Eycott Hills

The walk, stage by stage

1. 1

   Start → Eycott Hill (5.8 km, 170 m)

   Climb of about 170 m over 5.8 km (around 3% average).

   Starting from the quiet peripheral lanes (typically near Berrier, Mungrisdale, or Hutton Roof), the route involves a massive, 5.8 km undulating approach before reaching the main summit. The 3% average gradient means this is rarely a steep climb; instead, it is a long, rolling slog across agricultural pastures and into the wild, unkempt boundaries of the open moorland. As you enter the vicinity of the Eycott Hill Nature Reserve, the ground transitions from firm farm tracks into trackless, heavy tussock grass and ancient volcanic rocky outcrops

   Waypoints

   Start Point: Peripheral country lanes / farm gates (e.g., Berrier or Mungrisdale area). The Wetlands / Reserve Boundary: The transition into the protected, heavily bogged moorland. Eycott Hill Summit (353 m): A Birkett, marked by a rocky volcanic outcrop rising out of the surrounding marsh, offering spectacular views west toward Blencathra

   Decision point

   Visual Targets: The massive, imposing bulk of Blencathra and the Skiddaw massif to your west act as a permanent, unmissable orientation wall. Fencelines / Reserve Markers: The boundary fences of the Cumbria Wildlife Trust reserve can serve as loose handrails to guide you across the worst of the wetlands

   Easy to get wrong

   The Bogs: This area is literally a preserved wetland. The bogs here are extensive, deep, and difficult to bypass. Expect to be frequently diverted by black peat pools and sodden sphagnum moss. Waterproof boots and gaiters are mandatory. Tussock Grass: The lack of heavy sheep grazing on the reserve means the fell grass forms massive, knee-high tussocks. Walking 5.8 km through this is an ankle-rolling nightmare and severely drains the hip flexors. Trackless Terrain: There is no defined path to the summit once you leave the lower agricultural tracks. You are forging your own line

   If you need to get off

   Retreat: Reverse your bearing. The wide, flat nature of the terrain means walking strictly east or south will eventually intercept the Berrier road network. Trap: Do not attempt to bail strictly west into the Naddles Beck catchment if the water is high; it creates a soggy, difficult barrier between you and the Mungrisdale roads

2. 2

   Eycott Hill → Little Eycott Hill (0.6 km, 6 m)

   Undulating section of about 0.6 km.

   A very short, undulating hop across the high ground of the Eycott ridge. The terrain remains rough, grassy, and interspersed with fascinating, knobbly outcrops of volcanic rock. The elevation change is negligible, but the ground remains highly uneven

   Waypoints

   The Connecting Depression: A slight, damp hollow between the two highest bumps on the ridge. Little Eycott Hill (approx. 330 m): A minor, rocky prominence just a short distance from the main summit

   Decision point

   Line of Sight: In clear weather, simply look for the next distinct rocky knoll pushing out of the grass along the ridge line

   Easy to get wrong

   Uneven Footing: The unique geology means sharp, hidden rocks are often concealed by the long grass and heather. Micro-Navigation: In thick mist, finding Little Eycott Hill requires a direct compass bearing from Eycott Hill, as the two bumps look identical in a whiteout and there is no path linking them

   If you need to get off

   Retreat: Due to the short 600 m distance, the best option is to retrace your steps to Eycott Hill and descend via your known ascent route

3. Little Eycott Hill → Finish (4.6 km, 40 m)

   About 4.6 km with 40 m of ascent.

   A long, sweeping walk-out that leaves the rocky, volcanic high ground and returns to the sprawling wetlands and enclosed pastures. The route contours off the Eycott ridge, dropping gradually across the moorland. You will transition back through farm gates, crossing numerous minor drainage lines and muddy agricultural fields to reach your starting point

   Waypoints

   Eycott Ridge Descent: The pathless drop off the volcanic outcrops into the surrounding grass. Pasture Boundaries: The stone walls and fences marking the return to actively farmed land. Lower Farm Tracks: The muddy, tractor-rutted lanes linking the fields. Finish Point: The starting country lanes

   Decision point

   Drystone Walls: Once you hit the enclosed pastures, the drystone walls and hedgerows will naturally funnel you toward the local road network. Traffic Noise: As you head west, the distant hum of the A66 can sometimes be heard, drawing you back toward civilization

   Easy to get wrong

   Distance Fatigue: Another 4.6 km of trackless or highly uneven terrain on the return leg makes this route feel much harder than its low elevation suggests. Deep Mud: The lower agricultural gates and tracks are heavily churned by cattle and farm machinery. Expect deep, boot-sucking mud, especially in winter and spring. Livestock: The lower pastures are actively farmed. Give cows (especially those with calves) a wide, respectful berth

   If you need to get off

   Retreat: This entire stage acts as your walk-out. Trap: Ensure you identify the correct farm tracks when leaving the open fell. Wandering blindly across enclosed pastures can lead you to dead ends, locked gates, or impassable drainage ditches, forcing frustrating detours. Stick to the public rights of way (marked by stiles and gates) once you cross the intake wall