A Walking Holiday at Bassenthwaite: 3 Wainwright Hikes in a Week
Looking for Lake District walking holiday inspiration? We spent a few days walking in the fells around Bassenthwaite and loved it. Based at Kestrel Lodge campsite, we spent a few days tackling three Wainwright-packed walks, each one a big day out in its own right. Between the Uldale Fells, Blencathra’s Sharp Edge and Halls Fell Ridge, and a huge sweep of Skiddaw’s summits, this wasn’t a trip for easing in gently. If you’re planning a longer stay in the northern Lake District and want to make every day count, here’s how our walking holiday at Bassenthwaite went.
Where to Stay in Bassenthwaite
We based ourselves at the lovely Kestrel Lodge campsite in Bassenthwaite. It’s a quiet site with good facilities, and really welcoming to walkers. It’s a short walk from the Sun Inn, a great pub which serves lovely food, and you have great walks from the campsite.
We have also stayed at Barkbeth Farm in a holiday cottage and really enjoyed that too.
Walks from Bassenthwaite
You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to walking around Bassenthwaite. We did 3 pretty big walks:
Walk 1: Dash Falls and Skiddaw
This Skiddaw walk explores the Northern Fells of the Lake District and visits 6 Wainwright fells – Bakestall, Skiddaw, Skiddaw Little Man, Carl Side, Long Side and Ullock Pike. It also visits Whitewater Dash Falls, a stunning waterfall at the base of Bakestall with pools for a wild dip. This 10 mile walk is a great day on the fells.
Walk 2: Blencathra via Sharp Edge and Halls Fell Ridge
This Blencathra hike starts from Scales and heads up to Scales Tarn before traversing the Sharp Edge scramble, paying a quick visit to Atkinsons Pike before reaching the summit of Blencathra. It then descends the grade 1 scramble of Halls Fell Ridge before returning to the start. This is a classic route in the Lake District Northern Fells at just over 5 miles.
Walk 3: Uldale Fells – Longlands Fell, Brae Fell, Great Sca Fell, Meal Fell and Great Cockup
If you’re looking for a quieter part of the Lake District to hike, the Northern Fells could be the place for you. Nestled in the shadow of the mighty Skiddaw are the Uldale Fells, a collection of smaller, rounder fells that get significantly less footfall than the honeypot summits. This 8 mile walk bags 5 Wainwrights: Longlands Fell, Brae Fell, Great Sca Fell, Meal Fell and Great Cockup.
During our stay at Barkbeth Farm we also did some shorter, less strenuous walks including:
- Walks in the Lake District: Binsey | 1.5 Miles
- The Wythop and Lorton Fells | 12 Miles
- Dodd Fell Summit Trail | 4 Miles
A walking holiday at Bassenthwaite is a great way to spend a few days in the Lake District. Between the quieter, lesser-known Uldale Fells, the drama of Sharp Edge and Halls Fell Ridge, and the sheer scale of the Skiddaw round, this was a short break that delivered on every single front. Oh, and 12 Wainwrights off the list isn’t a bad thing either!
