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End: Threlkeld, OS Grid: NY325255 Elevation Profile (x: waypoint number, y: metres)
Gain (+/- 10%): 2008m (6589ft)
Total (+/- 10%): 3974m (13037ft)
Loss (+/- 10%): 1965m (6448ft)
Max. Elevation: 710m (2329ft)
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Take the bus to Bassenthwaite village, with your rucksack packed for the two days. Take the bridleway heading east; this soon joins the Cumbria Way footpath.
The footpath takes you into the Dash Beck valley, between Bakestall and Little Calva. From here, you have a free reign in the access land - the route here is a suggestion, but the uncluttered hills are ideal for wandering as the mood takes you.
Follow the slopes by Dry Gill onto Little Calva.
It's a short hop over to the day's first big summit, Great Calva (690m). Cup of tea in the summit shelter (milk no sugar for me, thanks).
Follow the eastern side of the top around to the dip between the Calvas and Burn Tod.
From Burn Tod, climb the long slope of Knott to its summit (710m).
Say on the high ground over Little Lingy Hill and onto Great Lingy Hill (they must have been running out of names by the time they got this far north).
This is the highest point of the Caldbeck Fells, and the most northerly high point of the Lakes. From here, the land drops and spreads out towards the Solway Firth.
From High Pike, you have a choice depending on your accommodation choice. A good option is Denton House in Hesket Newmarket: www.dentonhouseguesthouse.co.uk. Take the footpath heading northeast to reach the village. Otherwise, try in Caldbeck - follow the Cumbria Way north.
The footpath leads to Wood Hall. Follow the road north for 300m, then take the footpath on the right-hand side to Hesket Newmarket.
A lovely place to pass the evening, with views over the fells to enjoy in the evening.
Start day two by retracing your steps past Wood Hall. Just beyond the hall, take the footpath heading southeast around the foot of the fells to Calebreck.
At Calebreck, take the bridleway heading into the valley alongside Carrock Beck.
The path leads on to Miton Hill. Head along the summit top to Carrock Fell.
Continue along the top to Carrock Fell (649m). Once bagged, return to the cairn at Round Knott from where you can drop into the Grainsgill Beck valley.
If legs are tiring, you can follow the Cumbria Way south out to Threlkeld from here. Otherwise, take the steep shoulder on to Bowscale Fell.
It's a big long pull onto the summit (over 400m) but it's the last one of the trip, so enjoy!
From Bowscale, it's possible to return via Blencathra, but this is a wilderness walk, so avoid the crowds by following Bannerdale Crags and descending via White Horse Bent.
Cross the River Glenderamakin via the footbridge and take the path heading to Mousthwaite Comb.
The last stretch heads round the southern foot of Blencathra. Follow the path through Scales ...
... and through Doddick ...
... and at Gategill, take the path into Threlkeld.
Finish at Threlkeld and enjoy a well-earned pint in the Horse and Farrier Inn or the Salutation. Buses from Threlkeld towards Keswick or Penrith.
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