Lowther and Askham Fell: the Extended Repeated Circle through Helton and River Bridges: hiking in United Kingdom
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Lowther and Askham Fell: the Extended Repeated Circle through Helton and River Bridges

Distance
22.1 km
Time
7 h 13 min
Elevation gain
445 m
Difficulty
Moderate
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Route description

This extended outing from the Lowther estate links the river valley, Helton and the open paths of Askham Fell. Exterior castle-ruin views remain near the beginning before woodland passages descend towards the River Lowther. Crookwath Bridge leads to the rural side, while beyond Helton, the Cop Stone marks the meeting with an older landscape on the open fell. The return passes through Askham and its river bridge towards the estate paths. This version repeats several passages and takes considerably longer than the shorter standard circle. It explores Lowther’s surroundings without visiting Ullswater’s shore. The paid castle gardens can be added separately when time and opening conditions permit.

Route status

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Следить за маршрутом
Подробнее о состоянии маршрута No recent trail condition reports
Data source Information prepared

The description, logistics and points of interest were prepared using maps and open sources. Trail conditions may change.

Route data was imported from GPX and has not been field-verified.

Last updated 12.10.2026

Before travelling, check trail access, restrictions and the weather forecast.

Current conditions No recent trail condition reports

Conditions may have changed. Share a report after completing the route.

Community experience

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Elevation profile

gentle climb steep

Surface

Dirt / grass 8% · Gravel 8% · Asphalt 8% · Unknown 72%

Surface data covers 6.14 km of 22.1 km; the rest of the track is not yet classified.

Dirt / grass 8% · 1.84 km
Gravel 8% · 1.72 km
Asphalt 8% · 1.70 km
Dirt 4% · 0.81 km
Improved surface 1% · 0.07 km
Unknown 72% · 15.9 km

Before you go

Всё важное о маршруте

Route at a glance

Главное за минуту
See the Lake District change beyond the castle walls: a river among farmland, Helton and Askham villages, and open fell beside the standing Cop Stone. Two actual Lowther crossings connect the walk into a full day. Choose the expanded version when you enjoy long walks and looking at familiar places from different passages.
Length
22.1 km
Elevation gain
445 m
Surface
Dirt / grass 8%
Lowther and Askham Fell: the Extended Repeated Circle through Helton and River Bridges: route photo 5 in United Kingdom

Route suitability

Кому будет комфортно
Without a car: Hard With children: With caution With a dog: With caution By bike: Partially With a stroller: No Mobile signal: No data

Nearby

Castle gardens, exhibitions and the Lost Castle playground require separate admission and time. Askham Hall, Cockpit Stone Circle and White Raise cairn are nearby and are not automatically visited by this line. Ullswater’s shore and other viewpoints require a separate continuation. Use permitted paths and stay outside marked private areas.

Getting there

Варианты и важные моменты Show on map
Without a car
Penrith is the nearest railway arrival, requiring separate transport to Lowther. Seasonal UB2 links Pooley Bridge, Askham and the castle: in 2026 it runs on weekends and public holidays until 1 November, with additional daily periods in summer. An October weekday service is not promised. Arrange an arrival early enough and a confirmed late return or transfer for the full long version.
By car
From the north, leave the M6 at junction 40, follow the A66 towards the A6 south and the Lowther Castle signs. From the south, the official approach uses junction 39 and the A6 north. The estate postcode is CA10 2HH. Confirm early parking access and late departure conditions for the prolonged outing.
Parking
Lowther Castle has paid day parking, currently £2 with an additional £0.50 booking fee through RingGo. Payment is also available at Admissions, the café or online booking. Annual passholders have their own concessions. Parking does not include a garden ticket; check estate service hours and arrangements for a full long day separately.

Электрички туда и обратно

Расписание на дату и время, до которого нужно выйти на маршрут

What to expect

Places
Lowther Castle Ruin Views the exterior seen from the estate approach.
Cop Stone the standing stone beside the open Askham Fell way.
Crookwath Bridge the first Lowther crossing.
Askham Bridge the river crossing on the closing section.
River Lowther the valley linking both bridge passages.

Difficult sections and safety

На что обратить внимание
Elevation gainСуммарный набор высоты — 445 м.
SurfaceDirt / grass 8%, Gravel 8%, Asphalt 8%, Unknown 72%.
Риски Open fell is exposed to wind, and field and woodland paths can be wet and uneven. Expect gates, ascents and short road sections; watch carefully for vehicles on the bridges. Livestock roam the estate, so keep dogs leashed near animals. Avoid private passages as shortcuts. Permitted cycling sections do not make the whole pedestrian circle a bicycle route.

How much time to allow

Оцените свой темп
Расчётное время в пути 7 h 13 min
С запасом на остановки + 30–60 мин
Plan an estimated 7–9 hours for every repeated passage and stop. The shorter standard Lowther circle takes less time. Add the gardens and café separately. Start with plenty of daylight and agree your car-park return or transfer time ahead; seasonal buses may not suit the full expanded version.

Best time to go

Сезонность и рекомендации
Choose long daylight without strong wind or prolonged rain. Spring and summer make river-valley and open-fell stops easier; autumn calls for an early start. Wet winter paths are harder, and short daylight poorly suits every repeated passage. Check the UB2 season and castle services independently.

What to bring

Базовый список для комфортного похода
Water-resistant, grippy footwear
Rain jacket and warm layer
Water and food for a long day
Map of the Lowther circle and countryside rights of way
Charged phone
Headtorch
Parking payment method
Dog lead

FAQ

Questions before the trip

Can I do this route without a car?

Penrith is the nearest railway arrival, requiring separate transport to Lowther. Seasonal UB2 links Pooley Bridge, Askham and the castle: in 2026 it runs on weekends and public holidays until 1 November, with additional daily periods in summer. An October weekday service is not promised. Arrange an arrival early enough and a confirmed late return or.

Is this route suitable for children?

Possible with caution: review the surface, difficult sections, and extra time for stops in advance.

Can I download GPX and KML?

Yes, GPX and KML are available on the route page. Open the map, download the file, and use it in a navigator before your trip; key route facts: 22.1 km, moderate.

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