Kirk Fell and Broom Fell

The walk, stage by stage

1. 1

   Start → Kirk Fell (Lorton) (1.5 km, 295 m)

   Climb of about 295 m over 1.5 km (around 20% average).

   Starting from the Spout Force car park at Whinlatter, locate the path breaking steeply out of the valley. It is a relentless, direct assault straight up the grassy, often bracken-covered southern nose of Kirk Fell to reach the initial ridge line.

   Waypoints

   Spout Force car park start, forestry boundary, Kirk Fell summit.

   Decision point

   Once clear of the trees, the path aims directly up the steepest line of the fell. The edge of the forestry plantations below provides a solid initial visual baseline.

   Easy to get wrong

   A lung-busting 20% average gradient right out of the gate. The lower slopes can be fiercely choked with bracken in the height of summer, which hides uneven ground, slippery roots, and mud. It is a brutal but fast way to gain altitude.

   If you need to get off

   Turn around and descend the steep grass carefully back to the valley tracks.

2. 2

   Kirk Fell (Lorton) → Graystones (Graystones North Top) (0.6 km, 34 m)

   Undulating section of about 0.6 km.

   Continue east along the broad, grassy ridge. The brutal gradient eases significantly, offering a pleasant, undulating walk over typical North Western Fells terrain to the subsidiary north top of Graystones.

   Waypoints

   Kirk Fell summit, connecting grassy ridge, Graystones North Top.

   Decision point

   The ridge is broad but intuitive; simply follow the natural high ground as it sweeps gently towards the main bulk of Graystones.

   Easy to get wrong

   Mechanically easy walking. The ground here is spongy grass that holds water persistently after rain, so expect a few squelchy sections, but it provides a welcome relief for the calves. On Graystones, the climb (and especially the descent) is steep grass that becomes muddy and slippery after rain.

   If you need to get off

   Retrace your steps west to Kirk Fell and descend your ascent route back to Darling How.

   

3. 3

   Graystones (Graystones North Top) → Graystones (0.2 km, 7 m)

   Undulating section of about 0.2 km.

   A very brief, virtually flat transition. Stroll across the grassy summit plateau from the North Top to the main, slightly higher summit of Graystones.

   Waypoints

   Graystones North Top, Graystones main summit (455 m).

   Decision point

   In clear visibility, the main summit cairn is obvious just 200 m away.

   Easy to get wrong

   Negligible physical challenge. The summit area is wide, grassy, and exposed to the wind, but underfoot conditions are straightforward.

   If you need to get off

   You are on the high plateau; in poor weather, a careful compass bearing back to Kirk Fell (north-west) is the way back.

4. 4

   Graystones → Broom Fell (2.2 km, 136 m)

   Descent of about 73 m, then a climb of about 136 m, over 2.2 km.

   Descend north-east off Graystones into the wide, often sodden saddle of Widewath. From the depression, begin the long, steady haul up the sweeping grassy shoulder to the prominent summit of Broom Fell.

   Waypoints

   Graystones summit, Widewath (saddle), Broom Fell summit (510 m).

   Decision point

   An old, dilapidated fence line runs across the saddle and up the slope, providing an excellent handrail. Broom Fell's summit is adorned with a massive, distinctively tall stone cairn and wind-sculpted trees, making it a distinctive target from a long distance.

   Easy to get wrong

   A long transition with a 6% average climb. The major challenge here is the Widewath depression, which is notoriously boggy. Expect deep peat hags, standing water, and the need for sweeping detours to keep your boots dry. The final push to Broom Fell is a sustained, grassy slog.

   If you need to get off

   No way off the Widewath saddle has been checked for this guide; the way back is the way you came.

   

5. Broom Fell → Finish (3.0 km, 14 m)

   Descent of about 335 m over 3.0 km.

   Leave the summit of Broom Fell, descending south-west and then west back into the Aiken Beck valley. Pick your way down the steep grassy flanks, eventually rejoining the wide, hard-packed forestry commission tracks that lead back to the start.

   Waypoints

   Broom Fell summit, south-western descent, Aiken Beck forestry tracks, Finish.

   Decision point

   Use the massive, dark block of the Whinlatter forestry plantations in the valley below as your primary visual catch feature.

   Easy to get wrong

   A sustained grassy descent of 335 m. The initial drop off the fell features faintly trodden, steep grass that can be incredibly slick and treacherous when wet. Once you reach the valley floor, the final 14 m of minor ascent is barely noticeable on the undulating forestry roads.

   If you need to get off

   You are on the final exit route. Follow the route's own line down to the valley tracks. Avoid drifting too far east into the Lord's Seat forestry, which could result in a disorienting detour away from your starting point.