Meet time: 9.15am
Start time: 9.30am
Estimated finish time: 3:00pm to 3:30pm
Distance: 8.8 – 9 miles (14.1 – 14.4 kilometres)
Ascent: About 1800 feet (549 meters)
Ramblers walk grading: A (Strenuous)
Start point: THE BRIDGE HOTEL, BUTTERMERE (meet at rear of hotel).
Postcode: CA13 9UZ
Car parking: There is a national trust car park and also laybys within 0.5 miles of the start location.
It is the responsibility of each walker to make sure they understand where to park. If you are not sure where the car parking/meeting point is, you must contact the walk leader at the latest the day before the walk. You should not rely on mobile phones or postcodes. There is often no mobile reception near walk meeting points and postcodes are for the nearest place nearby but should only serve as a guideline. Please allow plenty of time to find a parking space so that walks can start promptly.
Summits: Mellbreak
Please be aware I’m staying in the Buttermere valley Friday 22nd, Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th and there isn’t any mobile phone reception. So if you do wish to come on this walk either contact me on 07815 869084 by 8pm on Thursday 21st March or I can also use the wifi at the accommodation to pick up WhatsApp or Facebook (Jahaan Caine) messages until 8pm on Saturday 23rd March.
Description: On leaving the hotel we head towards Scale Bridge\Buttermere Dubs, from there we follow the footpath northwards, which runs along the west shore of Crummock Water all the way to Green Wood. Following the path slightly west we come to the bottom of the North Face of Mellbreak, the path to top of Mellbreak from here is very steep and confidence in your own ability to scramble will be needed.
Ascending the North Face of Mellbreak brings you to the north top of Mellbreak, this isn’t highest of point of the mountain as the slightly higher southern top lies over a kilometre away, and so we need to follow the footpath between the two. On reaching the southern top of Mellbreak we begin to descend sharply down to Black Beck and also have an opportunity to visit the impressive Scale Force waterfall.
On leaving the waterfall we can pick up the west shore path of Crummock Water and follow the same path we used on the outward journey to follow this back to hotel.
Please check the weather and bring appropriate clothing (waterproofs and spare warm clothing), footwear and enough food and water. The leader reserves the right to turn away any walker not suitably equipped. The leader may cancel the walk or modify the route dependent on conditions.
New members: please note the walk leader may ask for more information about your walking experience. This is to ensure you have the fitness required to complete the walk that is planned safely.