Eight Birkett tops above Longsleddale in a 20 km round — only 601 m of ascent, which is modest for the distance, but one stage climbs 294 m in 1.2 km at around 24%, and the ground is rated hard for both navigation and exposure. About 5 hours steady.
✎️ 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
LengthSevere20.03 km — a long day out.
SteepnessSevereSteepest sustained pull about 41% around the 0.3 km mark.
TerrainModerateMostly good mountain path. desk assessment — not field-verified
NavigationHardCare needed in cloud — ~27% featureless high ground. 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 1 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 20.03 km with around 601 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
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 ~20% descent around the 11.1 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 → Great Howe (Longsleddale) (1.2 km, 294 m)
Climb of about 294 m over 1.2 km (around 24% average).
Starting from the remote valley head at Sadgill in Longsleddale, this route offers absolutely no warm-up. You immediately cross the River Sprint and attack the steep eastern valley wall. The gradient is a savage 24% average. The terrain is a punishing mix of steep, slick fell grass, loose rock, and highly eroded sheep trods as you force your way up the sheer spur to the rocky outcrop of Great Howe
Waypoints
Start Point: Sadgill parking area / bridge (approx. NY 482 056). The Eastern Wall: The precipitous ascent face immediately above the river. Great Howe Summit (522 m): A rocky, prominent Birkett marking the top of the initial climb
Decision point
Visual Target: The rocky knoll of Great Howe is obvious from the valley floor. Aim directly for it. Handrails: Keep the old quarry workings and the ravine of Stockdale Beck well to your right (south) as you climb
Easy to get wrong
The Gradient: A 24% average climb over 1.2 km will instantly redline your heart rate. Summer Bracken: From July to September, the lower slopes of this ascent are a jungle of thick bracken, completely obscuring the uneven ground and loose rocks beneath your feet. Slick Terrain: In wet weather, this steep grassy face is treacherous. Progress can feel like one step forward, two steps back
If you need to get off
Retreat: Carefully retrace your steps down the steep grass to Sadgill. Trekking poles are highly advised to save your knees. Trap: Do not bail south into the Stockdale Beck ravine; it is dangerously steep, wooded, and heavily bluffed out
2
Great Howe (Longsleddale) → Grey Crag (Sleddale Fell) (1.3 km, 153 m)
Climb of about 153 m over 1.3 km (around 12% average).
Having conquered the valley wall, the gradient eases to a 12% average, though you are still climbing steadily. You leave the rocky environs of Great Howe and enter the true Shap Fells moorland. The ground transitions into heavy tussock grass and peat as you push north-east towards the Wainwright summit of Grey Crag
Waypoints
The Connecting Ridge: The grassy plateau linking the valley lip to the main massif. Grey Crag Summit (638 m): A Wainwright summit, sitting in a sprawling, desolate expanse of heather and grass
Decision point
Fencelines: A dilapidated boundary fence runs across this plateau, acting as a reliable guide heading towards the Grey Crag summit area
Easy to get wrong
Terrain Transition: The firm rock of Great Howe quickly gives way to boot-swallowing peat and deep heather. The physical effort switches from cardiovascular strain to the heavy, leg-sapping work of high-stepping over tussocks
If you need to get off
Retreat: Reverse back to Great Howe and descend to Sadgill. Trap: Bailing north or east drops you into the remote upper catchments of Wet Sleddale or Tarn Crag, committing you to miles of trackless bog far from your starting valley
3
Grey Crag (Sleddale Fell) → Harrop Pike (0.7 km, 1 m)
Undulating section of about 0.7 km.
A brief, virtually flat hop across the wettest section of the high plateau. The terrain here is notorious—a sprawling, sodden expanse of sphagnum moss and peat hags connecting the two tops
Waypoints
Harrop Pike Summit (637 m): A highly distinct Birkett, crowned with a large, well-built stone cairn sitting on a fence junction
Decision point
The Fence Line: Follow the fence directly from Grey Crag to the stone cairn of Harrop Pike. It is a flawless handrail even in a total whiteout
Easy to get wrong
The Bogs: This 700-metre stretch holds deep, black peat pools hidden beneath bright green moss. Expect wet boots unless you take wide, careful detours
If you need to get off
Retreat: Keep moving. Do not bail east off Harrop Pike into the Wasdale (Shap) catchment unless you intend to completely abandon the Longsleddale route
4
Harrop Pike → Ancrow Brow North Top (2.0 km, 9 m)
Descent of about 105 m over 2.0 km.
You now turn your back on the high peaks and begin a massive, rolling journey directly south along the eastern rim of Longsleddale. The path is non-existent. You are traversing a vast, desolate moorland of heavy grass and heather, dropping gradually along the broad ridge to the subtle rise of Ancrow Brow North Top
Waypoints
The Eastern Rim: The broad watershed separating Longsleddale from the valleys to the east. Ancrow Brow North Top (approx. 532 m): A featureless, incredibly subtle Birkett on the sprawling ridge
Decision point
Compass Bearings: Absolute discipline is required here if the cloud drops. You must pace your distance to identify the correct subtle summit bumps. Valley Rim: Keep the deep drop into Longsleddale on your right (west), but stay safely back from any steep, unseen edges in the clag
Easy to get wrong
Micro-Navigation: In thick mist, this ridge is deeply confusing. It is miles wide in places and completely devoid of distinct landmarks or rocky peaks. Ankle-Rolling Terrain: Two kilometres of walking through deep, trackless tussocks requires immense concentration to avoid injury
If you need to get off
Retreat: If the bogs become impassable, turning north back to the fence line at Harrop Pike is the safest navigational reset point
5
Ancrow Brow North Top → Swinklebank Crag (Ancrow Brow) (1.1 km, 22 m)
Undulating section of about 1.1 km.
Continuing south, the broad, wet plateau begins to throw up occasional minor rocky outcrops. The route undulates slightly, crossing several damp depressions and peat hags before reaching the slightly more distinct, craggy bump of Swinklebank Crag
Waypoints
Swinklebank Crag (Ancrow Brow) (544 m): A Birkett characterized by a sudden, small eruption of rock out of the peat
Decision point
Visual Targeting: The minor rocky outcrops of Swinklebank Crag break up the grassy monotony and can be targeted visually in clear weather
Easy to get wrong
False Horizons: The undulating nature of the peat hags means you will frequently think you are approaching the highest point, only to find another heather-clad bump beyond it
If you need to get off
Trap: Do not drift left (east) into the deeply secluded Bannisdale catchment. It is heavily bogged and creates a massive geographical barrier between you and your start point
6
Swinklebank Crag (Ancrow Brow) → Capplebarrow (1.7 km, 12 m)
Descent of about 43 m over 1.7 km.
The ridge begins to narrow slightly as it continues its long southward march. The descent is gentle, but the ground remains pathless and rough. You are aiming for the minor summit of Capplebarrow, which offers excellent views back up the length of the Longsleddale valley
Waypoints
Capplebarrow Summit (512 m): A quiet Birkett on the descending ridge line
Decision point
Ruin Walls: You will begin to encounter the remnants of old drystone walls and fencelines that mark the transition back towards lower agricultural boundaries. Use them to guide your descent
Easy to get wrong
Fatigue: By this point, the trackless nature of the walk will be heavily draining your legs and mental focus
If you need to get off
Retreat: Keep pushing south. Bailing directly west off the ridge into Longsleddale here is possible in an absolute emergency, but the slopes are incredibly steep and choked with bracken
7
Capplebarrow → Todd Fell (1.8 km, 0 m)
Descent of about 136 m over 1.8 km.
A continuous, steady descent further south. As you lose elevation, the deep peat hags finally begin to give way to firmer, shorter fell grass. The 136 m drop over 1.8 km allows for a faster, easier pace as you approach the lower bounds of the ridge
Waypoints
The Lower Ridge: The descending spine above the valley. Todd Fell (approx. 376 m): A highly subtle, grassy bump on the ridge line
Decision point
Valley Sighting: Longsleddale is now clearly visible directly below you to the right, heavily guiding your path southward
Easy to get wrong
Subtle Summit: Todd Fell is so flat and non-distinct that you are likely to walk over it without realizing it
If you need to get off
Retreat: You are now low enough that bailing west down to the valley road is becoming a much safer and viable option if weather deteriorates
8
Todd Fell → Whiteside Pike (1.3 km, 53 m)
Undulating section of about 1.3 km.
A final, short, undulating push to the last summit of the day. Leaving the grassy expanse of Todd Fell, you cross a slight depression and climb a modest 53 m up to the surprisingly rugged, rocky top of Whiteside Pike, which stands like a sentinel at the very mouth of Longsleddale
Waypoints
Whiteside Pike Summit (397 m): A fantastic, rocky Birkett offering sweeping views south toward Kendal and Morecambe Bay
Decision point
Visual Target: Whiteside Pike is highly distinct compared to the rest of the lower ridge, presenting as an obvious rocky knoll dead ahead
Easy to get wrong
Terrain Change: The sudden return to rocky, uneven ground at the summit requires careful foot placement on tired legs after miles of soft peat
If you need to get off
Retreat: Push forward to the summit to set up the descent path, rather than turning back north
Whiteside Pike → Finish (9.0 km, 57 m)
About 9.0 km with 57 m of ascent.
This final stage is a massive, test-of-endurance walk-out. From Whiteside Pike, you drop sharply off the fellside (typically heading west/south-west towards Murthwaite or Garnett Bridge) to reach the valley floor of Longsleddale. Once on the tarmac, you face a colossal, rolling 9.0 km march up the single, narrow valley road, following the River Sprint all the way back to the parking area at Sadgill
Waypoints
The Descent Spur: The steep, bracken-covered drop off Whiteside Pike to the valley floor. Garnett Bridge / Murthwaite Area: The transition onto the Longsleddale valley road. Longsleddale Road: The single tarmac lane traversing the valley. Finish Point: Sadgill parking area
Decision point
The Road and River: Once you hit the valley floor, navigation is over. Simply follow the road north, keeping the River Sprint near you, until the road literally ends at Sadgill
Easy to get wrong
Tarmac Pounding: Marching 9 km on hard tarmac in stiff hiking boots is punishing on the soles of the feet and knees. Traffic: While Longsleddale is quiet, the road is single-track with high hedgerows. Be highly vigilant of local farm traffic and delivery vehicles, as there are few verges to step onto. Wind Tunnel: The valley often acts as a wind tunnel. Walking back up to Sadgill means you may be fighting a headwind the entire way
If you need to get off
Retreat: This is the walk-out. There are no escape routes from this valley road other than walking it to the end, or hoping to flag down a passing local farmer for a lift if you are injured
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, 8.5 km of walking from this start — not realistically reachable without a car.
If the first one is full, these do not all fill together. The 2 below sit in different places or are different kinds of parking, so a busy morning at one does not mean a busy morning at all of them.
Sadgill, Longsleddale (free, limited)
Swinklebank Crag (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 Bannisdale watershed section holds a 2 km+ pathless stretch of tussock and peat hag — featureless in mist and slow in any weather. The plotted line there is a bearing, not a path.
This is the only property inside the radius whose cached page is actually about itself, and it is emphatically not a bed for a family - it is the roof a Harrop Pike walker should know about before committing to a 20.03 km day whose middle third is a bearing across the Bannisdale watershed. It sits on the Mosedale/Swindale side of that watershed rather than on the Longsleddale road, so it is a bail-out and a shelter, not a base: 3.95 km straight-line from Sadgill, which is a number for a map and not a walk-in - the ground between is over the tops and unmeasured by us. What its page does give is usable: a grid reference to put on the map (NY 495 095 on LR90), a stove with the explicit warning that no fuel is available locally, and the MBA's standing party-size restriction with no number attached, which is the one thing a group of four or more should resolve before relying on it. Ranked 1 only because it is the sole row here with evidence; on family usefulness it ranks nowhere.
Its whole facilities list is two lines that contradict each other for anyone planning a night: there is a working stove, and no fuel anywhere near it. Warmth here is something you carry in on your back along with the sleeping bag.
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).