Quote source: A Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells, Book 4: The Southern Fells by Alfred Wainwright.
wainwright - Black Fell
distance:
14.1 km
ascent:
373 metre
duration:
3.5 to 4 hrs
Lakeland Wainwright hike:
Black fell - Langdale estate
"Despite its modest altitude, Black Fell is a magnificent viewpoint and well deserves inclusion in this series." - Alfred Wainwright
Black Fell is a quiet and scenic destination in the central Lake District, easily reached from Langdale Estate, which sits between Elterwater Village and Chapel Stile. This guide focuses on the out-and-back route from Langdale, offering a gentle walk with rewarding views.
The summit is marked by a trig column labelled Black Crag, though the fell itself is known as Black Fell. The route is ideal for walkers looking for a peaceful escape without a strenuous climb. It’s a great choice for families, photographers, and anyone seeking a quieter alternative to the more popular peaks.
From the top, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of Windermere, the Coniston fells, and the Langdale Pikes. The south-east cairn, often called the Windermere cairn, is a perfect spot to pause and take in the scenery.
This walk can easily be extended by tagging on nearby Wainwrights such as Holme Fell, Lingmoor Fell, or even Loughrigg Fell for a longer day out. Whether you’re walking for wellness, adventure, or inspiration, Black Fell offers a calm and beautiful experience in the heart of the Lakes.
Route / description.
Leave the Langdale Estate via the Elterwater entrance. As you approach the village, look out for the National Trust car park on your left, just beside the gated gravel track. Begin your walk along this track, keeping The Great Langdale Beck on your right as you head towards Skelwith Bridge. It will be your companion for the first part of the journey. The path is gentle and scenic, offering lovely views across to Loughrigg Fell on your left. You will soon enter a peaceful wooded stretch, and through the next gate is a perfect picture opportunity at Elterwater.
This stretch is well maintained and popular with walkers, and you might notice a few people strolling along with takeaway coffee cups in hand. If you’re wondering where they got them from, the answer is Chesters by the River … a local favourite known for banging coffee and smashing cake.
Go through the gate, then cross the bridge on your right-hand side.
If your desire for a coffee overcomes you, continue walking past the bridge past the small (but mighty) waterfall and to your right you will find the famous Chesters.
If you prefer to save your treat for the return leg, cross the bridge and turn left so the river is now on your left. Follow the path through the woodland until you reach another National Trust gate. Go through the gate, and when you reach the road, turn right.
Walk up the road until you come to a house called Park Fell. Just to the left of the house, you’ll see a public bridleway, head up there to begin the ascent to Black Crag … hopefully by then you’ll have forgotten about the sweet treats you have left behind or devoured.
The path starts to feel a little more rugged here, so take care with your footing. You’ll come across some stepping stones and uneven patches, especially in wetter weather.
Continue along the path and pass through another gate. Shortly after, you’ll see a National Trust sign for High Arnside, marking your progress as the landscape begins to open up. From here, the trail starts to feel more remote, with glimpses of the surrounding fells.
Eventually, you’ll reach a clearly signposted crossroads. Follow the sign pointing towards Iron Keld … this marks the final stretch before the slightly steadier incline to Black Crag.
As you head uphill, you’ll likely spot a few sheep doing what they do best: lounging in the bracken, staring blankly, or trotting off with mild disapproval. They’re the unofficial guardians of the fells, so give them space and keep dogs on leads.
When you reach the gap in the wall, you’ll see a farmstead off to the right. It might look like the kind of place that sells fresh eggs and homemade flapjack, but don’t get distracted … your path is to the left. It’s an easy one to miss if you’re daydreaming about cake or sheep, so keep your eyes peeled and your boots pointed uphill.
The path opens up here, with sweeping views starting to unfold behind you … perfect for a breather and a photo or two.
From here, the path is easy to follow and the adventure ramps up. Keep climbing gently and follow the red arrows pointing the way to Black Crag. The views just keep getting better, so take your time and soak it all in. Before long, you’ll reach the summit, Black Crag, where you’ll be treated to some absolutely cracking views across the Lakes.
Once you’ve soaked in the summit views and maybe exchanged a glance with a sheep, you’ve got a choice to make. You can retrace your steps back down through Iron Keld, High Arnside, and Skelwith Bridge to return to Langdale Estate … perhaps with a victorious stop at Chesters for that coffee and cake you’ve been thinking about.
Or, if your legs are still feeling lively, why not stretch the adventure a little further? Head onwards to Tarn Hows for a scenic loop, or link up with nearby Wainwrights like Holme Fell or Loughrigg Fell.
Discover the best Walking Breaks in the Lake District with Langdale Hotel & Spa’s tailored Hiking Packages.
