emergency is to endure the conditions and retrace your steps along the watershed fence
6
Ancrow Brow North Top → Harrop Pike (1.9 km, 107 m)
Climb of about 107 m over 1.9 km (around 6% average).
Leave Ancrow Brow and continue the persistent, gentle pull along the watershed. The ground slowly becomes slightly firmer and stonier as you gain elevation, eventually leading you to the prominent, well-built summit cairn of Harrop Pike, which abruptly overlooks the deep trench of the A6 and the eastern Shap fells
The fence line eventually meets a drystone wall near the summit. The large, prominent cairn of Harrop Pike is a superb visual target and a crucial turning point for the horseshoe, marking the apex of the route before you begin the return leg
Easy to get wrong
After miles of featureless grass, Harrop Pike provides a distinct, satisfying summit experience. However, this corner of the route is highly exposed to biting easterly winds that whip up from the Eden Valley, offering zero shelter on the summit approach
If you need to get off
If you are exhausted, Harrop Pike offers a bailout to the east, dropping down the steep, pathless grassy flanks toward the A6 road and the Swindale area, though this will leave you miles away from a vehicle parked in Bannisdale
7
Harrop Pike → Great Yarlside (2.7 km, 25 m)
Descent of about 51 m over 2.7 km.
Turn east, leaving Harrop Pike to begin the eastern arm of the horseshoe back toward Bannisdale. The route traverses a massive, sprawling, grassy ridge, dropping steadily over trackless turf to cross a wide saddle before making a negligible rise to the sweeping summit of Great Yarlside
Waypoints
Harrop Pike (turn), eastern horseshoe ridge, Great Yarlside summit (593m)
Decision point
A boundary fence once again serves as your primary lifeline, running east along the spine of the ridge. Keep it within sight at all times; if you lose it in the clag, stop immediately and use a compass to relocate it before proceeding
Easy to get wrong
The terrain remains completely pathless, consisting of thick, spongy grass that is incredibly punishing on tired ankles after several miles of similar ground. The ridge here is so broad that in hill fog, the sense of exposure vanishes entirely, replaced by a claustrophobic, featureless green void
If you need to get off
Dropping west off this ridge will funnel you directly into the deep, steep-sided bowl of the Bannisdale valley. While rough and pathless, descending west toward the Bannisdale Beck is a viable, albeit exhausting, emergency escape back to the valley track
8
Great Yarlside → Little Yarlside (0.7 km, 2 m)
Descent of about 62 m over 0.7 km.
Drop swiftly off the southern nose of Great Yarlside, descending a steep, grassy bank into a distinct, narrow saddle. Cross the short depression and step up onto the minor, grassy knoll of Little Yarlside
Waypoints
Great Yarlside descent, connecting saddle, Little Yarlside summit (approx 530m)
Decision point
The fence line drops directly into the saddle and climbs straight up the other side to Little Yarlside. The topography here is much sharper and more defined than the northern plateau, making visual navigation relatively straightforward
Easy to get wrong
The descent into the saddle is surprisingly steep compared to the rolling gradients of the rest of the horseshoe, and the grass here turns extremely slick and treacherous after rainfall. The saddle itself is a notorious trap for standing water
If you need to get off
The saddle provides a natural funnel to bail westwards into the Bannisdale valley, dropping down the steep, grassy slopes to eventually intersect the main valley floor track
9
Little Yarlside → Whatshaw Common (1.6 km, 74 m)
Climb of about 74 m over 1.6 km (around 5% average).
Continue south along the ridge line, navigating one final, undulating stretch of rough, peaty moorland. The route drops slightly before grinding out a final, gentle climb over tussock grass to reach the flat, unremarkable expanse of Whatshaw Common
Waypoints
Little Yarlside, southern moorland, Whatshaw Common
Decision point
Stick religiously to the boundary wall/fence that crosses the common. Whatshaw Common lacks a distinct summit; it is simply the final high swell of ground before the ridge abruptly terminates and drops back to the valleys
Easy to get wrong
By this stage of the day, the 74 meters of ascent will feel significantly harder than the numbers suggest. The ground is heavily rutted with deep, hidden drainage cuts that are easily obscured by the long grass, posing a constant tripping hazard for tired legs
If you need to get off
You are nearing the end of the high-level route. Maintain your southerly heading; any deviation to the west will safely drop you down the flanks into the Bannisdale valley system
Whatshaw Common → Finish (6.3 km, 52 m)
About 6.3 km with 52 m of ascent.
Plunge off the steep, grassy southern flanks of Whatshaw Common, dropping rapidly to intersect the rough farm tracks of the valley floor. From here, join the established, stony track that hugs the meandering course of Bannisdale Beck, embarking on the long, low-level walk out through the serene, enclosed valley back to your starting point
Waypoints
Whatshaw Common descent, valley intake walls, Bannisdale Beck, valley floor track, finish point
Decision point
Aim for the distinct boundary walls at the base of the fell. Once you pass through the gates and hit the main valley track, navigation is entirely over; the track acts as an unmistakable, continuous handrail leading you perfectly out of the valley
Easy to get wrong
The initial drop off the fell is fiercely steep and can be brutal on the knees, requiring zig-zagging to ease the gradient on wet grass. The subsequent 6+ km valley walk out is beautiful but extremely long, and the hard, stony farm tracks will feel unforgiving on feet that have spent all day on soft, spongy peat
If you need to get off
You are on the final escape route. Simply stick strictly to the main valley track along Bannisdale Beck, avoiding the temptation to cut corners through the private, walled pastures lining the river
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.
The nearest bus stop we hold is the X6 at Kendal, outside Hayton's Garage, 11.9 km of walking from this start — not realistically reachable without a car.
If the first one is full, these do not all fill together. The 3 below sit in different places or are different kinds of parking, so a busy morning at one does not mean a busy morning at all of them.
Wet Sleddale dam (free)
Lamb Pasture (layby)
Huck's Brow (free)
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.
At 5.29 km it sits beyond our usual 4.83 km / 3-mile line, and it is here anyway because it is the only property near this start whose own site says anything at all — all three closer candidates publish nothing. Rather than tell a family nothing, we carry it with its limits stated: it is not a bed-and-breakfast, it is indoor camping. Sole use of a two-floor building for up to 8, but "In the upstairs there are 4 futon mattresses for the first 4 people to sleep on" and anyone beyond 4 brings their own mat; "Bedding for up to 4 people is available for hire or you can bring your own"; no running water, water is delivered in canisters; the toilet is a Portaloo in the side yard; there is no email and no form, only Airbnb. It suits a self-sufficient walking party wanting the whole place and a wood-burner after Bannisdale; it does not suit a family expecting a room, a meal and a radiator to dry kit on. One thing to check before booking: the footer reads 2026 but the page still carries live lockdown text - "Due to Covid restrictions WE DO NOT PROVIDE KITCHEN EQUIPMENT, CROCKERY AND CUTLERY or BEDDING." - so what is actually supplied should be confirmed on the Airbnb listing before booking.
The building is a converted telephone repeater station standing at 1,390 ft on Shap Fell by the A6, off-grid on wind and solar, with roof windows put in for star-gazing; a snicket gate at the back opens straight onto public access common land.
Dogs“Dogs are welcome.”
Family rooms“During your stay you will have exclusive use of the Bothy.”
Parking“Two very large lay-bys for ample parking within 70 yards.”
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 (opens in new tab).