1 Lank Rigg
Like the sound of a lonely Lakeland walk with stunning views? This route to western outlier Lank Rigg should fit the bill perfectly, says Sean McMahon.
If you desire a walk in complete isolation, then this one is as good as it gets. Lank Rigg is possibly the westernmost fell in the Lake District, and even getting to the west coast of Cumbria is no easy feat for those who are not from the locale. This short round takes in Grike and Crag Fell, from where there are some surprisingly striking views along Ennerdale.
Starting from the Cold Fell road, the climbing starts immediately but is relatively easy going , ascending a grassy slope. There is a short descent then a gradual rise to climb to the intriguingly named Grike before an easy traverse to reach Crag Fell. The view along Ennerdale is truly special and really makes the day on this walk, looking along the lake to the high fells that tower above at the head of the valley.
The area was previously afforested but it has recently been felled, which makes navigation much easier. More easy climbing brings another strangely named fell, Whoap, which is marked with a solitary boulder in a sea of grass. You are unlikely to meet anyone on this lonely summit. A sharp descent then climb brings about the high point of the day’s round, Lank Rigg. Famously, this is the summit where guidebook writer Alfred Wainwright left buried treasure: a two shilling piece under a flat stone four feet from the summit column. The author searched high and low but could find no trace of any bounty. Mimicking the great AW, he also left treasure in a similar position; his generosity knows no bounds. As inflation has taken its toll over the intervening 50 years or so, the stakes were raised and two shiny 20 pence pieces were left for you to find.