logo Walking Britain
Home About Holidays FAQ Email MENU ☰

Wetherlam and The Carrs from Little Langdale

Lake District Walk

Nat Park - Lake District - Lake District Southern Fells

Wainwrights - Great Carrs, Swirl How, Wetherlam

County/Area - Cumbria

Author - Lou Johnson

Length - 10.8 miles / 17.5 km    Ascent - 3010 feet / 912 metres

Time - 8 hours 20 minutes    Grade - mod/hard

Maps Ordnance Survey Logo Anquet Maps Logo

Ordnance Survey Explorer OL6Sheet Map1:25kBUY
Anquet OS Explorer OL6Digital Map1:25kBUY
Ordnance Survey Landranger 90Sheet Map1:50kBUY
Anquet OS Landranger 90Digital Map1:50kBUY

Walk Route Description

Photo from the walk - Wetherlam and The Carrs from Little Langdale
Click image to visit gallery of 6 images.

This is one of the most satisfying Lake District walks in the south-western sector of the National Park. Relatively quiet the views are superb and the walking varied and often challenging. Like many days the weather started well but reaching the summit of Wetherlam the cloud rolled in and although the tops were still clear of cloud, photography became a useless pastime.

The start for this walk is the Three Shires Inn in Little Langdale (Grid ref. NY316034). It must be stressed we were spending a pleasant few nights here so prior permission ought to be sought before parking if you are no a resident. Parking in this vicinity can be virtually impossible and Tilberthwaite might be better when the area is busy with walkers.

From the Three Shires Inn head south down the lane past the cottages and cross Greenburn into Moss Rigg Wood. This is a wonderful area of woodland and the going is easy so you soon leave the trees to reach Tilberthwaite. On this occasion we took the path on the south side of Yewdale Beck and you are soon gaining height to reach Crook Beck from where there is a superb view of the eastern flanks of Wetherlam.

Turn right across Yewdale Beck and follow a clear path that trends north climbing steadily above the marshes of Dry Cove to reach the site of Tilberthwaite Mine. From here a path zigzags up the fellside to reach Birk Fell Hawse. Reaching this narrow neck of land linking Birk Fell and Wetherlam you are treated to the first of many superb views. Far below is Greenburn and you can trace your return route or instead pick out the many high fells that have come into view.

The onward route up Wetherlam Edge to the summit is interesting with a choice of routes with some offering some scrambling. The summit is a fine viewpoint with the Old Man of Coniston grabbing your attention. The preferred route stays on the ridge descending slightly before reaching the summit of Black Sails. From here descend to Swirl Hause and traverse the rocky Prison Band to reach Swirl How from where there is a wonderful view down into Greenburn.

Keeping the rocky crags of Broad Slack down to your right head north to Great Carrs. Less spectacular than Swirl How there are still wide views especially to the north including Bowfell and the Scafells. Having "bagged" the last summit of the walk descend along Wet Side Edge keeping Wrynose Pass to your left. Stay on the ridge following a path (which at times is indistinct) to reach the intake wall that marks the boundary of Fell Foot Farm. Turn right and descend along the wall to reach a footbridge over Greenburn Beck.

Reaching the other side turn left along the former mine track. This is an easy stroll gently descending into Little Langdale. Pass Low Hall Garth on your left and then cross Slater's Bridge and take the clear path that crosses a pasture to regain the start.

Other walks nearby

Walk 1141 Elterwater circulareasy/mod4.0 miles
Walk 1059 Colwith Force and Skelwith Forceeasy/mod4.8 miles
Walk 2715 Skelwith Bridge & Loughriggeasy/mod5.5 miles
Walk 1684 Lingmoor Fell & Langdale easy/mod7.0 miles
Walk 1144 Lingmoor Fellmoderate8.0 miles
Walk 1171 Pike o' Bliscomoderate5.0 miles
Walk 2582 Pike o' Stickle, Harrison Stickle & Pavey Arkmoderate6.0 miles
Walk 2033 Tilberthwaite & Wetherlammoderate5.0 miles
Walk 3697 Loughrigg Fell from Skelwith Bridgeeasy/mod4.5 miles
Walk 1823 Fairfield Horseshoe & Loughrigg from High Close mod/hard14.0 miles

Recommended Books & eBooks

Lake District: High Level and Fell Walks

Lake District: High Level and Fell WalksThis guidebook describes 30 graded fell walks on the ridges and high peaks of the English Lake District, the UK's most popular national park. Reaching some of England's finest and highest mountain scenery, this guide leads readers to classic horseshoes and traditional ascents as well as lesser-known routes to quieter summits.
More information

Walking the Lake District Fells - Keswick

Walking the Lake District Fells - KeswickPart of the Walking the Lake District Fells series, this guidebook covers a wide range of routes to 30 Lakeland summits that can be climbed from Keswick, Whinlatter, Bassenthwaite, Caldbeck, Mungrisdale and Threlkeld, with highlights including Skiddaw and Blencathra. Includes suggestions for longer ridge routes.
More information

Messaging & Social Media

Message Walking Britain and follow the latest news.

Facebook  Twitter

Mountain Weather

Stay safe on the mountains with detailed weather forecasts - for iOS devices or for Android devices.