Loweswater - Mellbreak - Crummock Water - Loweswater

Joe Jackson

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Mellbreak is a grand mountain setting the backdrop of the Crummock Water scene. It stands just over 500m, so not too high, but it’s the fell’s east face that creates a memorable impression. The steep crag slopes drop relentlessly down from the 500m contour and plummet into the depths of the lake below mimicking the scene at Wastwater only on a smaller scale. The route this walk takes starts off at the tiny village of Loweswater and follows the road to the Kirkstile Inn (great food and a VERY popular pub) and approaches the northern spine of the fell. The first part of ascent is along a steep scree path before making your way along the top of the crag. The route is not technical by any means, only steep and unforgiving! The crags give way to the open and fairly flat fell top with the two summits separated by a depression. After admiring the views from this lofty position, the path crosses the depression to the higher summit standing in at a modest 512m. The descent is just as steep as the ascent but thankfully it is on grass all the way. If you would like to visit the stunning waterfall of Scale Force then a short detour of about 600m will allow for this. If not then simply look south from the path near the lakeshore to see the huge 120ft single drop deep within the ravine. The lakeshore walk back is long but relaxing and again offers grand views to Grasmoor and the surrounding fells. Along this path just past Scale Force are the remains of a Medival Sheiling Settlement which in summit cannot be seen at all, but when the bracken has died back the remains are substantial. Just at the end of the lake is an ancient earthwork and the ruins of a Peel on a raised grassy mound. Within the field are many clues to the hidden past of this mound, with walls hidden just below the surface and a defensive ditch and bank surrounding the area - an intriguing place.

England - North England - Cumbria - Lake District - North West