Souther Fell Loop

A 5.0 mile (8.0 km) circular walk from Mungrisdale over the broad grassy back of Souther Fell, with about 330 to 340m of ascent. Most visitors take around 2.75 hours; faster walkers finish nearer 2 hours 10, which is a minimum rather than the normal expectation. It is a loop, not an out-and-back, and the reward is unhurried ridge walking with open views toward Blencathra, Bannerdale Crags, the Northern Fells, the Eden Valley and the surrounding pastures.

• Start from the small village parking by or near the village hall at the south end of Mungrisdale.
• Cross the river, leave the village and follow the lane and footpath toward Mousthwaite Comb.
• Climb the steep grassy flank to the col, then turn onto the wide Souther Fell ridge.
• Pass a prominent cairn and continue to the understated true summit at 522m.
• Descend toward the River Glenderamackin, cross at the mapped footbridge, and follow the valley and a quiet lane back to the village.

Moderate, roughly 5 out of 10. The walking is mostly grass and short turf with patches of rough or boggy ground. The initial climb to the col is sustained and steep but never technical. The river return is the fiddliest part: wet, uneven, eroded in places and less clearly defined than the outward path. Waterproof footwear helps.

The upper ridge is broad and open rather than a narrow scramble, so exposure is about weather rather than drops. There is little shade and the crest catches wind and fast changing fell conditions, and the summit offers almost no shelter. There are no reliable facilities or water on the fell. The area sees lighter traffic than the major Lakeland summits, though the trailhead parking is small and fills up.

Bracken and rough fell grass dominate the slopes and give the ridge its colour through the seasons. Expect sheep and other grazing livestock on the open ground and along the valley return.

No permit is needed. Parking in Mungrisdale is limited, so arrive early or plan an alternative. Dogs are allowed on the public footpaths and open access land here, but the route crosses grazing land: keep dogs under close control near livestock, follow local signs, and note the open access lead requirement from 1 March to 31 July.

If you only want to stand on the summit, the short direct ascent from the village does that in well under 2 miles. This 5 mile loop is the choice if you want the river return, the quiet lane finish and more varied walking. Longer circuits over the neighbouring fells are separate, harder outings and are not part of this route.