Two easy, but rarely visited Wainwrights sit on Fellbarrow over Loweswater. The views from the lower, southern summit to upper Buttermere are particularly impressive.
1363′. It is so tempting to pass Fellbarrow and Low Fell and ignore them. I have done exactly that many times as I headed up the Buttermere valley for more exciting walks. However a desire to complete the Wainwrights led me belatedly to their summits. The best way to get at the two hills is to leave the main road and park up at Thackthwaite. Interestingly the only comment in Wikepedia on Thackthwaite is that it has access to the twin summits. However it is a pleasant little place with some white washed cottages.
The climb and walk is very enjoyable. Enjoyable becomes very enjoyable by the quite excellent views. The views to the north over the Solway Furth to Scotland are good but is those up Buttermere that are impressive. In fact I would say it is the best view of the Buttermere valley. In particular it is unusual (the twin fells rarely climbed) but also because the height is under 1,500 ft. Apart from the fact that lower heights are usually in the clear it is a photographer’s truism that many of the best shots of our mountains are taken from ‘subsidiary’ peaks.
Walk the ridge on a North to South direction to appreciate the best views. In fact just go a little further beyond the cairn on Low Fell for the very best.
There are no public rights of way on Fellbarrow save for one on its southern slopes going nowhere useful. It is all on access land and there are some walkers track on the ground. However it does mean that there are no guarantees of stiles over the walls/fences you come to.
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