High Seat (September)

PLEASE NOTE: The GPX trace on this route is for use as a guide only, its accuracy may change depending on the scale of map you are using. Use in combination with judgement and a paper map. We have taken all reasonable steps to ensure these walks are safe and correctly described. However things do change and all outdoor activities involve a degree of risk. The publishers accept no responsibility for any errors or omissions or for any injuries or accidents that occur whilst following this walk. Trail magazine, Copyright Bauer Media Limited.



Distance 25km (15½ miles)
Total ascent 650m
Time 7-8 hours
Start/Finish Keswick, NY263235
Terrain high-level fellwalk over moorland that can be very boggy after rain but with some clear paths and long steady ascents and descents

Public transport railway station at Penrith with regular bus services to Keswick, from where bus services extend along the A591 – tel. 0870 608 2608; www.cumbria.gov.uk
Guidebooks Lakeland Fellranger: The Central Fells by Mark Richards, pb Cicerone


NY263235 Leave Keswick by walking south-east along St John’s Street, then turn right into Springs Road which leads to Springs Farm and then into Springs Wood. The footpath continues along Brockle Beck to Rakefoot Farm.

NY283221 Signs at Rakefoot Farm direct walkers along a path to Walla Crag, where spectacular views develop over Derwent Water. 

NY272204 A path continues over a stile to contour above Cat Gill from where a left fork leads along a path that climbs around Brown Knotts and onto Bleaberry Fell. 

NY285195 The summit cairn of Bleaberry Fell provides extensive views over Keswick to Bassenthwaite Lake. The ridge route continues south across heather that can be very damp after rain. Trace the driest ground and then rise to High Seat.

NY287180 Views to Helvellyn are impressive from High Seat and the ground is drier too as this is the highest point on the walk at 608m above sea-level. The walking continues south and again it is boggy after rain, so trend towards high ground to avoid the worst of it. 

NY288165 At High Tove the route can be shortened by heading west to Watendlath. Otherwise stay high and continue south, while picking your way between the boggy areas to reach a clear path junction to the east of Blea Tarn.

NY295140 A clear path spans the ridge and can be traced northwest past Blea Tarn and down to Watendlath.

NY275163 Cross Watendlath Beck as it flows from the tarn and then follow a path that descends above Watendlath Beck. Recross the beck via the bridge to join the road that leads down through the woods to Ashness Bridge.

NY270195 A footpath leaves the road after Ashness Bridge and gently rises to Walla Crag. The route of ascent can then be retraced to Keswick.