Route: Binsey
Area: Northern Lake District
Date of walk: 5th March 2022
Walkers: Andrew and Gilly
Distance: 4.4 miles
Ascent: 970 feet
Weather: Sunny
Binsey is an isolated fell in the far north western corner of the Lake District. Its slopes are gentle and grassy and it would be difficult to get lost here. The remote position of Binsey means that it is unfrequented, and so makes it an ideal choice for a quiet weekend fell walk. For anyone looking to simply bag a Wainwright, the job could be accomplished in a hour by a there and back walk from the A591 or from Binsey Lodge on the other side of the fell. That would be a shame though and would omit some of the many charms of this quiet corner of the district
We parked on a small lane on the other side of the A591 just beyond the small hamlet of Bewaldeth. After crossing the road we passed through the waymarked access gate to the fell and started the easy climb, which is initially up a green lane flanked by trees. After passing through a gate the going becomes slightly steeper but it’s an easy climb. Before long we were on the lovely summit of the fell, marked by a cairn, a trig point and a couple of stone shelters
After admiring the views into lakeland looking one way, and to the Solway Firth and Scotland looking the other, we started to descend in the direction of Overwater. The descent was as easy as the ascent had been, and there were some good views to admire on the way down
When we reached the foot of the fell, near Binsey Lodge, we joined the quiet lane which leads back into Bewaldeth, skirting around the foot of Binsey as it does so. Although this was a lengthy section there was no traffic at all and it was an enjoyable stroll through unspoilt countryside with more good views along the way. After passing through Bewaldeth we walked along the wide verge of the A591 back to the start. This is the only black mark against an otherwise perfect walk. However this road section was only for a few hundred yards and was over in less than 5 minutes – a small price to pay for all the pleasure that had preceded it
For other walks here, visit my Find Walks page and enter the name in the ‘Search site’ box
Click on the icon below for the route map (subscribers to OS Maps can view detailed maps of the route, visualise it in aerial 3D, and download the GPX file. Non-subscribers will see a base map)
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The start of today's walk as we cross the A591, with Binsey ahead
We follow the track by a line of trees
Binsey up on the right of the picture
When we reach the intake wall, we climb diagonally up to the left
It's a gentle gradient and there are no difficulties
Looking back to Bassenthwaite Lake
The Irish Sea in the distance, and we can just make out Snaefell on the Isle of Man
The Solway Firth and Criffel on the coast of Scotland
We arrive at the summit of Binsey, marked by two stone shelters, a trig point and a cairn
Trig point at the summit of Binsey, looking towards Bassenthwaite
Cairn, looking towards the Skiddaw range
Overwater, a tarn owned by the National Trust, although there is no public access to it
Scotland again
Overwater as we start the easy descent, following the same line of travel as we'd used for the ascent...
Skiddaw fells
Overwater and the 'Back o'Skiddaw' fells
Bassenthwaite Lake on our right
The Skiddaw fells again
Last view of Overwater as we approach the foot of the fell
The dry stone wall below marks the lane which will take us back to the start, we turn right at a gate in the wall
Looking back up our path
The rest of the walk is along tarmac, but it's no issue in these surroundings
Looking across to the Back o'Skiddaw fells
Bassenthwaite
Looking back
Approaching Fell End
Bassenthwaite again
Traffic, or what amounts to it in these parts - we saw three ducks and one car on the lane
Looking back to Fell End, so named as it's at the end of Binsey, up on the left
We continue along the lane, and will pass by this barn shortly
Looking back towards Skiddaw
Binsey on the right as we round the corner into Bewaldeth. From there a short section beside the A591 will take us back to the start
