Mellbreak walk | aloveofthelakes

Walk : Mellbreak (1,676 ft) from the Kirkstile Inn via the North Tower

Date : 20^th May 2015

Weather : Broken cloud cover and strong wind @ 13°C

Distance : 5 miles round trip

Time Taken : 1 hour 50 mins to summit

Which part of Lakeland is this walk situated

Terrain Overview

Overview

This route describes Wainwright’s preferred route via the North Tower. The start of the climb is fairly steep on

loose scree and higher up there are some parts of the path are exposed. Look out for the “Lovely peep round

the corner” from the second rock promontory

A few car park spaces at the head of the lane that leads towards the Kirkstile Inn is the start point for this walk

First full on view of Mellbreak as we head on down the lane

The path leads past St Bartholemews Church

A close up view of the North tower and it does look quite intimidating

Cross Park Beck as it passes through the farm

Through the farmyard and head for the path leading towards Mosedale

Looking over to Darling Fell and Low Fell from the track

The track eventually leads up to a gate that gives access to a firebreak in a small wooded area. Take this
to be led to the open fell side

The track eventually leads up to a gate that gives access to a firebreak in a small wooded area. Take this

to be led to the open fell side

Through the wooded area and the scale of the climb now becomes clear. The scree path left of centre
is the route that we take

Through the wooded area and the scale of the climb now becomes clear. The scree path left of centre

is the route that we take

Looking back to the start of the path and Loweswater

At the start of the steep scree slope and what follows now is a fairly uncomfortable tussle for 30 mins or
so in trying to keep a firm footing. Its best to take the path on the left which is banked a little and slightly
easier to walk on. Either way, the aim is to try and head for the dip to the right hand side of the rock tower
in the centre.

At the start of the steep scree slope and what follows now is a fairly uncomfortable tussle for 30 mins or

so in trying to keep a firm footing. Its best to take the path on the left which is banked a little and slightly

easier to walk on. Either way, the aim is to try and head for the dip to the right hand side of the rock tower

in the centre.

Past the rock tower and the path turns to the right, where the walk takes on a whole new complexion as
the path narrows (alarmingly) as it passes over the top of “the big gulley” as Wainwright described it

Past the rock tower and the path turns to the right, where the walk takes on a whole new complexion as

the path narrows (alarmingly) as it passes over the top of “the big gulley” as Wainwright described it

Slightly higher up at the second rock promontory and a “lovely peep round the corner” revealing
Crummock Water and Buttermere

Slightly higher up at the second rock promontory and a “lovely peep round the corner” revealing

Crummock Water and Buttermere

Looking towards Loweswater

Sue and Ste at the second rock promontory

The track thankfully turns right back in to the mountain and away from the exposure and levels off somewhat

Fairly soon the North Top summit cairn comes in to view

The north tower summit cairn

Sue tucks in to a “Dockers” butty for lunch

Hopegill Head (left) and Grasmoor from the summit

Looking towards Red Pike and High Stile

Whiteside and Hopegill Head from the summit

Mellbreak in profile as we head back towards Buttermere