Carrock Fell & High Pike Walk
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Route Description for Carrock Fell & High Pike Walk
The Carrock Fell & High Pike Walk is a challenging but equally beautiful route that will take you through some steep and rugged terrain for beautiful views. In order to better traverse the boggy moor and rocky terrain around the hilltops, make sure to wear proper walking boots. Initial portions of this walk feature a very steep slope, so if you are able to make it up to the summit of Carrock Fell, then you will find the remainder of the route to be a breeze.
In addition to providing an exciting climb up some tough terrain, you will also be exposed to breathtaking sights and a cool historical feature. After sloggin your way up to the summit of Carrock Fell, you will arrive at the site of an ancient hilltop fort that is surrounded by stunning views that spread out in all directions. From here, you will traverse several summits before descending the hillside alongside Carrock Beck. This walk offers a great mix of physical challenges and rewarding scenery.
Setting out from the roadside parking area, follow the trail to the southwest for 0.6 km, immediately climbing uphill along the steep terrain until you arrive at the edge of Further Gill Syke. Here, the trail will bend to the west and continue up the steep hillside for another 1.1 km, taking you on a rocky ascent to the summit of Carrock Fell. Here, you will visit the sight of an ancient hilltop fort and enjoy some breathtaking views in every direction that sweep from Scotland in the north to the peak of Blencathra in the south.
After taking in the views, continue west along the trail for the next 2.4 km and enjoy the scenery as the most intense part of the walk is now behind you. This portion of the walk will see you traverse the summits of Round Knott and Milton Hill before arriving at a junction with Drygill head on your left. Take the path on the right and keep right through the next fork, continuing straight for the next 0.6 km to arrive at the summit of High Pike.
Take some time to appreciate the last of the views from this elevated position atop the mountain before beginning your descent along the hillside. To make your way down the mountain from the summit, head right at the fork and continue downhill for 0.7 km. Turn right here and continue for 1.2 km across a variety of terrain that includes rugged moorland and loose scree slopes, until you cross over Groves Gill.
From this point, follow the well-defined track to the east as it runs near-parallel to Carrock Beck for 1.7 km and take in the beautiful scenery of the surrounding moor until you arrive at the edge of the road. Turn right and follow this south for 1.4 km to arrive back at the trailhead where you began the Carrock Fell & High Pike Walk.
Insider Hints for Carrock Fell & High Pike Walk
- Portions of this trail are very boggy. Wear proper walking boots that are preferably water-resistant to remain comfortable on the trail.
- There are some very steep sections of trail along rugged terrain that could prove hazardous to less-experienced walkers. Exercise caution in these areas and bring poles for balance if need be.
Getting to the Carrock Fell & High Pike Walk Trailhead
To reach the trailhead for the Carrock Fell & High Pike Walk from Keswick, make your way east on Penrith Road/A591 for 0.4mi and merge onto the A66, following it for 5.9mi. Turn left onto Mungrisdale Caldbeck and follow it for 2.1mi before turning right. Continue on for 0.2mi and make a left turn. After another 0.8mi, turn right, and you will find the trailhead on the left in 1.4mi.Route Information
When to do:
March-October
Backcountry Campsites:
No
Pets allowed:
Yes
Family friendly:
No
Route Signage:
Average
Crowd Levels:
Moderate
Route Type:
Circuit
Carrock Fell & High Pike Walk Elevation Graph
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