Summer in the Lake District

When viewed from high above Buttermere, Mellbreak doesn’t look like a traditional Lakeland fell. Instead, it takes on a somewhat elongated dome shape that would be more suited to the Yorkshire Dales. However, when viewed from Loweswater, it is an entirely different story. Assisted by the forbidding figure of Grasmoor (which is almost twice the size of Mellbreak and a fell I am yet to tackle), the area has a somewhat alpine feel to it. The angles of the north side of Mellbreak are severe to say the least and for a moment I wondered what I had got myself into. But I was pleasantly surprised – and in fact enchanted. Both the walk to the start and the start of the walk itself are incredible; it is essential you walk along the road from Lanthwaite Wood Car Park to Loweswater village as this is one of the finest views of the Buttermere valley you will ever see (in fact, it’s one of the finest views in the Lakes that you’ll ever see, even if you have to peer over a hedge to see it). The property owners on this road are certainly very lucky!

The walk started with a gentle climb from the second bridge in Loweswater, Maggie’s Bridge. Some people do park here but I wonder if they have simply stopped to take a look at the view down the road. After passing round the back of Mellbreak up to 200m, it was a straightforward ascent to the saddle at 400m. A pleasant (albeit slightly boggy) walk to the South summit followed. I had my lunch here, overlooking Buttermere in all its summer glory.

It took all my effort to leave this view – I really could have sat admiring it all day, accompanied by nothing more than the gentle breeze.

From up here, thanks to the elevated view, you can pick out the route up Grasmoor. Consequently, my next Lakeland adventure was inspired. Time to start planning!