Rivings and Lothwaite

The walk, stage by stage

1. 1

   Start → Rivings (1.6 km, 195 m)

   Climb of about 195 m over 1.6 km (around 12% average).

   Ascend steadily from the parking area near Wythop Mill, taking the broad grassy path that weaves up the south-eastern flank of the fell. The path climbs through scattered gorse and bracken before gaining the crest of the lower ridge, turning north-east to bring you onto the minor grassy prominence of Rivings

   Waypoints

   Wythop Mill parking (vicinity), south-eastern flanks, Rivings summit

   Decision point

   The paths on Sale Fell are wide and heavily trodden. Keep the bulk of the main summit to your left (west) as you ascend the eastern spur towards Rivings, using the obvious wear in the grass as your primary guide

   Easy to get wrong

   As a lower fell, the primary hazard here in summer is the dense bracken and gorse on the lower slopes, which can heavily encroach on the path and hide uneven ground. The gradient is steady but can feel surprisingly warm and sheltered from the wind until you hit the exposed ridge line

   If you need to get off

   Turn 180 degrees and simply follow the heavily worn grassy path back down to the quiet valley road. The descent is visually straightforward and returns you directly to the start

2. 2

   Rivings → Lothwaite (0.6 km, 26 m)

   Undulating section of about 0.6 km.

   Continue north-east along the delightful, gently undulating grassy ridge line. The path is a beautifully easy stroll over short turf, terminating at the magnificent viewpoint of Lothwaite, which abruptly overlooks the vast expanse of Bassenthwaite Lake

   Waypoints

   Rivings ridge, Lothwaite viewpoint

   Decision point

   The ridge is well-defined and the path is unmistakable. Bassenthwaite Lake dominates the view ahead and acts as a massive visual handrail drawing you directly to the Lothwaite viewpoint

   Easy to get wrong

   This is one of the most relaxed sections of fell walking in the northern Lakes, with very few objective hazards. However, the ground at Lothwaite drops away quite steeply through the forestry down to the A66, so avoid venturing too far past the viewpoint in wet, slippery conditions

   If you need to get off

   Retrace your steps back along the ridge to the ascent path, or drop carefully down the southern grassy slopes to intersect the lower traverse paths that trace the base of the fell back to the start

3. 3

   Lothwaite → Sale Fell (0.9 km, 44 m)

   Undulating section of about 0.9 km.

   Turn your back on Bassenthwaite and head west, traversing back along the ridge before taking the slightly steeper, grassy pull up the broad eastern shoulder to reach the main, rounded summit of Sale Fell

   Waypoints

   Lothwaite, eastern shoulder, Sale Fell summit (359m)

   Decision point

   The path from Lothwaite to the main summit is incredibly obvious, heavily eroded into the turf. In low visibility, simply keep marching uphill on a westerly bearing until the ground stops rising; the summit is marked by a modest cairn

   Easy to get wrong

   Sale Fell’s summit is a wide, grassy dome. In the frequently high winds that whip across the northern fells, there is absolutely zero shelter up here. The short grass is forgiving on the joints, but can become greasy after a few days of classic Lake District drizzle

   If you need to get off

   If the weather turns foul on the summit approach, abort the climb and drop immediately south down the grassy banks to pick up the lower, sheltered track that skirts the fell's base

4. Sale Fell → Finish (1.2 km, 6 m)

   Descent of about 195 m over 1.2 km.

   Leave the summit by descending the steep, grassy south-western slopes, following the zig-zagging trods that drop quickly back towards the Wythop valley. Rejoin the lower traverse path near the intake walls and follow the easy farm lanes back to the parking area

   Waypoints

   Sale Fell south-western descent, intake wall boundary, Wythop valley road

   Decision point

   Aim for the distinct boundary of the intake walls and the visible ribbon of the valley road below. The descent paths naturally funnel you down toward the forestry edges and the starting lanes

   Easy to get wrong

   The initial drop off the summit is surprisingly steep and entirely grass-covered; it acts like a slip-and-slide in the wet, so take small steps or use walking poles to save your knees. The final walk-out on the lower lanes is firm and easy underfoot

   If you need to get off

   You are on the final descent route; simply maintain a safe, steady pace downhill. The terrain is open, meaning you can visually track your escape route back to the start for the entirety of the descent