Wainwright Bagging Southern Fells 

Distance: 11 miles (17.5km) 

Total ascent: 2460 feet (750m) 

We'll warm up by linking the three lowest Southern Fells on a scenic and varied walk. Starting from Blea Tarn, we'll ascend the long ridge to Lingmoor with fine views over the Langdale valley. Dropping down into Little Langdale, we'll pass the Hodge Close quarries before gaining Holme Fell. Our final top, Black Crag, will give us fine views over most of the fells that we'll tackle in the coming days. On our descent back to Monk Coniston, we'll pass the picturesque beauty spot of Tarn Hows. 

Distance: 12.5 miles (20km) 

Total ascent: 4430 feet (1350m) 

This long day will start in beautiful Eskdale, Wainwright's favourite valley in the Southern Fells. We'll get plenty of chance to admire it as we make our way up Scafell via Slight Side. After enjoying the awesome views across to Scafell Pike and beyond, we'll descend to Burnmoor Tarn and start another long pull up to Illgill Head. The crags and screes will fall away into Wastwater, but we'll continue along the ridge line to Whin Rigg before finally descending back into Esdale and the King George pub. 

We'll enjoy a well-deserved rest day. 

Discover more about Monk Coniston and the local area for ideas on how to make the most of your free day. 

Distance: 10.5 miles (17km) 

Total ascent: 3775 feet (1150m) 

Today, we'll tackle the fells on the southern arm of Langdale. Starting from Blea Tarn, it'll be a long haul up to our first summit, Pike-o-Blisco, from where we'll enjoy views over the Langdale and Coniston Fells. We'll descend via Red Tarn, then up onto Cold Pike. Wainwright's infamous "Bad Step" will be just one obstacle as we press on to Crinkle Crags. Over unrelenting rocky terrain, we'll make our way to Three Tarns and a steep clamber onto Bowfell. We'll descend to Ore Gap and push up to Esk Pike. Our descent will be via Angle Tarn, and we'll divert to bag Rossett Pike before eventually joining the Cumbria Way path back to the Old Dungeon Ghyll pub – hopefully in time for a well-earned refreshment. 

Distance: 9 miles (14km)   

Total ascent: 2135 feet (650m) 

Today's walk will link Hard Knott, Harter Fell, and Green Crag. A quick up and down from Hard Knott Pass will gain us our first summit. Harter Fell will lead us above the Duddon Valley, where the terrain is softer and greener than the rocky fells of the previous days. The route to Green Crag will feel remote as we cross the moorland. Eventually, we'll descend into the Duddon to reach the iconic Newfield Arms. 

Distance: 14 miles (22km) 

Total ascent: 4760 feet (1450m) 

The main Coniston fells are relatively tightly grouped, and by staying high, we'll knock them off in one continuous round. It'll make for a long but exhilarating last day in Coniston. From Torver, we'll follow old quarry tracks up to the Walna Scar Pass. A fine ridge walk will take us gradually up to the rocky summit of Dow Crag. We'll descend into Goats Hause and up to the Old Man of Coniston. Following another fine ridge, we'll soon reach Brim Fell, then set our sights on Grey Friar. Looking North, we'll have fine views over the Langdale fells and also the Scafell range. The great views will continue as we reach the lofty summits of Great Carrs and Swirl How at the centre of the Coniston range. A steep and rocky descent of the Prison Band will put us on the path to our final peak, Wetherlam. We'll descend the ridge and miners tracks back to the village, and via the lakeshore path, return to the house. 

This morning, we'll transfer from Monk Coniston to Derwent Bank, where we'll be based for the next 3 nights. The afternoon will be another chance to rest our legs before the final two days of walking. 

Discover more about Derwent Bank and the local area for ideas on how to fill your free time. 

Distance: 8.5 miles (14km)

Total Ascent: 2,850 feet (870m)

We drive into Borrowdale and set out from Seathwaite on foot, heading steeply up to Seathwaite Fell which dominates the valley. From the top, we’ll go around the head of Ruddy Gill and ascend Allen Crags for fine views over the grand central peaks and valleys. We follow the impressive ridge line back over Glaramara and Rosthwaite Fell to reach our final top, Bessyboot, then descend to Seatoller.

Distance: 9 miles (14.5km) 

Total ascent: 3530 feet (1075m) 

We finish on a high with a horseshoe that includes Scafell Pike – the highest point in England. We’ll start out again from Seathwaite but ascend beside Grains Gill and Ruddy Gill, heading directly towards Great End at the head of the valley. We gain the rocky summit via a route to the left of the crags and then press on over boulder fields and scree to Scafell Pike. Descending to the col, we do an out and back to Lingmell. We’ll then descend down the famous Corridor Route to Styhead Tarn and follow Styhead Gill back to Seathwaite.

We'll enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making our way home from Derwent Bank.