A moderate route in Southern Fells. Check the GPS track on Outdooractive for full details of the route, waypoints, and terrain.
Starting Point: NT Great Langdale Campsite (NY 287 057). If not camping, parking is available at the Old Dungeon Ghyll car park (NY 285 061) — walk south along the road to join the campsite start.
Terrain: Campsite path, fell path, rocky scramble, narrow rock gap, wall path, open fell, road, gate Notable features: Side Pike (262m), Fat Man's Agony, Lingmoor Fell — Brown How (469m — Wainwright), views across Great Langdale and the Langdale Pikes, Bleatarn House IMPORTANT — MOUNTAIN SAFETY: Despite its modest distance this is a serious walk with over 550m of ascent, rocky terrain on Side Pike and a narrow squeeze through Fat Man's Agony. Full mountain kit is essential. Check the weather forecast carefully before setting out.
Despite covering just 6.5 km, this little circuit from Great Langdale Campsite packs in an extraordinary amount — a rocky scramble onto the quirky and characterful summit of Side Pike, the memorable squeeze through Fat Man's Agony, and a fine ridge walk to the superb viewpoint of Lingmoor Fell. The ascent of over 500m for such a short distance gives fair warning that this is no gentle stroll, and Side Pike in particular demands care and attention on rocky ground that rewards the sure-footed. The views from both summits are exceptional — the full sweep of the Langdale Pikes from Lingmoor Fell is as good as it gets in this corner of the Lake District, and the sight of Mickleden curving away below to the northwest never loses its appeal. Fat Man's Agony is one of those Lake District moments that stays with you — undignified, slightly alarming, and thoroughly enjoyable in equal measure. The return via Bleatarn House is straightforward and pleasant, rejoining the campsite path for a short walk back to the start. A brilliant little walk — highly recommended.