Hannah
02 February 2021
A popular question that's often asked by guests planning their Lake District holiday is: where should you go for a great walk and a great pint? Luckily we can answer both those questions with a walk up Mellbreak.
Wainwright wrote that ‘there is only one Mellbreak’, a very true assertion. There isn’t another fell that shares its shape and situation. Mellbreak stands alone above Crummock Water and takes on a different appearance depending on where you stand. Viewed from the Grasmoor group it looks fairly symmetrically, with an even dip in the middle and two smoothly rounded summits.
The view of the fell from the Kirkstile Inn is another favourite, where it takes on an almost alpine form, with a tall pyramid peak. It looks virtually impossible to climb from here, but we can assure you there is a steep but simple walk all the way to the top. There are two rounded tops to the fell, the north top and the south with just a few feet difference in height between them.
Mellbreak is a really simple walk and is much easier than it looks, just 1.5 miles from the pub to the top of the north summit. Start from the Kirkstile Inn and walk down the lane. Bear right at the signpost that says ‘no road to the lake’. Carry on along the lonning till you reach a gate and carry straight on through the trees to start the climb up Mellbreak.
It is a bit of a lung burner going up this way, but it is the way to go for the best view. Wainwright mentions a 'lovely peep around the corner'. On the way up there are two clear flattish outcrops, the second of which is where you can see the beautiful view of Crummock and Buttermere.
There is a gentle dip across the summit between the north and south tops. There are lovely views all around, particularly of the Grasmoor group and the Loweswater fells. It is now just a simple grassy walk in a southerly direction towards Scale Knott. At this point you can choose to walk back along the shores of Crummock or the slightly shorter route through Mosedale.
If you prefer a tranquil walk, take in the solitude of Mosedale where you will find a lonesome holly tree that seems at odds with its surroundings. This flourishing tree has the distinction of being the only tree named on an OS map. Check it out for yourself!
Back at the Kirkstile you can soak up the view in the beer garden and admire the craggy face of Mellbreak whilst enjoying a pint of their finest home-brewed ale. The Kirkstile has a fine reputation for its excellent food and beers. Their own microbrewery is on-site and they brew some excellent beers including Grasmoor Dark Ale and Loweswater Gold.
Just click on the highlighted link for details of self-catering cottages in Lorton and Loweswater, close to Mellbreak and the Kirkstile Inn.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.