Starting point: Borrowdale (A685)  (NY 606015)  Distance: 11.2 miles  Ascent: 2690'  Date: Thursday 8th April 2010

A traverse of the Whinfell ridge from east to west taking in Grayrigg Common, Whinfell Beacon, Castle Fell, Mabbin Crag and the three summits of Ashtead Fell.  This ridgewalk is described in five separate walks by AW in his Walks on the Howgill Fells.  The valley is Borrowdale in Westmorland.  The walk is best done in clear weather.

Route: Turn off the A685 at the entrance to Borrowdale valley and walk west along the valley floor turning up the fell alongside Borrowdale Wood.  Climb a low wall below Birk Knott and passing through a gap head up the fell following the wall over Birk Knott to the large cairn on Grayrigg Pike, where there is a fine view across the Lune valley.  Retrace steps and ascend to the trig point on Grayrigg Common, the highest point of the walk at 1619'.  Follow the wide ridge towards the two GPO radio repeater stations and then ascend Whinfell Beacon (1544').  After crossing a boggy valley, rise to the twin summits of Castle Fell.  Descend into a valley and find a narrow path through woodland to crest Mabbin Crag (1580').  The final top on the round is Ashtead Fell (1530'), the lower cairn having the best view.  Drop down to Borrow Beck and walk back along the valley to the starting point.

Superb view of the Lune valley - shame about the M6!

Sunlight on Birk Knott

The Howgills seen from the top of Grayrigg Common

The Whinfell ridge

According to Wainwright, these are GPO radio repeater stations

Kevin studies the route

Whinfell Beacon from Castle Fell

The highest top of Ashtead Fell

The lower cairn on Ashtead Fell

One man and his dog - Smile, Beattie!

Borrowdale across the A6

Looking towards Bannisdale from the lower cairn

Borrow Beck

Huck's Bridge
From here it is six miles back to the car!

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