Brunt Knott from Staveley

The walk, stage by stage

1. 1

   Start → Brunt Knott (3.4 km, 337 m)

   Climb of about 337 m over 3.4 km (around 10% average).

   Depart from Staveley—typically crossing Barley Bridge—and begin a steady, enclosed ascent via the narrow country lanes and rough agricultural tracks that lead up toward the Potter Fell access land. As you break out of the walled lanes and onto the open fellside, the gradient steepens noticeably, requiring a sustained push over rough pasture and heath to reach the prominent trig pillar sitting on the rocky summit outcrop of Brunt Knott

   Waypoints

   Staveley village (Barley Bridge), enclosed agricultural lanes, Potter Fell boundary, Brunt Knott summit trig pillar

   Decision point

   The high drystone walls flanking the lower bridleways funnel you dependably from the valley floor directly onto the open fell; once on the grass, the route-finding becomes highly visual, with the white Ordnance Survey trig pillar on the summit acting as a definitive target

   Easy to get wrong

   The lower tracks are frequently churned up by farm machinery and can run like shallow rivers after heavy Lakeland rain, while the open fell section is notorious for thick, hidden bogs and uneven tussocks that sap your momentum. During summer, dense bracken can heavily obscure the faint sheep trods on the final 10% approach to the summit, making the terrain highly uneven and demanding on the ankles

   If you need to get off

   The safest and most efficient retreat is to simply reverse your route and walk straight back down the enclosed bridleways; these tracks provide a sheltered, non-committing, and rapid return to the valley floor and the amenities of Staveley

2. Brunt Knott → Finish (5.4 km, 68 m)

   Climb of about 68 m over 5.4 km (around 1% average).

   Drop off the rocky summit of Brunt Knott and begin a sweeping, undulating loop across the lower moorland, picking up the extensive network of bridleways and old farm roads that contour around the Potter Fell system. The route gradually sheds altitude, trading the open, trackless grass for solid tarmac lanes that lead you steadily and effortlessly back into the heart of Staveley to complete the circuit

   Waypoints

   Brunt Knott descent, Potter Fell bridleway network, Kentmere valley lanes, Staveley finish

   Decision point

   The expansive views down into the Kentmere and Staveley valleys provide constant macro-navigation to keep you oriented, while the distinct, walled agricultural lanes on the lower slopes act as a massive catch-feature to securely guide you off the moorland

   Easy to get wrong

   Do not underestimate the 5.4 km distance; while it is primarily a descent, it features 68m of frustrating minor climbs over bumpy, undulating pasture that can test tired legs at the end of the day. The broad, grassy depressions immediately off the summit hold deep, boot-sucking peat bogs, requiring careful route-picking and wide detours to avoid thoroughly soaking your feet before you reach the hardpack of the lower farm lanes

   If you need to get off

   This entire return stage serves as a safe, low-level walk-out; you are never far from the enclosed valley roads, and simply heading continuously downhill (south or south-west) will quickly drop you onto the safe tarmac lanes leading directly back to Staveley