Nine tops on the empty Shap fells — Seat Robert, High Wether Howe, Nabs Moor, Selside Pike and Hare Shaw among them — in 23.8 km with 856 m of climbing. Severe for length; about 6.2 hours.
✎️ 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
LengthSevere23.82 km — a long day out.
SteepnessHardSteepest sustained pull about 33% around the 7.8 km mark.
TerrainModerateMostly good mountain path — rough/natural surface. desk assessment — not field-verified
NavigationModerateClear line, hard to stray. 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 23.82 km with around 856 m of ascent, taking in 9 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
Mostly gates
Buggy
Not buggy-able
Knees
Steep in places
Dog: A stile of unmapped type — a dog may need lifting over.
Buggy: Stiles or rough going on the route.
Knees: A sustained ~27% descent around the 22.1 km mark — a little jarring on tired knees.
On the line: 17 gates · 2 step-over stiles · 2 stiles (type unmapped)
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 → Seat Robert (3.5 km, 223 m)
Climb of about 223 m over 3.5 km (around 6% average).
Starting from the small parking area at Wet Sleddale Reservoir, the route immediately leaves civilization behind. You cross the dam structure or lower valley paths and begin a long, gradual ascent west-south-west onto the open fell. The 6% average gradient is deceptive; the true difficulty lies in the terrain. You are forging your own line through deep fell grass, heather, and marshy patches to reach the isolated, rocky summit of Seat Robert
Waypoints
Start Point: Wet Sleddale Reservoir parking (approx. NY 552 114). The Eastern Flank: The long, pathless, grassy approach slopes. Seat Robert Summit (515 m): A prominent Birkett and one of the finest viewpoints in the Shap Fells, marked by an OS trig pillar and a well-built wind shelter
Decision point
Visual Target: The dark waters of Wet Sleddale Reservoir directly behind you provide a perfect orientation check to ensure you are climbing the correct spur. Handrails: Keep the deep cleft of the valley (Sleddale Beck) on your left (south) as you climb
Easy to get wrong
Terrain Fatigue: The sheer distance of this initial pull across pathless, heavy tussock grass drains the legs quickly. There is no warm-up on firm ground. Bogs: The lower pastures near the reservoir are notoriously marshy. Expect wet boots within the first kilometre
If you need to get off
Retreat: Reverse your bearing dead east, keeping the reservoir in sight, to drop back to the start. Trap: Do not drift south into the steep, craggy ravines of Sleddale Beck; the ground is choked with bracken and highly uneven
2
Seat Robert → High Wether Howe (1.7 km, 45 m)
Undulating section of about 1.7 km.
Leaving the shelter of Seat Robert, you push north-west across the roof of the moorland. The terrain here is an undulating, highly saturated plateau. You are entering the notorious peat hags of the Shap watershed. The elevation change is minimal, but the continuous weaving around black bogs and deep moss makes for slow, laborious progress
Waypoints
The Watershed Plateau: The sprawling, wet high ground. High Wether Howe Summit (531 m): A quiet, grassy Birkett marked by a small pile of stones
Decision point
Compass Bearings: Essential. Shoot a strict bearing from Seat Robert and pace your distance. Valley Sighting: In clear weather, the lonely white building of Mosedale Cottage (a bothy) may be visible in the valley down to your right (north-east)
Easy to get wrong
The Bogs: This area acts as a giant sponge. You will constantly be diverted by boot-swallowing peat trenches and deceptive, bright green sphagnum moss. Featureless Topography: In thick clag, the subtle rises here look identical. It is terrifyingly easy to walk in circles
If you need to get off
Retreat: Dropping right (north-east) into the Mosedale valley is your best escape. It intercepts a hard-packed 4x4 track that runs from the bothy all the way back to your start at Wet Sleddale
3
High Wether Howe → Nabs Moor (1.7 km, 88 m)
Climb of about 88 m over 1.7 km (around 5% average).
Continuing north-west, you begin to gradually climb the broad, grassy shoulder that links the lower Shap Fells to the higher Far Eastern massif. The 5% gradient signifies a steadier, noticeable climb. The ground remains heavily rutted with peat hags until you reach the slightly firmer, sprawling expanse of Nabs Moor
Waypoints
Mosedale Headwaters: The marshy depressions feeding the valley below. Nabs Moor (approx. 530 m): A broad, featureless shoulder serving as a stepping stone to Selside Pike
Decision point
Line of Sight: As you gain elevation, the massive, domed bulk of Selside Pike dominates the horizon dead ahead, providing a clear visual target
Easy to get wrong
Exhaustion: High-stepping out of peat hags and traversing deep heather on an incline is brutally tiring on the hip flexors
If you need to get off
Retreat: Again, bailing right (east) down the grassy slopes into the Mosedale valley remains your safest and fastest exit strategy
4
Nabs Moor → Selside Pike (1.5 km, 199 m)
Climb of about 199 m over 1.5 km (around 13% average).
The steepest climb of the route. You attack the final 13% average gradient pull up the south-eastern flank of Selside Pike. The terrain mercifully transitions from deep, soft peat to shorter, firmer fell grass and stony patches as you gain altitude, eventually depositing you on the expansive Wainwright summit
Waypoints
The South-Eastern Flank: The steep, unrelenting grassy pull. Selside Pike Summit (655 m): The highest point of your day, adorned with a well-built stone wind shelter
Decision point
The Corpse Road: You will cross or run parallel to the ancient, faint track of the Old Corpse Road nearing the summit. Fence Posts: A line of old fence posts runs across the Selside plateau, serving as a reliable guide in whiteout conditions
Easy to get wrong
Wind Exposure: You are now on the high rim of the Far Eastern fells. Expect sudden, biting winds whistling across the plateau from the west. Steepness: After miles of soft bog-hopping, this 200m vertical climb will heavily tax your cardiovascular system
If you need to get off
Retreat: Reverse back to Nabs Moor and drop into Mosedale. Trap: Do NOT bail west off Selside Pike; it drops you into the Haweswater catchment, cutting you off entirely from your vehicle
5
Selside Pike → Hare Shaw (2.2 km, 5 m)
Descent of about 165 m over 2.2 km.
You now turn your back on the high peaks and begin the massive, sweeping return leg of the horseshoe. Heading north-north-east, you drop off Selside Pike onto the broad ridge that separates the Swindale and Mosedale valleys. The path is non-existent. You are traversing vast, desolate moorland, dropping gradually to the subtle rise of Hare Shaw
Waypoints
The Old Corpse Road (Crossing): Intersecting the historical track linking the valleys. Hare Shaw Summit (503 m): A minor, incredibly subtle Birkett on the sprawling ridge
Decision point
Compass & Pacing: You must pace your distance to identify the correct subtle summit bumps, as Hare Shaw is virtually indistinguishable from the surrounding moorland
Easy to get wrong
Micro-Navigation: In thick mist, this ridge is deeply confusing. It is completely devoid of distinct landmarks or rocky peaks
If you need to get off
Retreat: Dropping right (south) puts you safely onto the Mosedale valley track. Trap: Bailing left (north) drops you into the Swindale valley. While beautiful, it commits you to a very long, multi-valley road walk back to Wet Sleddale
6
Hare Shaw → Powleys Hill (1.6 km, 3 m)
Undulating section of about 1.6 km.
A flat, trackless slog east across the central watershed. The terrain here is notorious—a sprawling, sodden expanse of sphagnum moss and peat connecting the two minor tops
Waypoints
The Connecting Ridge: The wide, wet expanse linking the pikes. Powleys Hill Summit (approx. 500 m): A flat, non-distinct, grassy summit
Decision point
Valley Rims: Keep the drop into Swindale on your left (north) and Mosedale on your right (south), effectively threading the needle along the high ground
Easy to get wrong
The Bogs: Expect wet boots unless you take wide, careful detours around the black peat trenches
If you need to get off
Retreat: A bearing south directly into Mosedale remains your permanent, reliable escape hatch
7
Powleys Hill → Harper Hills (1.7 km, 17 m)
Descent of about 48 m over 1.7 km.
The ridge begins to broaden even further as you continue east. The descent is gentle, but the ground remains pathless and rough, heavily populated by tussocks. You are gradually losing elevation towards the lower moorlands
Waypoints
Harper Hills (approx. 420 m): A sprawling, grassy Birkett
Decision point
Visual Target: In clear weather, the landscape begins to open up eastward towards the M6 corridor and the Pennines, providing a general directional bearing
Easy to get wrong
Ankle-Rolling Terrain: Walking through deep, trackless tussocks on tired legs requires immense concentration to avoid injury
If you need to get off
Retreat: South to Mosedale
8
Harper Hills → Scalebarrow Knott (1.7 km, 0 m)
Descent of about 83 m over 1.7 km.
Continuing east/south-east, you descend towards the lower fells bordering the Rosgill area. The terrain finally begins to transition from deep peat to firmer, shorter fell grass, allowing for a slightly faster pace
Waypoints
Scalebarrow Knott (approx. 390 m): A minor, grassy prominence marking the easternmost point of the high route
Decision point
Line of Sight: The rolling agricultural land of the Eden Valley is now clearly visible ahead
Easy to get wrong
Subtle Summit: Like the others on this ridge, Scalebarrow Knott is easily missed without careful map reading
If you need to get off
Trap: Do not continue descending east from here; it drops you into the Rosgill road network, a long way from your car. You must now prepare to turn south
9
Scalebarrow Knott → Glede Howe (4.4 km, 240 m)
Climb of about 240 m over 4.4 km (around 5% average).
A colossal, grinding cross-country traverse. You must turn south/south-west, contouring all the way back along the flanks of the moorland towards the Wet Sleddale catchment. This 4.4 km stage features a 5% average ascent, meaning you are constantly climbing over rolling, pathless, and boggy terrain. It is a massive test of endurance late in the day
Waypoints
The Southern Traverse: The long, pathless line cutting across the grain of the moorland. Glede Howe (approx. 410 m): The final minor Birkett, sitting above the Wet Sleddale valley
Decision point
Contour Discipline: Use your map and compass heavily here to hold your line. Do not get sucked down into the valleys prematurely
Easy to get wrong
Distance Fatigue: Over 4 km of trackless, undulating bog-hopping on exhausted legs is the physical crux of this route. Gill Crossings: You will cross several small, steep-sided streams feeding the valleys; their grassy banks are extremely slippery
If you need to get off
Retreat: If you are exhausted, drop right (west/north-west) to intercept the Mosedale valley track, which offers a flat, hard-packed walk back to the reservoir
Glede Howe → Finish (4.0 km, 35 m)
Descent of about 177 m over 4.0 km.
The final, sweeping descent. Dropping south/south-east off Glede Howe, you aim directly for the Wet Sleddale valley floor. The pathless fell grass gives way to lower pastures, farm tracks, and potentially the access road for Sleddale Hall (famous as the filming location for Withnail & I), which provides a firm, fast walk-out back to the parking area
Waypoints
The Descent Spur: The grassy line dropping to the valley. Sleddale Hall (vicinity): The remote farm building on the valley side. Wet Sleddale Dam: The massive concrete structure holding back the reservoir. Finish Point: Starting parking area
Decision point
The Reservoir: Wet Sleddale Reservoir is an unmissable, massive catch feature directly ahead of you
Easy to get wrong
Deep Mud: The farm tracks on the lower slopes are heavily churned by tractors and livestock. Expect deep, unavoidable mud pits. Summer Bracken: The lower slopes above the reservoir are choked with deep bracken in late summer, concealing rocks and holes
If you need to get off
Retreat: This is the walk-out. Simply head downhill towards the water until you hit the access roads
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 UB2 at Askham, outside Stores, 14.9 km of walking from this start — not realistically reachable without a car.This looks like a seasonal service. Our timetable data has the UB2 stopping on 1 November 2026, but we haven’t confirmed that with the operator — so treat it as a reason to check rather than a date to plan around.
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.
Langhowe Pike North Top (layby)
Wet Sleddale Reservoir Car Park
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
Classic Shap-fells going: faint trods, tussock and peat with long pathless stretches. The straight sections of the plotted line are bearings, not paths — carry map and compass and expect to weave.
The only property in this cluster that answers the family questions from its own copy: family ensuite rooms, free parking, overnight laundry, an EV charger, a play area and a licensed bar, all in Shap village where the shop and the chippy are. It also scales down to camping from GBP 8 a night, so a party arriving late off Wet Sleddale without a room booked still has something. Ranked first on that, not on distance - it is 0.49 km further from the start than the Bothy but is the one that can take a family with a car and wet kit.
The whole lodge can be taken over on exclusive hire from GBP 500 a night, sleeping up to 30, with a sauna and hot tub, games room and firepit - a running club from Marsden books it for the same annual weekend every year.
Dogs“Stayed for 3 nights as a family with a German shephard in a family room, spotless, large and comfortable to say the least.”
Family rooms“Family Ensuite Rooms Double Ensuite Rooms FULLY LICENSED BAR Overnight Laundry Free Parking”
Evening meal“The staff can't help enough and the food is perfect!Log burner in the common room hits the spot every night.”
Parking“FULLY LICENSED BAR Overnight Laundry Free Parking GARDEN AREA PLAY AREA”
It is the only bed on this side of the start - on Shap Fell by the A6 rather than in the village - and it is the one place here that states a dog policy outright, in one sentence. It suits a self-sufficient pair or a group taking the whole building; it is emphatically not a wet-arrival option, because there is no running water, the toilet is a Portaloo in the side yard and the sleeping floor is upstairs. Ranked second not on distance but because the family who cannot cook for themselves cannot use it.
The bothy is a converted telephone repeater station, standing at 1,390 ft on Shap Fell with no neighbours for miles; the roof windows are there for star-gazing because the horizon is exceptionally low and wide and there is almost no light pollution.
Dogs“Dogs are welcome.”
Family rooms“The Bothy accommodates up to 8 people. In the upstairs there are 4 futon mattresses for the first 4 people to sleep on; additional guests can make use of the upstairs seating cushions or bring their own lilos, carrymats etc.”
Parking“Two very large lay-bys for ample parking within 70 yards.”
Children“The property is completely off-grid i.e. it is not connected to the electricity grid and has no running water.”
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).
