Birketts by Kirkland

The walk, stage by stage

1. 1

   Start → Godworth (3.0 km, 163 m)

   Climb of about 163 m over 3.0 km (around 5% average).

   Depart the Kirkland vicinity, taking the minor lanes and farm tracks that transition onto the open grazing land of the western foothills. The ascent is steady and shallow, weaving through enclosed pasture before breaking out onto rougher, tussocky moorland to crest the modest, largely unmarked grassy summit of Godworth.

   Waypoints

   Kirkland valley approach, enclosed pasture lanes, lower moorland boundary, Godworth summit.

   Decision point

   The drystone intake walls and wire fences of the lower agricultural land serve as primary handrails to guide you upwards; the summit of Godworth itself is poorly defined, so use the highest point of the grassy swell as your visual target once on the open fell.

   Easy to get wrong

   As a lower foothill on the western fringes of the park, this area is heavily utilized for livestock grazing, meaning the ground is frequently churned into deep, boot-sucking mud after wet weather. Summer bracken is fiercely thick on these lower slopes, easily obscuring the faint sheep trods and hiding uneven, ankle-twisting holes that demand careful foot placement despite the gentle gradient.

   If you need to get off

   The way back is the way you came; no other line off the fell has been checked for this guide.

2. Godworth → Finish (6.2 km, 86 m)

   Descent of about 231 m, then a climb of about 86 m, over 6.2 km.

   Leave the minor top of Godworth and embark on a long, sprawling loop across the rolling western moorland, navigating a series of shallow depressions and minor rises. The route gradually hooks back towards the valley, picking up a network of rutted bridleways and old farm tracks that contour across the lower fellside, leading you steadily back to your starting point in Kirkland.

   Waypoints

   Godworth summit, open moorland traverse, agricultural bridleways, Kirkland finish point.

   Decision point

   Boundary fences and eventually solid farm tracks are your best friends on this return leg; once you intersect the established bridleways on the lower slopes, navigation becomes straightforward all the way back to the road network.

   Easy to get wrong

   The distance here is deceptive; while the overall elevation gain is minimal, the 6.2 km traverse across tussocky moorland is physically draining and hard on the ankles. The broad, shallow basins on this western fringe act as massive sponges, holding deep, hidden peat bogs that demand constant micro-navigation to avoid thoroughly soaking your boots on the long walk-out. The last 1.4 km or so is on two roads, which OSM names Kirkland Road and Cold Fell.

   If you need to get off

   No escape off this stage has been checked for this guide, including whether walls, fences and rights of way allow a direct line to the lanes; follow the route's own line.