Blake Fell

Route Overview & Local Insights

Tackling the Blake Fell loop from Fell Dyke car park is a quintessential Cumbrian fell running experience, packing 389m of ascent into a rewarding 8.5km circuit. This anticlockwise "Short Local" (SL) route transitions from accessible tracks into increasingly rugged terrain, where the climb becomes a test of grit over rocky, steep gradients. Once you conquer the ascent, the summit of Blake Fell rewards you with some of the most expansive vistas in the Western Lakes, stretching across the Solway Firth toward the Scottish coast. The descent is equally engaging, challenging your technical footwork with a mix of loose scree, springy grassy paths, and the occasional boggy patches characteristic of the Lake District fells.

Situated near the quiet village of Lamplugh, Blake Fell sits on the western fringe of the Lake District National Park, far from the tourist crowds of Central Lakeland. Historically, this area was defined by its proximity to the iron ore mines of West Cumbria, but today it offers a peaceful haven for fell runners seeking solitude and raw natural beauty. The terrain is a vibrant tapestry of purple heather and hardy fell grasses, providing a habitat for local wildlife like red squirrels in the nearby forests and soaring buzzards overhead. Running here feels like stepping back into a wilder version of England, offering a perfect blend of high-elevation challenge and traditional Lakeland charm.