Eight tops on the northern fells from Carrock Fell over Round Knott, Miton Hill and Great Lingy Hill — 15.3 km and 668 m, with one stage averaging 16%. Hard for navigation and exposure both: open ground with few landmarks. About 4.2 hours.
✎️ 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
LengthHard15.34 km — a long day out.
SteepnessSevereSteepest sustained pull about 36% around the 11.8 km mark.
TerrainModerateMostly good mountain path — ~23% pathless. desk assessment — not field-verified
NavigationHardCare needed in cloud — ~38% featureless high ground, 29 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.
Conditions on this route
We score every Lakeland Wainwright each morning on cloud, wind, rain and underfoot, and this route crosses 2 of them. The worst summit governs the verdict — a route is only as kind as its roughest top.
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.
This walk covers about 15.34 km with around 668 m of ascent, taking in 8 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
Gates only
Buggy
Not buggy-able
Knees
Tough descent
Dog: Gates and kissing gates only — a dog can do the whole route.
Buggy: Stiles or rough going on the route.
Knees: A long, steep ~36% drop around the 11.6 km mark — hard on the 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 → Carrock Fell (2.8 km, 437 m)
Climb of about 437 m over 2.8 km (around 16% average).
Ascend from the valley floor, tackling the steep, boulder-strewn slopes directly up the eastern or southern nose of Carrock Fell, picking your way through the collapsed stone walls of the ancient Iron Age hill fort to reach the rocky summit plateau
Waypoints
Mosedale (vicinity), Carrock Fell hill fort, Carrock Fell summit (661m)
Decision point
The massive jumble of rocks forming the ancient hill fort acts as an unavoidable ring around the summit plateau. Once through the stones, aim for the large summit cairn that sits slightly west of the eastern edge
Easy to get wrong
Carrock Fell's ascent is infamous for its loose, awkward boulder fields and scree. The gabbro rock here is uncharacteristically rough for the Lakes, requiring tedious rock-hopping that threatens ankles and becomes exceptionally slippery when wet or icy
If you need to get off
The safest descent is to carefully retrace your steps through the rocks back to the valley road. Do not attempt to drop blindly down the steep northern crags into the Carrock Beck ravine
2
Carrock Fell → Round Knott (0.8 km, 1 m)
Descent of about 63 m over 0.8 km.
Leave the rocky summit of Carrock Fell and head west, transitioning rapidly from boulder fields to the sweeping, grassy moorland that characterizes the Back o' Skiddaw. Descend gently into a shallow depression before stepping up to the minor, rocky protrusion of Round Knott
Waypoints
Carrock Fell western plateau, Round Knott summit
Decision point
Round Knott is one of the few distinct rocky features breaking through the grass in this area, making it an excellent visual catching feature directly ahead as you traverse west
Easy to get wrong
The terrain shifts abruptly to thick tussock grass and hidden, waterlogged sphagnum moss. The paths here are faint, heavily braided sheep trods, and the wet ground demands constant zig-zagging to keep boots dry
If you need to get off
If needed, retreat to Carrock Fell and descend the ascent route. Escaping south into the steep, trackless Mosedale valley from here involves difficult, bracken-choked slopes
3
Round Knott → Miton Hill (0.7 km, 12 m)
Undulating section of about 0.7 km.
Continue the westward march across the desolate, rolling moorland, navigating a slightly undulating, trackless expanse of heather and Molinia grass to reach the incredibly subtle, unmarked grassy swelling of Miton Hill
Waypoints
Round Knott descent, Miton Hill summit
Decision point
Strictly rely on a westerly compass bearing if visibility drops. You can occasionally use the deep trench of the Grainsgill Beck valley to your left (south) as a broad, distant handrail to prevent drifting too far off course
Easy to get wrong
Miton Hill is an utterly featureless bump in a sea of identical terrain. Navigation in thick hill fog is perilous here, as there are no distinct crags, tarns, or intersecting paths to confirm your exact location amidst the deep peat hags
If you need to get off
There are no immediate safe escapes. You must push forward towards the Cumbria Way tracks near Lingy Hut or retreat eastward back to Carrock Fell
4
Miton Hill → Hare Stones (1.6 km, 48 m)
Undulating section of about 1.6 km.
Maintain your westerly trajectory, crossing the notoriously saturated, boggy saddle at the head of the Caldew valley before making a very slight, draggy pull up the spongy slopes to the minor rise of Hare Stones
Waypoints
River Caldew headwaters, Hare Stones summit
Decision point
In clear weather, the massive, dome-like bulk of High Pike to the north and Knott to the west will keep you oriented. In clag, precise map reading and pacing are essential to traverse the bogs without walking in circles
Easy to get wrong
This section crosses some of the most frustratingly wet ground in the northern fells. The area is heavily scarred with deep peat groughs and hidden drainage channels that require physical exertion to jump over or climb out of, sapping energy fast
If you need to get off
If conditions are dire, dropping north towards the distinct, heavily trodden Cumbria Way path provides a reliable route out of the high bogs and down toward Caldbeck or Mosedale
5
Hare Stones → Great Lingy Hill (0.7 km, 0 m)
Undulating section of about 0.7 km.
Trek across the relatively flat, featureless moorland, picking a careful line through the heather and peat to reach Great Lingy Hill, home to a vital, isolated wooden bothy that provides shelter in this highly exposed landscape
Waypoints
Lingy Hut (bothy), Great Lingy Hill summit
Decision point
Lingy Hut is the only man-made structure for miles and serves as an infallible, life-saving waypoint. It is a tiny, dark wooden box, so keep a sharp eye out for its silhouette against the grassy horizon
Easy to get wrong
The exposure to biting northern winds is extreme here, with absolutely no natural shelter on the plateau. The ground remains unrelentingly wet, and finding the bothy in a whiteout requires dead-reckoning navigation
If you need to get off
Lingy Hut offers immediate emergency shelter. From the hut, you can easily bail by joining the clear Cumbria Way track and following it safely downhill into the valleys
6
Great Lingy Hill → Miller Moss (Little Lingy Hill) (0.7 km, 4 m)
Undulating section of about 0.7 km.
Leave the bothy behind and head west into the vast, waterlogged depression of Miller Moss, navigating the deep sphagnum and meandering streams before crossing the slight, spongy rise of Little Lingy Hill
Waypoints
Lingy Hut, Miller Moss bog, Little Lingy Hill
Decision point
Avoid the lowest ground where the water pools, linking the slightly higher, drier heathery hummocks. Keep the towering, grassy dome of Knott dead ahead as your primary visual target
Easy to get wrong
Miller Moss is a notoriously wet, trackless expanse that lives up to its name. You will be forced to take wide, zig-zagging detours to avoid sinking knee-deep into the black peat and reeds, making the 0.7 km feel significantly longer
If you need to get off
Retreating to the safety of Lingy Hut is the smartest option if the bogs prove impassable or weather deteriorates, as attempting to push blindly south into the steep River Caldew ravine is highly dangerous
7
Miller Moss (Little Lingy Hill) → Knott (1.7 km, 134 m)
Climb of about 134 m over 1.7 km (around 8% average).
Grind out the long, steady pull up the sprawling eastern flanks of Knott. The terrain finally begins to dry out slightly as you gain elevation, transitioning from deep bog to short, wind-blasted turf that leads to the subtle summit cairn resting on the massive, domed plateau
Waypoints
Knott eastern flanks, Knott summit (710m)
Decision point
Faint quad bike tracks occasionally crisscross this slope, but they are unreliable. Rely on a strict westerly compass bearing and the persistent upward gradient to funnel you towards the high point
Easy to get wrong
Knott is arguably the most featureless major summit in the Lake District. The climb is a slow, relentless leg-burner over tussocks, and the sheer vastness of the grassy summit dome makes disorientation in thick fog almost a guarantee
If you need to get off
The safest bailout is to reverse your bearing and head back east to Lingy Hut. Dropping west or south off Knott commits you to incredibly remote, trackless valleys miles from your likely starting point
8
Knott → Coomb Height (1.6 km, 0 m)
Descent of about 85 m over 1.6 km.
Turn south-east from Knott's summit, embarking on a long, gentle descent over the sweeping, grassy ridge line that slowly narrows into the distinct, elongated spur of Coomb Height
Waypoints
Knott southern plateau, Coomb Height ridge
Decision point
Keep the deep, obvious trench of the upper River Caldew to your left (east) as a broad directional handrail. The ridge of Coomb Height naturally funnels you along its spine as the terrain drops away on either side
Easy to get wrong
The turf here is remarkably short and easy to walk on, but the ridge is fully exposed to the elements. The primary hazard remains navigation; drifting too far east or west will lead you into the steep, trackless gullies of the Caldew or Dash beck catchments
If you need to get off
Maintaining your trajectory along the ridge line is the safest course of action, as it naturally deposits you onto the established valley tracks below
Coomb Height → Finish (4.9 km, 31 m)
Descent of about 402 m over 4.9 km.
Plunge off the steeper southern end of Coomb Height, picking up faint sheep trods through the rough grass until you intersect the main Cumbria Way valley track. Turn east and follow this hard, stony artery on a long, sweeping, low-level march along the valley floor to complete the circuit
Waypoints
Coomb Height descent, Cumbria Way track, River Caldew valley floor, finish
Decision point
Once you hit the valley floor, the Cumbria Way track and the River Caldew provide a massive, unmistakable linear handrail. There is no navigation required here—simply follow the clear path out of the mountains
Easy to get wrong
The initial descent off Coomb Height is tussock-heavy and can be slick in wet weather, taxing tired knees. The subsequent 4.9 km valley walk-out is mentally and physically draining; the stony farm tracks feel incredibly harsh on feet that have spent the day walking on soft peat
If you need to get off
You are on the final escape route. Stick strictly to the main valley track and avoid the temptation to cut corners through enclosed pastures or cross the river away from established bridges
In the order you walk them — the same numbers the elevation profile, the stage notes and the pacing table use.
🅿️ Getting there & parking
Mosedale car park (paid) — 0.1 km from the start (straight line)
Walking base for Carrock Fell, Round Knott, Miton Hill and Hare Stones — the 'Birketts by Carrock Fell' route starts 52 m away. Also serves 'Great Calva, Knott, High Pike and Carrock Fell'. Paid parking (OSM-tagged). Gravel surface (OSM-tagged).
Carrock Fell car park (free) — 0.3 km from the start (straight line)
Walking base for Carrock Fell, Round Knott, Miton Hill and Hare Stones — the 'Birketts by Carrock Fell' route starts 261 m away. Free (OSM-tagged). Grass surface (OSM-tagged).
Tarn Crags Top (layby) — 0.4 km from the start (straight line)
Walking base for Coomb Height, Knott, Great Calva and Carrock Fell — the 'Great Calva, Knott, High Pike and Carrock Fell' route starts 100 m away. Also serves 'Birketts by Carrock Fell'. Free (OSM-tagged). Unpaved surface (OSM-tagged).
Carrock Fell, east (layby) — 1.1 km from the start (straight line)
Walking base for Carrock Fell, Miton Hill, High Pike (Caldbeck) and Hare Stones — the 'Carrock Fell and Knott' route starts 407 m away. Free (OSM-tagged). Grass surface (OSM-tagged).
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 509 at Mungrisdale, adjacent to Road End, 5.5 km of walking from this start — not realistically reachable without a car.
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.
Mosedale / Bowscale (verge)
Round Knott (layby)
Tarn Crags Top (layby)
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.
The only property in this cluster with a fetchable page, and it answers most of what a family arriving off Carrock Fell needs: a child-capable room with its own capacity stated, its own parking yard, an EV charger, picnic food on site and a breakfast that does not tie you to a sitting. It is also 260 m from the start and names the exact fells these two routes climb. The two things it will not do - dogs, and any child outside The Grainery Suite - are both stated in its own words.
Worth knowing: “Sorry we do not take DOGS or offer help the farmer or work experience days”
The farm runs a set of free extras aimed squarely at children, and they are seasonal in a way that clashes: the lambing shed opens to guests mid-March to April with a live camera into it, while the sheepdog demonstration stops for exactly those two months. Year-round there is a bag of corn for the hens and egg collecting with JoAnne Fell, a walks leaflet with a sheep identification quiz, and cameras on the farm's own badger sett, nest boxes and cow shed viewable on a borrowed guest tablet.
Family rooms“Sleeps 2 adults + 2 children.”
Packed lunch“Picnics available.”
Parking“Mosedale End Farm is a traditional Lake District white farm house and is set back off the road, behind its own private yard where you may park your car.”
Recorded so nobody mistakes it for accommodation and nobody misses that it exists. It is an unlocked, unbookable, unstaffed shelter at around 600m with a sleeping platform, no stove, no water mentioned and no toilet mentioned - useless to a family arriving by car, and the only roof on the high ground between the fells these two routes cross. Its page also fixes it precisely: 'Grid Ref: LR89: NY 311 335'.
The hut is a mine building twice repurposed. It was put up for miners at Carrock Mine - the tungsten mine below - then moved uphill after the mine closed to serve as a shooting box; in the 1960s the Friends' Quaker boarding school at Wigton leased it as an outdoor base and fitted the sleeping platform, and after the school closed the Lake District National Park maintained it until the Mountain Bothies Association took it on and refurbished it in 2017.
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).