A difficult route in Northern Fells. Check the GPS track on Outdooractive for full details of the route, waypoints, and terrain.
Starting Point: Roadside car park (NY 255 353).
Terrain: Road, Cumbria Way, track, gate, open fell, snow-covered path (on day), summit ridge, col, steep climb, fell descent, return Cumbria Way Notable features: Cumbria Way, Orthwaite, Great Cockup (526m — Wainwright 1), Meal Fell (550m — Wainwright 2), Great Sca Fell (651m — Wainwright 3), Little Sca Fell, Brae Fell (586m — Wainwright 4), Longlands Fell (483m — Wainwright 5), Lowthwaite Fell (optional), 5 Wainwrights IMPORTANT — MOUNTAIN SAFETY: This is a remote and serious walk in the northern fells of the Lake District, taking in five Wainwrights with significant ascent over exposed and largely pathless terrain. The route was undertaken in snow conditions on the day described — paths were largely consumed by snow above the lower slopes and navigation relied entirely on GPS and map. In normal summer conditions the route is straightforward, but always carry a map and compass. Full mountain kit is essential. Check the weather forecast carefully before setting out. WINTER CONDITIONS NOTE: This walk was undertaken after snowfall. On the lower paths conditions were fine, but as height was gained the snow covered the paths entirely and only GPS and map kept me on track. This is worth bearing in mind for any winter visit — the route is easy enough to follow in normal conditions, but in snow it becomes a genuine navigation exercise. Do not attempt this walk in winter conditions without full winter navigation skills and equipment. IMPORTANT — DAYLIGHT: On the day I was running out of time and was concerned about losing the light before reaching the car — I elected to skip Lowthwaite Fell for this reason. Always plan your walk with sufficient daylight in reserve, particularly in winter when the days are short. These northern fells are remote and losing the light here is a serious matter.
A magnificent and demanding circuit of the remote northern fells above Orthwaite, taking in five Wainwrights across one of the loneliest and most rewarding ridge walks in the Lake District. Undertaken in snow conditions that made navigation a genuine challenge above the lower slopes, the walk has an extra dimension of adventure and seriousness that serves as a useful reminder of how quickly conditions can change in these hills. Great Cockup — my personal favourite Lakeland fell name, closely pressed by its near neighbour Cockup — delivers the first summit with a view of Skiddaw magnificent in its snow mantle. The ridge east to Meal Fell, Great Sca Fell and Brae Fell covers increasingly remote and elevated ground, the paths faint or absent under snow but the navigation possible with GPS and map. Great Sca Fell at 651m is the high point of the walk and commands a tremendous prospect on a clear day. The return via Longlands Fell and the Cumbria Way brings the walk to a satisfying conclusion, though the decision to skip Lowthwaite Fell — sensible given the fading light — is a reminder that knowing when to turn back is as important a skill as knowing how to navigate. A brilliant walk on a brilliant ridge, best enjoyed in summer but unforgettable in snow.