Walk 3676 - printer friendly version

Hen Comb from Loweswater Walk

Author - Lou Johnson

Length - 5.4 miles / 8.8 km

Ascent - 1250 feet / 379 metres

Grade - moderate

Start - OS grid reference NY140208
Lat 54.5750710 + Long -3.3319022
Postcode CA13 0RU (approx. location only)

This Lake District circular walk starts from Church Bridge (Loweswater) and explores Hen Comb in the Western Fells. Rising to the modest height of 509 metres, this 'Wainwright' offers pleasant walking and fine views to the Vale of Lorton and Buttermere. Generally speaking, the fell is quiet, and you can enjoy the wonderful landscape in peace and quiet.

The start is Church Bridge, Loweswater, where there is space for a few cars (grid ref. NY140208). After parking, follow the lane south towards Kirkgate Farm. Keep to the left of the farm buildings to join a walled lane which leads up to a gat. Entering open fell. Turn right and with trees on your left continue the gentle climb for a further 250 metres. Turn right alongside a wall to drop down to stepping-stones across Mosedale Beck (grid ref. NY137200).

Follow an obvious path northwest to reach a wall. Turn left and walk parallel to the wall in a south-westerly direction gaining height gradually. Reaching a fence, turn left up a clear path heading south. Continue for 320 metres and turn right to a stile in the fence. Once across the stile, bear left and continue more steeply up the ridge to cross Little Dodd. The path becomes softer as you make progress. Cross a fence and complete the steep climb to the summit of Hen Comb. During the ascent you will have been rewarded with some fine views especially to Buttermere with Fleetwith Pike the prominent fell behind the lake.

A clear path leads south from the summit. Ignore the path off to the right and continue the descent with the path soon following a fence downhill. Nearing the valley, bear left and join a bridleway running to the east. Continue on the grassy path over higher ground which soon swings north into Mosedale. Pass below Thrang Crags on your left to cross a footbridge over Mosedale Beck (grid ref. NY139181). The onward path becomes much clearer to reach a fence and gate. Continue ahead keeping Mosedale Beck to your left.

Reaching a fence (grid ref. NY139185), bear sharp right alongside the fence (on your left). You soon cross a side stream after which you bear left to join a clear track with Mellbreak rising to your right. Continue a pleasant walk through Mosedale to re-join the outward route close to the stepping-stones. Pass through the gate and continue to Kirkgate Farm from where you pick up the lane back to the start.

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