Greendale via the south-west ridge up Middle Fell: route map, distance and time
582 m · Lake District C&W · OS grid NY150072
Middle Fell is a 582m Wainwright above Wast Water and Greendale, a steep, short climb with a view across the lake to the Wasdale Screes.
A steep path climbs through bracken and rock outcrops straight up the ridge from the road to the summit.
Greendale via the south-west ridge at a glance
| Distance | 2.2 km one way, to the top |
|---|---|
| Ascent | 496 m |
| Time up | 1h 15m by Naismith's rule |
| There and back | 1h 40m, down the same way |
| Grade | Moderate |
| Start | Greendale, Wasdale road |
| Start grid reference | NY 143 056 |
| Summit grid reference | NY150072 |
Greendale via the south-west 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
How long the Greendale via the south-west ridge takes
| Pace | To the top | There and back |
|---|---|---|
| Brisk 6 km/h, 8 min per 100 m up | 1h 0m | 1h 25m |
| Steady (Naismith) 5 km/h, 10 min per 100 m up | 1h 15m | 1h 40m |
| Relaxed 4 km/h, 12 min per 100 m up | 1h 35m | 2h 5m |
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 14:06 to be down before dark, allowing 1h 40m for the walk and an hour for stops.
- Tomorrow: sunrise 07:09, sunset 16:44. Start by 14:04 to be down before dark, allowing 1h 40m for the walk and an hour for stops.
Middle Fell summit weather for this route
There is no recent summit forecast cached for Middle Fell right now. The main Middle Fell page loads the live forecast when you open it. Open the live Middle Fell forecast.
Before you go, also check: MWIS Lake District forecast · Met Office mountain forecast.
About Middle Fell
Middle Fell is a 582m Wainwright above Wast Water and Greendale, a steep, short climb with a view across the lake to the Wasdale Screes. More about Middle Fell, with the live forecast.
On the lists: Wainwright, HuMP, Birkett.
Extend the walk: tops near the summit
- Seatallan (693 m), 1.6 km north-west
- Buckbarrow (423 m), 1.9 km south-west
- Yewbarrow (629 m), 2.6 km north-east
- Illgill Head (609 m), 2.9 km south-east
Challenges that include Middle Fell
More walks from Greendale, Wasdale road
Routes in Peakify's guides that start within 500 m of this one, for another day from the same car park.
- Greendale up Buckbarrow
- Greendale via Greendale Tarn up Seatallan
In an emergency
Call 999, ask for the police and then mountain rescue. Give your location (the start is at NY 143 056, the summit at NY150072), 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.
Greendale via the south-west ridge: questions and answers
How far is the Greendale via the south-west ridge?
The Greendale via the south-west ridge is 2.2 km one way to the summit of Middle Fell, with 496 m of ascent. There and back by the same way is about 4.4 km.
How long does the Greendale via the south-west ridge take?
About 1h 15m to the summit of Middle Fell and 1h 40m 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 5m for the round trip.
Where do you park for the Greendale via the south-west ridge?
The Greendale via the south-west ridge starts from Greendale, Wasdale road. The grid reference is NY 143 056.
Is the Greendale via the south-west ridge 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 the Greendale via the south-west ridge today?
By 14:06 at the latest. Sunset on Middle Fell today is 16:46, The Greendale via the south-west ridge takes about 1h 40m 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 Greendale via the south-west ridge?
Not yet. The Peakify iPhone app can plan the route and export a GPX (Peakify Pro).