Binsey Loop

Binsey sits on the western edge of the Lake District, separate from the rest of the fells. As a result, it’s one that is generally ignored by visitors to the area. However, ignoring the fell is a grave injustice, since at the summit you are rewarded with a panoramic view that not only takes in most of the western fells, but also the Solway Firth, Dumfries & Galloway, and on a clear day, the Isle of Man. Indeed, Wainwright described the view as being “of outstanding merit.”

This walk takes you to the summit of Binsey, before descending on the other side of the fell. Young children can easily manage the first section to the summit, making it a great starter fell. An all-terrain pushchair could access the summit, but it would be quite a slog, and you would probably find it easier to use a toddler carrier or sling instead. At the summit, we would recommend that those with younger children turn back, and we have provided a further guide for older children and adults to complete a circular, longer route.

Parking for the Walk

There is a limited amount of parking in the layby next to where this walk starts. The postcode CA7 1HH will get you close to the layby. If you are coming from Keswick, take the A591 towards Carlisle, and at The Castle Inn Hotel, turn right, sign posted for Uldale, Ireby, and Caldbeck. If you are coming from Bassenthwaite, take the B5291 from the village, passing Armathwaite Hall Hotel. At the staggered crossroads by the Castle Inn Hotel, go straight over as signposted above. After two miles, turn left, signposted for Ireby. After about 50 metres, turn left again by Binsey Lodge – a house with a mock wattle and daub exterior. After about another 50 metres, you will see a layby on the right hand side where you can park for free.

The Start of the Walk

Walk to the end of the layby (away from Binsey Lodge), and you will see a small wooden gate to go through. Go through the gate and just beyond there is a stream. In the summer months, this is little more than a trickle, but it may mean that the ground is boggy. Cross over and go straight ahead, taking the clear grassy track up the hill.

The Path up to the Summit

The path rises quickly, but it is not so steep that children will struggle. As you gain height, do take time to look back every so often. Bassenthwaite will come into view, and you should have a great view of White Water Dash – a spectacular waterfall that tumbles down from Skiddaw. In the summer months, the upper level of the fell is coated in purple heather, creating a colourful display.

Approaching the Summit

Ignore any minor paths that lead off to the left, and continue straight up the main track. After heavy rainfall it can be muddy at times, so do take care. As you near the top a small mound with a stone cairn comes into view ahead. You should aim for this mound.

The Summit

You will arrive at the summit, clearly indicated by a wind shelter and trig point. From here, you will be able to see across West Cumbria, with the Solway Firth to your west, and the hills of Galloway beyond the sea. Look southwest and, on a clear day, you will be able to see the Isle of Man, and its highest peak, Snaefell. Look east and you will be able to see Over Water, Lake Bassenthwaite and the western fells, including Skiddaw, Grasmoor, Cat Bells, with the fells around Buttermere and the Helvellyn range visible just beyond.

Continuing on the Circular Route

At this point, those with younger children should consider turning back. The remainder of the route is another three-miles, and there is a section along a road. This should be considered when you decide whether or not to continue with the route. To do so, go pass the trig point, with a small path leading in the opposite direction from where you came. You will see another lower mound ahead, with a cairn on top. Go pass this, and you will start to descend. The top of West Crag will become visible.

The View from West Crag

You will come to a crossroads in the path, where the smaller path from the trig point picks up the main track once more. You will need to turn right here to descend down the hill, but before you do, it’s worth walking straight ahead to the top of West Crag. This affords a delightful view of Bassenthwaite that is superior to the view at the top of Binsey. The path does descend down the crag, but it is very steep and when this guide was produced it was very slippery following rainfall. Instead, turn around back to the crossroads, taking the main track left down the fell.

Crossing the Stream

You will presently come to a fork in the path. Take the left hand fork (the right fork leads to an abandoned quarry). You will now have left the main track and will be following a narrow path that will lead you down the side of West Crag. You will eventually join with a stream and the path will descend alongside it. Look for a large rock on the stream with a path leading off from the other side. This is where you need to cross.

Leaving the Fell

The path becomes wider once you have crossed the stream and it winds gradually down the fell. You will see a stonewall ahead of you. The path eventually leads you to a large farm gate that you will need to go through. On the other side of the gate there is a wide track that follows a farm wall on the left hand side. You will come to a second large farm gate, and once more you will need to go through it.

Joining the Road

Once through the second gate you will find yourself once more on a farm track. This tree-lined track leads you through more farm land until you reach another gate. The A591 is the other side. Go through the gate and turn left. You will now be walking along the road. There is a level grass verge that you can walk on, but any children should be closely supervised.

Returning to the Car Park

After just under ¼ of a mile, there is a turning on the left signposted for Bewaldeth. Take this turning. Turn left again just past the rather sorry looking traditional style phone box. This narrow lane leads you through the tiny hamlet of Bewaldeth and through a farm. Keep following the lane. You will come to a fork in the road, and right is signposted for Riggwood. Keep left, and the road will lead you back to your car.