1 Ullscarf

Here’s a lesser-known route with awesome views and a fascinating hidden crag standing proud above a lonely valley, courtesy of Chiz Dakin.

T his walk is longer than the direct approach from Wythburn, but it has stunning views across many of the central Lake District fells from several different angles, a couple of secluded and beautiful tarns, and an unexpectedly sharp crag standing proud above a hidden valley.

The going is mostly rough moorland grass, but there’s always the challenge of navigation if the clag is down. Perhaps it’s cheating a bit when there’s a line of rusty fence posts to guide you for some of the way along the ridge near the summit. Nevertheless, where they exist, they are useful and can provide good foreground interest for photos if the weather is good. Indeed, this walk is best saved for clear conditions, as the views are stunning!

Lining Crag is the real surprise of the route. It looks like a short and stubby grassy ridge from above, and gives little hint of its near-vertical crags below. Take care if you choose to detour briefly to strike an exciting pose atop it; for those less good with heights, the pitched path into the valley below veers off before the crags.

As you ascend Low Saddle, there's a good view back to Watendlath. The deep Greenup Gill valley is the only hint to the vertiginuous cliffs of Lining Crag from above.