Whicham church path up Black Combe: route map, distance and time
600 m · Cumbria
Black Combe is a big, rounded fell on the south-west edge of the Lake District, standing apart from the main fells above the coast and the Irish Sea.
A clear grassy path climbs the southern flank above Whicham to the summit trig point and shelter.
Whicham church path at a glance
| Distance | 3.1 km one way, to the top |
|---|---|
| Ascent | 391 m |
| Time up | 1h 15m by Naismith's rule |
| There and back | 1h 55m, down the same way |
| Grade | Easy |
| Start | Whicham church (St Mary's) |
| Start grid reference | SD 127 833 |
| Summit grid reference | SD 135 854 |
Whicham church path map
The start (green) and the summit (blue). Peakify has no GPX track for this route yet, so follow the description and your map.
Height profile and getting to the start
Near the start
From OpenStreetMap, within 2 km. Check opening times before you rely on them.
How long the Whicham church path takes
| Pace | To the top | There and back |
|---|---|---|
| Brisk 6 km/h, 8 min per 100 m up | 1h 0m | 1h 35m |
| Steady (Naismith) 5 km/h, 10 min per 100 m up | 1h 15m | 1h 55m |
| Relaxed 4 km/h, 12 min per 100 m up | 1h 35m | 2h 20m |
Times leave out stops. Coming down the same way, the table counts the ascent once; steep descents on rough ground can be as slow as the climb.
- Today: sunrise 07:06, sunset 16:47. Start by 13:52 to be down before dark, allowing 1h 55m for the walk and an hour for stops.
- Tomorrow: sunrise 07:08, sunset 16:45. Start by 13:50 to be down before dark, allowing 1h 55m for the walk and an hour for stops.
Black Combe summit weather for this route
There is no recent summit forecast cached for Black Combe right now. The main Black Combe page loads the live forecast when you open it. Open the live Black Combe forecast.
Before you go, also check: MWIS Lake District forecast · Met Office mountain forecast · Weatherline fell top conditions.
About Black Combe
Black Combe is a big, rounded fell on the south-west edge of the Lake District, standing apart from the main fells above the coast and the Irish Sea. More about Black Combe, with the live forecast.
On the lists: Wainwright Outlying Fell, Marilyn, Birkett.
Challenges that include Black Combe
In an emergency
Call 999, ask for the police and then mountain rescue. Give your location (the start is at SD 127 833, the summit at SD 135 854), what happened and how many are in your group. If you have no signal for a call, a text to 999 works once you have registered your phone with emergencySMS: text "register" to 999 before you go.
Whicham church path: questions and answers
How far is the Whicham church path?
The Whicham church path is 3.1 km one way to the summit of Black Combe, with 391 m of ascent. There and back by the same way is about 6.2 km.
How long does the Whicham church path take?
About 1h 15m to the summit of Black Combe and 1h 55m there and back by Naismith's rule (5 km/h plus 10 minutes per 100 m of ascent), before stops. A relaxed group takes nearer 2h 20m for the round trip.
Where do you park for the Whicham church path?
The Whicham church path starts from Whicham church (St Mary's). The grid reference is SD 127 833.
Is the Whicham church path suitable for beginners?
Yes. Peakify grades it Easy: a fit beginner can walk it on a clear day. Take a map, warm layers and waterproofs all the same.
What time should I start the Whicham church path today?
By 13:52 at the latest. Sunset on Black Combe today is 16:47, The Whicham church path takes about 1h 55m there and back, and that leaves an hour for stops. Start earlier in winter or if the forecast turns.
Is there a GPX for the Whicham church path?
Not yet. The Peakify iPhone app can plan the route and export a GPX (Peakify Pro).