Kirkland up Cross Fell: route map, distance and time
893 m · Cumbria
Cross Fell is the highest summit in the Pennines, a vast plateau above the Eden Valley crossed by the Pennine Way and home of the Helm Wind.
Tracks climb the western slopes past old mine workings to the scarp and onto the summit plateau.
Kirkland at a glance
| Distance | 6.0 km one way, to the top |
|---|---|
| Ascent | 682 m |
| Time up | 2h 20m by Naismith's rule |
| There and back | 3h 30m, down the same way |
| Grade | Moderate |
| Start | Kirkland, near Culgaith |
| Start grid reference | NY 648 325 |
| Summit grid reference | NY 687 343 |
Kirkland 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
How long Kirkland takes
| Pace | To the top | There and back |
|---|---|---|
| Brisk 6 km/h, 8 min per 100 m up | 1h 55m | 2h 55m |
| Steady (Naismith) 5 km/h, 10 min per 100 m up | 2h 20m | 3h 30m |
| Relaxed 4 km/h, 12 min per 100 m up | 2h 50m | 4h 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 07:04, sunset 16:42. Start by 12:12 to be down before dark, allowing 3h 30m for the walk and an hour for stops.
- Tomorrow: sunrise 07:06, sunset 16:40. Start by 12:10 to be down before dark, allowing 3h 30m for the walk and an hour for stops.
Cross Fell summit weather for this route
-
Marginal Today Wednesday 28 October
Slight rain, up to 7°C at the summit, feeling as cold as -3°C, summit wind 38 mph gusting 47 mph, 100% chance of rain. Rated Marginal. Sunrise 07:04, sunset 16:42.
-
Marginal Tomorrow Thursday 29 October
Light drizzle, up to 7°C at the summit, feeling as cold as 0°C, summit wind 37 mph gusting 47 mph, 29% chance of rain. Rated Marginal. Sunrise 07:06, sunset 16:40.
Best day of the next seven for Kirkland: Monday 2 November, with summit gusts around 12 mph and a 10% chance of rain.
Hour-by-hour Cross Fell forecast · 14-day forecast · Is it safe to climb Cross Fell?
Before you go, also check: MWIS Yorkshire Dales and North Pennines forecast · Met Office mountain forecast.
What to take today
- An insulated jacket, hat and warm gloves: it feels like -3°C on top.
- Waterproof jacket and overtrousers: 100% chance of rain.
- A windproof layer, and poles for balance in gusts to 47 mph.
- Map and compass, and the skills to use them. A phone is a backup, not a plan.
- A head torch, food, water, a charged phone and a small first aid kit.
About Cross Fell
Cross Fell is the highest summit in the Pennines, a vast plateau above the Eden Valley crossed by the Pennine Way and home of the Helm Wind. More about Cross Fell, with the live forecast.
On the lists: Hewitt, Nuttall, Marilyn.
Extend the walk: tops near the summit
- Little Dun Fell (842 m), 2.2 km south-east
Challenges that include Cross Fell
Other routes up Cross Fell
| Route | Distance | Ascent | Time up | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dufton via the Pennine Way | 12.2 km one way | 858 m | 3h 50m | Hard |
In an emergency
Call 999, ask for the police and then mountain rescue. Give your location (the start is at NY 648 325, the summit at NY 687 343), 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.
Kirkland: questions and answers
How far is Kirkland?
Kirkland is 6.0 km one way to the summit of Cross Fell, with 682 m of ascent. There and back by the same way is about 12.0 km.
How long does Kirkland take?
About 2h 20m to the summit of Cross Fell and 3h 30m 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 4h 20m for the round trip.
Where do you park for Kirkland?
Kirkland starts from Kirkland, near Culgaith. The grid reference is NY 648 325.
Is Kirkland suitable for beginners?
Yes, for fit walkers on a clear day. Peakify grades it Moderate: a long climb on a made path, but the top is high, exposed and colder than the start. Turn back if the cloud comes down and you can't navigate.
What time should I start Kirkland today?
By 12:12 at the latest. Sunset on Cross Fell today is 16:42, Kirkland takes about 3h 30m there and back, and that leaves an hour for stops. Start earlier in winter or if the forecast turns.
Is there a GPX for Kirkland?
Not yet. The Peakify iPhone app can plan the route and export a GPX (Peakify Pro).