Strolling the Wainwrights: Troutbeck Tongue

Over time, we’ve walked most of the Wainwrights — the 214 fells within the Lake District, immortalised by Alfred Wainwright’s meticulously hand-drawn guides. Some are towering peaks similar to Scafell Pike (England‘s highest mountain) and Helvellyn, whereas others, like Troutbeck Tongue, are extra unassuming, their magic discovered of their solitude, their setting, and their refined magnificence.

We’ve made it our mission to stroll all of them, beginning afresh as we will’t be 100% positive on which we now have and haven’t finished. If you happen to’re ever considering of doing the identical, Troutbeck Tongue is a straightforward one to get began. Modest in top but rewarding in views (climate allowing), this Wainwright stands on the coronary heart of the Troutbeck valley, and presents a peaceable hike with panoramic vistas – so peaceable for us, in actual fact, that we solely encounter two different folks the entire time we had been out. Under is an in depth information that will help you plan and luxuriate in this stroll.

Key data

• Begin and parking: Troutbeck village is the perfect start line for Troutbeck Tongue. There are quite a few laybys within the neighborhood of The Queens Head and The Mortal Man.
• Distance: Roughly 6 miles (10 km) when walked as a determine of 8
• Map: OS Explorer OL7 is advisable
• Navigation: Varied downloadable route maps can be found on-line however please don’t rely solely on devices to navigate!
• Time: 2.5–3.5 hours
• Problem: Average (steep sections, uneven floor, doubtlessly boggy throughout occasions of moist climate)
• Terrain: Farm tracks, grassy slopes, stone paths
• Services: Pubs and lodging in Troutbeck; no facilities on the route

The route

Start in Troutbeck village, a picturesque assortment of stone cottages and barns. If parking close to the Queens Head, comply with Ing Lane northeast. The trail gently ascends by farmland, with dry-stone partitions lining the route and Herdwick sheep in a number of the fields.

Comply with the monitor alongside the valley ground, passing Trout Beck stream, which might be a companion for a lot of the journey. You will notice the grassy pyramid of Troutbeck Tongue forward.

For the primary ascent, you possibly can select your path. There’s the western flank – a steep however direct, grassy climb. Alternatively, you are able to do as we did, and take the japanese path – an extended, extra gradual ascent by bracken and heather, sometimes muddy relying on current climate.

Each routes result in the summit, a small however rewarding crest with beautiful views. Look south for glimpses of Windermere, north in the direction of Kentmere, and east to the Excessive Avenue vary. The summit presents a quiet, contemplative spot, typically free from crowds.

From the summit, you possibly can select between the 2 choices that you just had for the ascent. We took the direct route all the way down to make this a part of the stroll a round route, earlier than dropping down in the direction of Hagg Gill.

From right here, you possibly can cross the beck and comply with the valley monitor which takes you again to Troutbeck.

Some further suggestions

Waterproof boots are advisable, as elements of the route might be boggy, as is acceptable clothes for the climate circumstances.

Take a look at the wonderful vary of out of doors gear obtainable from Helly Hansen.

Verify climate forecasts prematurely and be ready for eventualities as circumstances can change at brief discover. Bear in mind that mist can obscure the summit views. Canines are allowed on the route however you must be aware on livestock and put your canine on a lead when acceptable.

The Mortal Man Inn and The Queen’s Head are good bases for meals and drinks pre- or post-walk.

Disclosure: This put up is sponsored by Helly Hansen.

Paul Johnson

Paul Johnson is Editor of A Luxurious Journey Weblog and has labored within the journey business for greater than 30 years. He’s Winner of the Improvements in Journey ‘Greatest Journey Influencer’ Award from WIRED journal. Along with different awards, the weblog has additionally been voted “one of many world’s finest journey blogs” and “finest for luxurious” by The Telegraph.