Mellbreak

Route Essentials

Route Overview

This twin topped little peak sits in a wonderfully isolated position high above the bright sparking waters of Crummock Water. It is separated by deep drops on all sides which allow uncluttered views from both its lofty summit ridge and along its sweeping slopes. Although close to the welcoming comforts of the little hamlet of Loweswater and within clear sight of the pastoral delights of Lorton Vale, Mellbreak's character is truly wild. This is guaranteed because of its proximity to the great expanse of uninhabited fells that extend west and south across the High Stile range and to the edge of the remote and lonely Ennerdale. The best way to tackle this fine hill is to get the work over with first by climbing straight to its North Top then settling into a pleasant high-level stride to its higher, South Top, and then finish off with an amiable walk around its base beside Crummock Water.

Route Details

1. From Cockermouth drive to Lanthwaite Wood car park, GR NY149214, this is the start point of the walk.

2. Walk out of the car park and turn left onto the road and follow it across Scalehall Bridge to a junction. Head straight across the junction and follow the road to another junction. Turn left and follow the lane a short distance to a cross roads in front of St Batholomews Church in Loweswater.

3. Walk past the church and the pub and join the bridleway which is then followed south over Park Beck. Follow the bridleway for 750m to a path on the left below a plantation. Follow the path as it steepens onto open fell. The path climbs southeast then south to the North Top of Mellbreak.

4. Continue south along the main ridge and cross a dip to a path junction. Take the main path which turns southeast and climbs up out of the dip. The path then leads to the South Top of Mellbreak.

5. Descend south from the South Top and follow the good path down to a fence line. Turn right and follow the fence to a gate in the corner. Go through the gate and join the Mosedale Path which is then followed a short distance south to join the Floutern Pass Bridleway.

6. Turn left onto the Floutern Pass Bridleway and follow it downhill to a junction with a path that leads left (northeast) down to the shores of Crummock Water. Follow the path north all the way around Crummock Water to the footbridge over the River Cocker at its mouth. Cross the bridge and follow the path northwest through Lanthwaite Wood back to the car park at the start.

Route Information

Route Map

• Start point: NY 122307 (near Cockermouth)