Stile End, Outerside, Causey Pike, Rowling End

The walk, stage by stage

1. 1

   Start → Stile End (2.2 km, 361 m)

   Climb of about 361 m over 2.2 km (around 16% average).

   From Braithwaite the route follows the farm lanes onto the open, grassy fell. While many walkers head straight up the spine of Barrow, this route keeps to the west of it, heading south-west to tackle the steep, heathery nose of Stile End. The climb averages about 16% over the stage, on a distinct but rugged path through thick heather and bracken, to a modest summit with a lower-level view of the Coledale Horseshoe.

   Waypoints

   Braithwaite: The valley-bottom starting point. Intake Wall: The boundary marking the end of the farm track and the beginning of the open fell. Stile End Summit (447m): A grassy, heathery prominence between Barrow and Outerside.

   Decision point

   Barrow (The Neighboring Fell): The ridge of Barrow is on your left (east and south-east) all the way up. Use its bulk to keep yourself oriented—if you drift too far left into the depression between them, you will lose your line to Stile End. Line of Sight: Derwentwater will be opening up spectacularly behind you and to your left (east) as you climb.

   Easy to get wrong

   Summer Bracken: From June to September, the lower slopes are smothered in dense bracken. Pushing through it off-path is exhausting and increases the risk of tick bites. Steep Gradient: The ascent out of Braithwaite offers no warm-up: a steep pull straight from the valley floor.

   If you need to get off

   Turn around and trace the grassy path back down to the Braithwaite intake walls. It is a straightforward retreat.

2. 2

   Stile End → Outerside (1.2 km, 151 m)

   Climb of about 151 m over 1.2 km (around 13% average).

   From Stile End the path dips briefly into a shallow, occasionally boggy saddle, then climbs the eastern flank of Outerside. The terrain becomes rougher, from grass into thicker heather and blueberry bushes, and the path weaves up to the neat, compact, rocky summit of Outerside.

   Waypoints

   The Saddle: The depression between Stile End and Outerside. Outerside Summit (568m): A rocky peak, isolated between the ridges of Coledale and Causey Pike.

   Decision point

   Coledale Valley: The flat trench of the Coledale valley is on your right (north). Keep it on your right to be sure you are moving west toward the summit.

   Easy to get wrong

   Path Braiding: On the climb up Outerside the trail splinters into minor sheep trods through the heather. Most converge near the summit, but some are rougher and steeper than others. Boggy Hollows: The saddle can hold water after heavy rain, requiring minor detours.

   If you need to get off

   From the saddle between Stile End and Outerside, go back the way you came.

3. 3

   Outerside → Causey Pike (1.4 km, 137 m)

   Descent of about 71 m, then a climb of about 137 m, over 1.4 km.

   From Outerside the route drops south into the notoriously wet, sprawling depression of High Moss. Past the bogs, the path heads south-east, then climbs east along the northern side of the ridge towards Causey Pike, leaving the top of Scar Crags off to your right. The terrain changes from squelchy peat to loose scree and shattered rock, ending in a short, hands-on scramble onto the rocky "bobble" of the summit.

   Waypoints

   High Moss (approx. 500m): The boggy saddle between Outerside and the main Causey Pike/Scar Crags ridge. Causey Pike Summit (637m): A distinctive, bumpy summit marked by a rocky outcrop that requires minor scrambling.

   Decision point

   The Main Ridge: The towering wall of the Scar Crags to Causey Pike ridge looms above High Moss. From High Moss the path climbs east along the north side of the ridge; the knobbly summit of Causey Pike is at its eastern end.

   Easy to get wrong

   The High Moss Swamp: A massive sponge. Skirting the deep peat hags is tedious, and wet boots are almost guaranteed year-round. Steep Flank Climb: The pull out of High Moss up to Causey Pike is a sharp, breathless shock, on a loose, heavily eroded path. Summit Scramble: Reaching the highest point of Causey Pike requires using your hands to pull yourself over polished rock.

   If you need to get off

   Retreat: If you do not want to tackle the steep scramble up to the high ridge, turn east from High Moss and follow the path down alongside Stoneycroft Gill to the Newlands Valley road at Stoneycroft, then follow the road north back towards Braithwaite, keeping alert for traffic.

4. 4

   Causey Pike → Rowling End (1.2 km, 9 m)

   Descent of about 198 m over 1.2 km.

   From the summit of Causey Pike the route drops aggressively eastwards off the "bobble": steep, rocky, hands-on downclimbing over polished rock steps. Once you clear this craggy section, the gradient eases into a grassy, undulating ridge descent over the minor saddle of Sleet Hause and down to Rowling End.

   Waypoints

   The Causey Pike Downclimb: The steep, rocky steps leaving the summit. Sleet Hause: A minor grassy saddle on the descent ridge. Rowling End (433m): The last bump on the eastern ridge before the steep plunge to the valley floor.

   Decision point

   The Eastern Ridge: The ridge down to Rowling End is distinctive, pointing toward Derwentwater and the Skiddaw massif.

   Easy to get wrong

   The Downclimb: The rocky step off Causey Pike is intimidating: polished by boot traffic, and dangerously slick in rain or ice. Take your time, lower your center of gravity, and face the rock if necessary. Knee Impact: Once off the rocks, the path stays steep for about 200 m more, putting significant pressure on tired joints, before the ridge eases.

   If you need to get off

   Before committing to the steep downclimb off Causey Pike, your only real bail is to go back the way you came. Do not drift south off the ridge into the steep bracken of Rigg Beck.

5. Rowling End → Finish (4.0 km, 33 m)

   Descent of about 347 m over 4.0 km.

   Leaving Rowling End, the path plunges directly down the steep, grassy nose of the fell, through heavy bracken, to the valley floor at Stoneycroft. The final leg is a long, undulating valley walk along the quiet Newlands Valley road, contouring the base of Barrow to return to the starting point in Braithwaite.

   Waypoints

   Stoneycroft Gill / Bridge: Where you reach the valley floor and cross the water. Newlands Valley Road: The tarmac road tracing the bottom of the fells. Braithwaite: The finish point.

   Decision point

   Stoneycroft Gill: Aim for the bridge at the base of the fell to intercept the road. The Road: Once you hit the tarmac at Stoneycroft, turn left (north) and simply follow it. It acts as a handrail, skirting the base of the fells all the way back to the village.

   Easy to get wrong

   Jarring Final Descent: The grassy drop off Rowling End is fiercely steep, and a notorious slip hazard when wet; trekking poles can help with your footing. Traffic Hazard: The walk back to Braithwaite is on a narrow country lane. While quiet, cars and farm vehicles can appear suddenly around blind, walled corners. Mental Fatigue: The 3 km walk out on tarmac can feel like a slog after the high-adrenaline ridge walk.

   If you need to get off

   The steep descent off Rowling End commits you to the Newlands Valley floor. Once on the road, you are on the direct route back to your car; keep alert for traffic.