Swirl How and Wetherlam Circular Walk
- Physical DifficultyThis is the average user-submitted rating on the physical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
- Technical DifficultyThis is the average user-submitted rating on the technical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.

Walking the Swirl How and Wetherlam Circular is an amazing adventure that will lead you over several summits for some breathtaking views overlooking the surrounding valleys and fells of the Lake District. While out on the trail, walkers will traverse some open farmland and cross the River Brathay before climbing up the steep hillside to reach a series of scenic viewpoints. This route will give you the opportunity to summit Great Carrs, Swirl How, and Wetherlam, all while taking in the views of Greenburn and the Little Langdale Valley further afield.
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Route Description for Swirl How and Wetherlam Circular Walk
Although the Swirl How and Wetherlam Circular Walk features a fair bit of elevation gain and will see you traverse several peaks, it is surprisingly not too difficult or technical. Still, there are some sections of rocky terrain and a few inclines, making proper walking boots a necessity. Be sure to arrive early to secure parking, as the layby next to the trailhead is very small.
Setting out from your vehicle, the trail will take you to the southwest across an open stretch of farmland, before crossing over the River Brathay to begin the climb up the hillside. Here, you will traverse the rugged terrain of Wet Side Edge and Little Carrs before continuing along the escarpment to reach Great Carrs and Swirl How. This section of the walk features some beautiful views overlooking the Greenburn Reservoir below, so make sure to enjoy them as you trek across the rocky landscape. Continue along the trail to the northeast for a slight climb uphill that will bring you to the summit of Wetherlam. After taking in some more amazing views, the trail will lead you downhill into the valley to cross over Greenburn Beck and the River Brathay once more on the return to the trailhead where you began.
Getting to the Swirl How and Wetherlam Circular Walk Trailhead
To reach the parking area for the Swirl How and Wetherlam CircularWalk from Skelwith Bridge, drive southwest on A593 for 1.6 km and make a right, continuing on for the next 0.6 km. Make a left onto Side Gates and follow it for 3.1 km, keeping left onto Wrynose Pass. After 0.6 km, you will find a layby on the left next to a trailhead.
Route Information
Swirl How and Wetherlam Circular Walk Elevation Graph
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Nearby Trails
- Pike of Blisco and Crinkle Crags Walk
- Lingmoor, Side Pike, and Blea Tarn Walk
- Tilberthwaite and Little Langdale Circular Walk
- Bowfell & Esk Pike Circular Walk
- Wetherlam Walk via Steel Edge
- Holme Fell Circular Walk
- Pike of Blisco Round
- Lingmoor Fell Walk
- Hodge Close Quarry & Cathedral Cavern Walk
- Little & Great Langdale Valley Walk
- The Crinkle Crags Walk
- Langdale Pikes Circular Walk