Line © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), checked by Global Adventurer.
The walk
From the end of the lane at Weasdale the walk climbs the long grassy ridge south over Hooksey to Randygill Top, at 624 m the most northerly of the high Howgills. It drops to the col and climbs east to Green Bell, where the River Lune has its source, with views north to the Pennines and west to the Lake District. The way back runs north down the ridge over Stwarth to the fields and the lane at Weasdale.
It is 9.5 km with 466 m of ascent; allow about 3½ hours. The grade is Moderate. The paths are grassy and clear on the ridges, steep in places.
These are quiet fells with few landmarks: in mist navigation needs a map and compass. The ground between the tops can be boggy. Sheep and fell ponies graze freely, so keep dogs on leads.
There is no car park at Weasdale; park considerately at the roadside near the end of the lane. There is no station near; the nearest is Kirkby Stephen, about 8 km away.
Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.
Good to know
- Up the ridge over Hooksey to Randygill Top, the most northerly of the high Howgills
- Across to Green Bell, where the River Lune has its source
- Down over Stwarth back to Weasdale
- Quiet, grassy fells with few other walkers
Summits on the way
- Hooksey 586 m · passed close by
- Randygill Top 624 m
- Stockless 568 m · passed close by
- Green Bell 605 m
Getting there
Start: Weasdale. 54.42915, -2.47876
Places to stay nearby
Rooms in and around Kirkby Stephen: Booking.com → Expedia →
Affiliate links: if you book, Global Adventurer earns a small commission at no cost to you.
Paths change, and the weather decides the day. The line and figures come from OpenStreetMap and our own checks; take a map, check the forecast, and turn back if it isn't right.