Walk 1236 - Styhead Tarn and Seathwaite Fell

      
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This walk takes you into the heart of the mountains and is perfect for a shorter day leaving the major summits for another day. Staring from Seathwaite Farm in upper Borrowdale (Grid ref. NY235122) where parking is available on the verge and roadside. On busy days you may have to park in Seatoller so an early start is a good idea if you don't want to add to the length of the route.

   
Click thumbnails for larger images.

After parking head south along the broad track passing between the farm buildings and cottages. Stay on this track as far as Stockley Bridge (Grid ref. 234109). Cross the bridge, go through the gate and head straight up the partially flagged path to Greenhow Knott. On your right is Taylorgill Force waterfall which drops dramatically from the hanging valley above. Reaching a further gate in a cross wall the gradient eases and most of the climbing is over.

The path turns towards the southwest converging on Styhead Gill. The latter stream needs to be crossed so pick your spot as there is not the luxury of a bridge. Once across the Gill continue to reach Styhead Tarn. This is a lovely place to rest awhile as you are surrounded by fine mountain scenery including Great Gable, Scafell Pike and Great End. Make your way up to the stretcher box at Styhead where you turn left to pick up the path leading to Sprinkling Tarn.

The easy climb continues to reach the shores of Sprinkling Tarn. Turn left along the eastern shore following an intermittent path, which leads to the highest point of Seathwaite Fell marked by a small cairn. Sadly this fell is always going to play second fiddle to its grander neighbours but nevertheless it is worth exploring as you get grand views of the surrounding mountain scenery.

Return to the main path turning southeast to continue the climb towards Esk Hause. The path meets Ruddy Gill (Grid ref. 229087) which is in a gully. Drop down to cross the Gill and follow the clear path following the east bank of this stream. You descend amidst dramatic scenery on a well maintained path eventually crossing Ruddy Gill to walk parallel to Grains Gill as far as Stockley Bridge. Cross the bridge and head north along the track used for the first section of the walk to reach the start.

Suggested Maps

It is recommended you take a map with you when following a walk route. The preferred scale is 1:25000 used by the Explorer series.

	OS Explorer	1:25,000	Sheet OL4
	OS Explorer	1:25,000	Sheet OL6
	OS Landranger	1:50,000	Sheet 90

Note : If two maps are listed at the same scale then either (a) both are required for full coverage of the route or (b) the route is covered on both maps.

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