Greendale and Middle Fell walk
Not far from the busy slopes of Scafell Pike, discover the quieter side of the Western Fells on this circular walk above Wastwater. There's a hidden mountain tarn, superb views over the Wasdale Screes and, if visibility is good, you may see the Isle of Man rising up like Avalon out of the Irish Sea.
Fell walking
Conditions can change quickly in the mountains. Please wear suitable footwear for the conditions, pack waterproofs and warm layers, and carry a map and compass.
Total steps: 7
Total steps: 7
Start point
Greendale, grid ref: NY144056
Step 1
Starting from the parking on the grassy roadside at Greendale Cottages, follow the path north, uphill and through the bracken. After a third of a mile you will reach the grassy viewing area. Continue walking north up the path.
Step 2
There is a path junction at grid ref. NY143061, about 700yd (650m) from the start. Follow the left-hand terraced path, keeping the gill and its pools immediately to your left. Walk for a further half a mile (0.8km).
Step 3
Where two streams meet at grid ref. NY143064, keep ascending on the path on the right-hand side of the gill, past the rock pools. The path continues gently upwards (crossing some wet ground) for just over half a mile (0.9km), until you arrive at Greendale Tarn.
Step 4
Follow the narrow path along the east side (right-hand side) of Greendale Tarn, heading north for half a mile (0.8km) until you reach the path among the rocky outcrops at the head of Greendale Valley, at grid ref. NY149079.
Step 5
From here follow the grassy path uphill south-east for 350yds (321m) and then south for half a mile (0.8km), until you reach the summit of Middle Fell.
Step 6
The path descends gently south-southwest for 530yd (480m), then descends more steeply, zig-zagging through the small outcrops of rock for half a mile (0.8km). You will arrive at the path junction from Step 2 at grid ref. NY143061.
Step 7
Descend south, back to the start of the walk for around 700yd (650m).
End point
Greendale, grid ref: NY144056
Trail map
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