Thackthwaite and the ridge up Low Fell: route map, distance and time
423 m · Lake District C&W · OS grid NY137226
Low Fell is a 423m Wainwright and Marilyn above the Vale of Lorton, a short climb to a view up Crummock Water into the Buttermere valley.
A lane leads onto the open fell, then a grassy path climbs to the ridge and runs south over the tops to the summit.
Thackthwaite and the ridge at a glance
| Distance | 2.6 km one way, to the top |
|---|---|
| Ascent | 325 m |
| Time up | 1h 5m by Naismith's rule |
| There and back | 1h 35m, down the same way |
| Grade | Easy |
| Start | Thackthwaite, Vale of Lorton |
| Start grid reference | NY 148 236 |
| Summit grid reference | NY137226 |
Thackthwaite and the ridge 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 Thackthwaite and the ridge takes
| Pace | To the top | There and back |
|---|---|---|
| Brisk 6 km/h, 8 min per 100 m up | 0h 50m | 1h 20m |
| Steady (Naismith) 5 km/h, 10 min per 100 m up | 1h 5m | 1h 35m |
| Relaxed 4 km/h, 12 min per 100 m up | 1h 20m | 1h 55m |
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 07:07, sunset 16:46. Start by 14:11 to be down before dark, allowing 1h 35m for the walk and an hour for stops.
- Tomorrow: sunrise 07:09, sunset 16:44. Start by 14:09 to be down before dark, allowing 1h 35m for the walk and an hour for stops.
Low Fell summit weather for this route
-
Marginal Today Wednesday 28 October
Moderate rain, up to 10°C at the summit, feeling as cold as 3°C, summit wind 32 mph gusting 39 mph, 100% chance of rain. Rated Marginal. Sunrise 07:07, sunset 16:46.
-
Marginal Tomorrow Thursday 29 October
Overcast, up to 11°C at the summit, feeling as cold as 6°C, summit wind 15 mph gusting 19 mph, 86% chance of rain. Rated Marginal. Sunrise 07:09, sunset 16:44.
Best day of the next seven for the Thackthwaite and the ridge: Monday 2 November, with summit gusts around 6 mph and a 2% chance of rain.
Hour-by-hour Low Fell forecast
Before you go, also check: MWIS Lake District forecast · Met Office mountain forecast.
What to take today
- A warm layer, hat and 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 39 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 Low Fell
Low Fell is a 423m Wainwright and Marilyn above the Vale of Lorton, a short climb to a view up Crummock Water into the Buttermere valley. More about Low Fell, with the live forecast.
On the lists: Wainwright, Marilyn, Birkett.
Extend the walk: tops near the summit
- Fellbarrow - Mosser Fell (416 m), 1.7 km north
Challenges that include Low Fell
More walks from Thackthwaite, Vale of Lorton
Routes in Peakify's guides that start within 500 m of this one, for another day from the same car park.
- Thackthwaite to the ridge up Fellbarrow - Mosser Fell
In an emergency
Call 999, ask for the police and then mountain rescue. Give your location (the start is at NY 148 236, the summit at NY137226), 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.
Thackthwaite and the ridge: questions and answers
How far is the Thackthwaite and the ridge?
The Thackthwaite and the ridge is 2.6 km one way to the summit of Low Fell, with 325 m of ascent. There and back by the same way is about 5.2 km.
How long does the Thackthwaite and the ridge take?
About 1h 5m to the summit of Low Fell and 1h 35m 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 1h 55m for the round trip.
Where do you park for the Thackthwaite and the ridge?
The Thackthwaite and the ridge starts from Thackthwaite, Vale of Lorton. The grid reference is NY 148 236.
Is the Thackthwaite and the ridge 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 Thackthwaite and the ridge today?
By 14:11 at the latest. Sunset on Low Fell today is 16:46, The Thackthwaite and the ridge takes about 1h 35m 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 Thackthwaite and the ridge?
Not yet. The Peakify iPhone app can plan the route and export a GPX (Peakify Pro).