Nine tops around Crookdale on the Shap fells — Robin Hood, Harrop Pike, Wasdale Pike and Sleddale Pike among them — in 20.9 km with 635 m of climbing and nothing steeper than about 6%. Severe for length, easy for exposure; about 5.2 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
LengthSevere20.95 km — a long day out.
SteepnessModerateSteepest sustained pull about 21% around the 18.6 km mark.
TerrainModerateMostly good mountain path. desk assessment — not field-verified
NavigationHardCare needed in cloud — ~36% featureless high ground, 15 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 Robin Hood2 Lord's Seat (Crookdale) (Lord's Seat - High House Fell)3 Harrop Pike4 Great Saddle Crag5 Wasdale Pike6 Sleddale Pike7 Great Yarlside8 Little Yarlside9 Whatshaw Common
This walk covers about 20.95 km with around 635 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
Gates only
Buggy
Not buggy-able
Knees
Steep in places
Dog: Gates and kissing gates only — a dog can do the whole route.
Buggy: Stiles or rough going on the route.
Knees: A sustained ~21% descent around the 18.4 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 → Robin Hood (3.8 km, 170 m)
Climb of about 170 m over 3.8 km (around 4% average).
Starting from the laybys on the A6 near the Shap Summit (often near the Crookdale Beck bridge), the route crosses the valley floor and begins a long, gradual ascent up the southern rim of Crookdale. The 4% average gradient is a gentle, grinding warm-up over nearly 4 km. The terrain transitions from rough, wet pasture to deep fell grass and heather. There are very few paths here; you will rely on faint sheep trods and farm tracks on the lower sections before forging your own line to the minor Birkett of Robin Hood
Waypoints
Start Point: A6 layby / Shap Summit area (approx. NY 553 053). Crookdale Beck Crossing: The initial valley floor waterway. The Southern Ridge: The long, grassy spur flanking the valley. Robin Hood Summit (493 m): A subtle, grassy bump marked by a modest pile of stones
Decision point
Handrails: Keep the deep cleft of the Crookdale valley strictly on your right (north). It serves as a massive linear boundary preventing you from drifting too far north. Traffic Noise: The hum of the A6 behind you provides a reliable orientation check in the early stages of the climb
Easy to get wrong
Terrain Fatigue: The sheer distance of this initial stage across pathless, heavy tussock grass drains the legs quickly. Bogs: The lower pastures near the A6 and the beck are notoriously marshy. Expect wet boots within the first kilometre
If you need to get off
Retreat: Reverse your bearing dead east to intercept the A6 road. Trap: Do not drop prematurely into the Crookdale valley to your right; the beck is difficult to cross higher up and the sides are steep and choked with bracken
2
Robin Hood → Lord's Seat (Crookdale) (Lord's Seat - High House Fell) (1.5 km, 56 m)
Undulating section of about 1.5 km.
A high-level, undulating traverse along the broad, grassy crest of High House Fell. Continuing west/south-west, the gradient is minimal. The ground here is sprawling, featureless moorland, interrupted by slight, damp depressions holding standing water
Waypoints
High House Fell: The sprawling plateau connecting the tops. Lord's Seat Summit (524 m): A minor, grassy Birkett offering profound isolation
Decision point
Line of Sight: In clear weather, link the high points visually. You are generally following the watershed dividing Crookdale (to the north) and the Borrowdale/Wasdale catchments (to the south)
Easy to get wrong
Micro-Navigation: In thick clag, the subtle rises of Robin Hood and Lord's Seat look identical. It is very easy to walk straight past the summit if you aren't paying attention to your pacing and altimeter
If you need to get off
Retreat: Turn 180 degrees and march strictly east back along the ridge to the A6. Trap: Do NOT bail south off this ridge; you will drop into the deeply secluded Westmorland Borrowdale, committing yourself to a valley with no easy road links back to your start
3
Lord's Seat (Crookdale) (Lord's Seat - High House Fell) → Harrop Pike (2.3 km, 146 m)
Climb of about 146 m over 2.3 km (around 6% average).
You now push higher into the catchment, hooking slightly south/south-west towards the prominent high point of Harrop Pike. The 6% gradient signifies a steadier, noticeable climb. The terrain deteriorates significantly here, introducing deep peat hags, thick moss, and sodden ground as you approach the boundary with the Far Eastern fells
Waypoints
The Peat Hags: The deeply eroded terrain on the approach to the summit. Harrop Pike Summit (637 m): The highest point of the route, crowned with an impressive, prominent stone cairn and a boundary fence
Decision point
Fence Line: The wire boundary fence near the summit of Harrop Pike acts as a flawless catch feature. If visibility is poor, aim to hit the fence and follow it to the cairn
Easy to get wrong
The Bogs: This section is exceptionally wet. You will constantly detour around black peat trenches and deep pools hidden under bright green sphagnum moss. Exhaustion: High-stepping out of peat hags and traversing deep heather on an incline is brutally tiring
If you need to get off
Retreat: Dropping east from the summit puts you in the head of the Wasdale (Shap) valley, where a farm track can eventually be picked up. Trap: Do NOT bail west off Harrop Pike. This drops you into Longsleddale or the Kentmere system, completely severing you from your vehicle on the A6
4
Harrop Pike → Great Saddle Crag (3.7 km, 22 m)
Descent of about 80 m over 3.7 km.
A massive, sprawling, cross-country traverse. Leaving Harrop Pike, you swing east/north-east, dropping gradually across the vast, pathless expanse at the head of the Wasdale valley. The terrain is unrelenting moorland: heavy tussocks, hidden drainage lines, and boggy hollows, eventually leading to the rocky outcrops of Great Saddle Crag
Waypoints
Wasdale Head (Shap) Basin: The sprawling, wet amphitheatre you must traverse. Wasdale Track: You will likely cross the rough macadam/stone track that services the valley bottom. Great Saddle Crag Summit (555 m): A Birkett marked by sudden, unexpected rocky outcrops in an otherwise grassy landscape
Decision point
Compass Bearings: Absolute discipline is required here. Shoot a strict bearing to Great Saddle Crag and stick to it, breaking the walk into 1km paced intervals. The Valley Track: The hard-packed track in the valley bottom serves as a distinct linear feature to cross and re-orient yourself
Easy to get wrong
Distance Fatigue: Nearly 4 km of trackless, ankle-rolling terrain will test your mental and physical endurance. Clag Navigation: This vast basin is a navigational nightmare in fog. It is entirely featureless until you hit the valley track or the crags
If you need to get off
Retreat: If you hit the Wasdale valley track, turn right (east/north-east) and simply follow it all the way back to the A6 at the Shap Summit. This is a very safe, reliable bail option
5
Great Saddle Crag → Wasdale Pike (1.6 km, 28 m)
Undulating section of about 1.6 km.
Continuing east, you traverse the high ground separating the Wasdale and Wet Sleddale catchments. The terrain remains undulating, grassy moorland, but generally becomes slightly firmer underfoot as you move away from the high western plateau
Waypoints
The Dividing Ridge: The broad watershed between the valleys. Wasdale Pike Summit (532 m): A quiet, grassy Birkett
Decision point
Fencelines: Remnants of old wire fences run across this ridge; use them as handrails where possible
Easy to get wrong
Featureless Topography: The summit of Wasdale Pike is subtle and easily missed without careful map reading
If you need to get off
Retreat: Drop north off the ridge directly into Wasdale (Shap) to intercept the valley track
6
Wasdale Pike → Sleddale Pike (1.7 km, 16 m)
Descent of about 66 m over 1.7 km.
A gentle, descending traverse further east along the Shap Fells. The ground is a mix of deep heather and coarse fell grass. You are gradually losing elevation towards the lower moorlands flanking the A6
Waypoints
The Connecting Saddle: The wide expanse linking the pikes. Sleddale Pike Summit (505 m): Marked by a small cairn with views opening up toward the M6 corridor
Decision point
Visual Target: In clear weather, the dark waters of Wet Sleddale Reservoir are visible to your right (east/south-east), serving as an excellent orientation marker
Easy to get wrong
Terrain: The deep heather hides uneven ground; watch your foot placements on the descent
If you need to get off
Retreat: Again, dropping north into the Wasdale valley remains your safest and fastest exit strategy
7
Sleddale Pike → Great Yarlside (3.0 km, 114 m)
Climb of about 114 m over 3.0 km (around 4% average).
A complex stage that requires you to loop back across the mouth of the Wasdale valley to reach the northern grouping of Birketts. You must drop from Sleddale Pike, cross the valley floor (and Wasdale Beck), and execute a steady, 4% pathless pull up the steepening, grassy flanks of Great Yarlside
Waypoints
Wasdale Beck Crossing: The valley floor river. The Yarlside Flank: The grassy ascent line. Great Yarlside Summit (586 m): A broad, expansive Birkett dominating the northern rim of Wasdale
Decision point
The Valley Floor: The crossing of Wasdale acts as a massive reset point for your navigation before the final climbs
Easy to get wrong
Beck Crossing: After heavy rain, Wasdale Beck can be in spate and difficult to cross with dry boots. Look for the widest, shallowest sections. Regaining Elevation: Hauling yourself out of the valley floor and back up to almost 600m on tired legs is mentally taxing
If you need to get off
Retreat: Do not climb Great Yarlside. Stay in the valley bottom and follow the track east to the A6
8
Great Yarlside → Little Yarlside (0.7 km, 6 m)
Descent of about 62 m over 0.7 km.
A rapid, short descent south-east along the ridge line. The grassy slope is reasonably firm, offering a quick loss of elevation toward the final tops
Waypoints
The Grassy Col: The damp depression separating the two Yarlsides. Little Yarlside Summit (approx. 515 m): A minor, non-distinct rise on the descending ridge
Decision point
Ridge Line: Simply follow the spine of the high ground descending towards the A6
Easy to get wrong
Slippery Grass: The descent is steep enough that polished fell grass will be slick if wet
If you need to get off
Retreat: Keep following the ridge north-east; it naturally funnels you towards the road
9
Little Yarlside → Whatshaw Common (1.6 km, 76 m)
Climb of about 76 m over 1.6 km (around 5% average).
The final climb of the day. Continuing south-east, you cross rolling, pathless moorland. The 5% average ascent requires one last push through heavy tussocks and occasional boggy patches to reach the broad, flattened summit of Whatshaw Common
Waypoints
The Rolling Moorland: The final stretch of the Shap Fells. Whatshaw Common (approx. 485 m): A highly subtle, sprawling top sitting directly above the A6
Decision point
Traffic Noise: You are now very close to the A6 (and the M6 beyond it). The sound of heavy goods vehicles is a constant, reliable beacon drawing you east
Easy to get wrong
Pacing: The summit is virtually indistinguishable from the surrounding moorland. Use your GPS or pace counting to confirm you have hit the high point
If you need to get off
Retreat: Turn directly east and drop off the fellside to the road
Whatshaw Common → Finish (1.2 km, 1 m)
Descent of about 66 m over 1.2 km.
The final plunge off the moorland. You drop east/south-east off the common, descending through thick fell grass and bracken back toward the agricultural boundary and the A6 laybys. The descent is gentle but the ground remains rugged until you hit the tarmac
Waypoints
The Descent Spur: The pathless line dropping to the road. Intake Walls / Fencelines: The boundary separating the fell from the highway verge. Finish Point: The A6 laybys / Shap Summit parking area
Decision point
The A6: The road is an unmissable, massive catch feature running perpendicular to your descent line
Easy to get wrong
Uneven Ground: Ankle sprains are common here as tired legs navigate the hidden ditches and tussocks bordering the road. Highway Crossings: Take extreme care if you need to cross the A6 to reach your vehicle. Traffic moves at 60mph here and visibility can be poor on the summit curves
If you need to get off
Retreat: This is the walk-out. Simply head downhill and east until you hit the tarmac
Whatshaw Common (layby) — 0.2 km from the start (straight line)
Walking base for Robin Hood, Lord's Seat (Crookdale) (Lord's Seat - High House Fell), Harrop Pike and Great Saddle Crag — the 'Crookdale Birketts' route starts 237 m away. Free (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 555 at Staveley, outside Abbey Square, 17.9 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.
Wet Sleddale dam (free)
A6 Shap summit (layby)
Whatshaw Common (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.
⚠️ Safety & conditions
The Crookdale crossing is trackless — over 2 km of tussock and wet ground with no path; much of the round is faint at best. The old county-boundary fence is the reliable handrail over most tops — use it in mist.
It is 380 m from the Crookdale start and it is the only bed inside the 3-mile radius with a page anyone can read, so for this walk it is not one option among several - it is the option. What it actually offers a party off the Crookdale Birketts round is the whole building to themselves with a wood-burner and a bag of wood included, and a back gate onto the common: "The back gate opens onto public access common land, and there are public footpaths and bridleways across the moorland within 100 yards." What decides whether it works is the number four: eight can sleep there, four can sleep in beds, and bedding cannot be hired for a fifth. Add no running water, an outdoor Portaloo and no breakfast, and this suits a self-sufficient group of up to four carrying their own kit - not a family arriving expecting a room made up.
The building was an old telephone repeater station on the A6 before it became a camping barn; it sits at 1,390 ft with the back gate opening straight onto access land, and runs on wind and solar with water delivered in canisters and a Portaloo in the side yard.
Dogs“Dogs are welcome.”
Family rooms“In the upstairs there are 4 futon mattresses for the first 4 people to sleep on; additional guests can make use of the upstairs seating cushions or bring their own lilos, carrymats etc. Bedding for up to 4 people is available for hire or you can bring your own.”
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).