Walk around Orthwaite, Lake District, Cumbria

Nice circular walk from Orthwaite village around Little Cockup and Great Cockup. This walk is not really popular.

Orthwaite walk information:

  • Distance: 9km
  • Duration: 2h30
  • Ascent: 453m
  • Level: Medium
  • Car park: small car park in Orthwaite village by the farm, CA7 1HL, Honesty box.
  • Dog friendly: yes- livestocks in the fields

I found this hike in my book “50 Walks in Lake District”. Normally, this hike started from the village of Bassenthwaite and went to the village of Orthwaite following the national road. Since I do not like walking on the road I decided to start hiking from Orthwaite. We were not sure if we could park the car in Orthwaite but we still decided to go there. Luckily, we found a space to park in front of the small Orthwaite farm. The farmer left a portion of his yard available as parking for hikers. There is room for about 4 cars. But since this place is not very popular it is not too much of a problem.

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The hike passes Brockle Crag along the Burntod Gill stream then turns to Trusmadoor and Uldale Fells. This hike is not very hard but there is still some passage that can be exhausting. Indeed, the first climb up to Brockle Crag is a bit steep and the path along the cliff near the river and trusmadoor is quite narrow. It is a path more for sheep than for humans, so you will have to help you with your hands in some places.

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This hike allows in clear weather to see the extent of the Bassenthwaite Valley from the top of Brockle Crag but also the Scottish coast from Trusmadoor. Herds of sheep are also free making the landscape even more attractive. The place is very quiet, we saw only 4 other people during this hike, it was very relaxing.

Here are the key steps to do this hike:

  • From the car park leave the village towards Bassenthwaite. After a few meters take the left path that leads to a gate with the name Udale Commons on it. Follow this path until you see a marked trail on the left which goes up towards Brockle Crag.
  • At the top of Brockle Crag take the path opposite which goes down slightly towards the river. Follow the trail to the river but do not cross it. Arrived at the river turn left and follow it. There is not really a path for a little while, you have to stay between the foot of the cliff and the river until you go back on a very small path.
  • Arrived at an intersection of paths take the one on the left that passes between the two hillsides. You will have a magnificent view of the Scottish coast. Continue straight through fields, there is not really a trail you just have to go down Uldale fells. Arrived on a plateau you will find a path that goes to the left. Follow it to find you again in front of Udale Commons. Then walk back to the car.
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After the hike we went to eat at the pub Sun Inn in Bassenthwaite. This pub offers local beers and typical dishes. The terrace is very nice.

Then we decided to go for a swim in Bassenthwaite Lake. For that we took the road towards Scarness Bay. It is possible to park along the road to Bassentwaithe Lakeside Lodges (CA12 4QZ). Just before the campsite there is a small path on the left that goes to the lake and a small marina. The left side is free of access and in good weather you will see people in the grass or in the water. The lake is shallow, so it is one of the hottest lakes in the Lake District. You can swim there without any worries just pay attention to small sailboats.

After a swim not very refreshing because the water was too hot we went home.

Have you ever done this hike?

Avez-vous déjà fait cette randonnée ?

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Find all our dog friendly walks in the Lake District National Park in this page. To discover our adventures in the UK it is here.

4 thoughts on “Walk around Orthwaite, Lake District, Cumbria

  1. I like Bassenthwaite but it’s many years since I was there, as Ullswater is much nearer for us. It’s lovely to have the place to yourself. We just came back from a walk on the York Moors and it was beautiful. 🙂 🙂

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