Lake District Hiking Wainwrights – Longlands Fell, Brae Fell, High Pike, Carrock Fell, Knott, Great Sca Fell, Meal Fell, Great Cock Up, Binsey

On 30th March 2025, I set off on a fantastic hike in the northern fells of the Lake District, tackling nine Wainwrights: Longlands Fell (1,585 ft / 483 m), Brae Fell (1,920 ft / 585 m), High Pike (2,159 ft / 658 m), Carrock Fell (2,174 ft / 663 m), Knott (2,329 ft / 710 m), Great Sca Fell (2,132 ft / 650 m), Meal Fell (1,804 ft / 550 m), Great Cock Up (1,726 ft / 526 m), and Binsey (1,467 ft / 447 m).

As part of my Wainwright Challenge, I'm hiking to support Dementia UK. If you'd like to contribute to this important cause, please visit:

https://www.justgiving.com/page/wainwright-challenge-complete-before-62-years-old

Longlands Fell (1,585 ft / 483 m)

Longlands Fell stands at 1,585 feet (483 metres). It is located in the northernmost area of the Lake District, within the Uldale Fells. It is often the starting point for hikes in this range due to its gentle ascent. The summit provides a good perspective over the surrounding fells, with an easy path leading towards Brae Fell.

Brae Fell

Brae Fell reaches a height of 1,920 feet (585 metres). It sits north of Great Sca Fell and provides a fine viewpoint over the Solway Firth and Scotland on clear days. The grassy summit is broad and open, with little shelter, making it exposed to wind. The ascent from Longlands Fell is gradual, making it one of the easier climbs on the route.

High Pike

High Pike stands at 2,159 feet (658 metres) and is located near Caldbeck in the Northern Fells. It is known for its mining history, with old workings visible on its slopes. The summit has a large cairn and a bench, offering one of the more comfortable resting spots among the Wainwrights. The views extend to the Pennines and the Scottish Borders.

Carrock Fell

Carrock Fell rises to 2,169 feet (661 metres) and is unique among the Northern Fells due to its rockier terrain. It features the remains of an ancient hill fort, adding historical interest. The ascent is steeper compared to other fells on this route, but the summit provides excellent views over the Eden Valley and Skiddaw range.

Knott

Knott is the highest point on this hike at 2,329 feet (710 metres). It lies centrally in the Northern Fells and is surrounded by rolling moorland. The summit is a broad, featureless dome, often exposed to strong winds. Although not as dramatic as other peaks, its height makes it a significant point in the range.

Great Sca Fell

Great Sca Fell stands at 2,136 feet (651 metres). It is centrally located among the Uldale Fells, acting as a crossroads for routes between Knott, Meal Fell, and Brae Fell. The summit is grassy and lacks distinct features, but it provides an excellent vantage point over the surrounding fells.

Meal Fell

Meal Fell reaches 1,804 feet (550 metres). It has a small, sheltered summit with a curved stone shelter, making it a good resting spot. It is one of the lesser-known Wainwrights, often passed over in favour of larger peaks, but it provides a pleasant section of the route between Great Sca Fell and Great Cock Up.

Great Cock Up

Great Cock Up stands at 1,726 feet (526 metres). The name often draws amusement, but the fell itself is a rounded, grassy hill. It is positioned towards the western edge of the Northern Fells, offering views over Bassenthwaite Lake.

Binsey

Binsey is 1,467 feet (447 metres) high and is one of the most isolated Wainwrights. It stands alone to the north of the main fells, providing an unobstructed panorama in all directions. The Solway Coast, Isle of Man, and even the Galloway Hills in Scotland can be seen from the summit. The final descent from Binsey marked the end of the route, concluding a long but rewarding day in the fells.