Mellbreak and Scale Force

A closed circular loop from the lane below the Kirkstile Inn, 6.8 miles for the complete loop, with around 600 m of ascent. Plan on about 4.5 hours at a normal pace with stops. Published minimum times of just over three hours are not a sensible planning figure on ground this rough.

• Leave the lane, pass farm buildings and a walled track, then pick up the grass path aiming at the obvious scree tongue on Mellbreak's northwest end.
• Climb the loose, steep scree or its rougher bypasses, up through a rocky gateway to the North Top at around 509 m.
• Cross the boggy col to the South Top at around 512 m, the higher of the two and the best viewpoint.
• Descend steep grass towards Scale Knott, cross open grass and a fence, then drop to Scale Beck, over stepping stones and a stile, to Scale Force.
• Return to the gate, follow the beck path without crossing the wooden bridge, join the circular path around Crummock Water, pass Low Ling Crag, climb to the upper path by the wall, continue above Green Wood and the houses, and descend to the lane back to Kirkstile.

Hard for its length: a short, sustained climb on loose stone, steep grass on the descent, wet and boggy ground between the tops, a few hands-on rock moves, and stretches where the path is faint on the high ground. No technical climbing, but you need confident footing and the ability to navigate in cloud. The ridge is open, with little shade and no reliable water in a dry spell, so carry what you need.

Scale Force is the signature waterfall of the loop, a single drop of about 51.8 m in a narrow rock gorge above Crummock Water. Getting close involves scrambling over a large boulder that is often slimy with moss; the footbridge is the safer place to look from, and there is no shame in staying there.

The loop starts and finishes at the lane access below the Kirkstile Inn, but park at Maggie's Bridge Car Park (CA13 0RU, grid reference NY 13449 21040) and walk the road to that start. The inn's own parking is for patrons only, and the inn is also the nearest option for toilets and refreshments, again for customers. Maggie's Bridge holds only about six to eight cars, so arrive early, and note that public transport to Loweswater is limited. Avoid parking on verges elsewhere in the valley, where it can block farm and emergency access. No route-specific permit is needed. Dogs are allowed on the public route, but consider the loose scree, steep grass, two fence and stile crossings and grazing livestock: keep them under close control and on a lead where stock or other walkers require it.

The Buttermere Circular is much easier and stays low, with lake views and no sustained climb. It is a separate walk, not a shortcut version of this one, and a better call if the scree, bog and scrambling here do not appeal.