Terrain Overview
Walk Overview
A very gentle gradually climbing walk on grass from the main road coming out
of Cockermouth. The summit tops provide dramatic views looking over to
Crummock Water and the giants that flank that stretch of water, in particular
Grasmoor, Mellbreak, Starling Dodd, ed Pike, High Stile et al
A side road just off one of the main roads coming out of Cockermouth at
St Helens Brow is the start point of this walk. A lay by provides free parking
for about a dozen or so vehicles
From the car park set off back to the right following the main road and watch out
for an entry gate on the right that gives access to a field
Go through the gate to gain access to the intake field
Through the gate and aim right towards the hedgerow and fence
Go through the gate and keep left. There is a grass trod that is easy to follow
The trod climbs gently towards a small tree plantation
Looking right in the direction of Crummock Water and Grasmoor
Go through a second hand gate and head towards a clearing in the tree plantation
Approaching the plantation
Another hand gate gives access to the summit approach seen ahead
Though the high ground ahead looks like the highest point, the summit of
Watch Hill lies just a little further on past
Looking back towards Cockermouth from the track
Go through the final hand gate and follow the quad bike tracks
Now the views start to open up. The giants that surround Crummock Water
and Buttermere
Sue on the summit of Watch Hill. There is no marker Cairn as such
just our Cairn terrier Spud who decided that this was the highest point of Watch Hill
Click here for a 360 degree view
As the light was fast fading we didnt linger on the summit, and set off following
the well defined grass trod that leads directly to Setmurthy Common
You could be forgiven for thinking that you had somehow strayed on to a golf course
as the approach ti the summit resembled a sweeping fairway. Keep on the high ground
to the right and aim for the corner of the tree plantation
The summit marked by a single stone in the grass is tucked right in the corner
where the plantation perimeter fence turns 90 degrees. This is one of the
more quirky summits that you will encouter on the OF journey.
Click here for a 360 degree view
As the light starts to fade, one last look over to Grasmoor before
we make our way back down to the car
The setting sun at the end of another wonderful day on the Fells of Lakeland
