Greendale and Middle Fell walk
This walk helps you to discover the quieter side of the Western Fells.
It has a hidden mountain tarn, superb views over the Wasdale screes and the western fells. If visibility is good, the Isle of Man can be seen rising up like Avalon out of the Irish Sea.
Map
Start:
Greendale, grid ref: NY144056
1
Starting from the parking on the grassy roadside at Greendale Cottages, follow the path north, uphill and through the bracken. After a third of a mile you will reach the grassy viewing area. Continue walking north up the path.
The perfect view
Barely ten minutes walk from the roadside, yet the reward is a complete view of the stunning Wasdale Screes and Wastwater - England's deepest lake. Perfect for a picnic or a photo.
2
At a path junction at NY143061 (700yd (650m) from the start), follow the left-hand terraced path, keeping the Gill and its pools immediately to your left. Walk for a further ½ mile (0.8km).
3
Where two streams meet at NY143064, keep ascending on the path on the right-hand side of the Gill, past the rock pools. The path continues gently upwards (crossing some wet ground) for just over ½ mile (0.9km), until you arrive at Greendale Tarn.
Greendale Tarn
Greendale Tarn sits in a hollow so pronounced that it looks like the stream is flowing the wrong way. The Tarn provides a quiet spot with a mountain backdrop: perfect for cooling hot feet.
4
Follow the narrow path along the east side (right-hand side) of Greendale Tarn, heading north for half a mile (0.8km) until you reach the path among the rocky outcrops at the head of Greendale Valley at NY149079.
5
From here follow the grassy path uphill south-east for 350yds (321m) and then south for half a mile (0.8km), until you reach the summit of Middle Fell.
Middle Fell
The summit of Middle Fell provides the perfect alternative view of Wasdale, with its impressive screes and lake. The Scafell range can be seen to the east at the head of the valley. On warm, still days look out for the rare mountain ringlet butterfly along the hilltop.
6
The path descends gently south-southwest for 530yd (480m), then descends more steeply zig-zagging through the small outcrops of rock for ½ mile (0.8km). You will arrive at the path junction from direction point 2 at NY143 061.
7
Descend south, back to the start of the walk for around 700yd (650m).
End:
Greendale, grid ref: NY144056
