Swinside Fell and Black Combe
A moderate walk (low hills and fells (below 600m)) in national park Lake District starting and finishing in Cumbria, England, about 12.20km (7.58 mi) long with an estimated walking time of about 5:15h. It is unsuitable for families with children, prams & pushchairs, wheelchairs.
Elevation Profile
Ascent
578m (1896ft)
Descent
571m (1873ft)
Max. Elevation
590m (1935ft)
Altitude Gain & Loss
1149m (3769ft)
Start
Green Road Station
End
Silecroft Station
Distance
12.20km
(7.58mi)
(7.58mi)
Duration
~5:15h
Difficulty
Moderate
Ordnance Survey Map
This walk takes you onto the southwestern fells of the Lakes, and summits two of the finer tops out here - Swinside Fell and Black Combe. The terrain is a bit different out here - empty, flat tops rather than the steeper stuff found in the central fells. The West Coast railway has several small stations, which makes exploring this gorgeous region easy to do car-free.
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Nearby Walks
Swinside Fell and Stoneside Hill
A moderate, circular walk (low hills and fells (below 600m)) starting in Cumbria, England, about 14.60km (9.07 mi) long, duration: ~5:30h.Cumbrian coast from Millom to Silecroft
A moderate, linear walk (coast) starting in Cumbria, England, about 10.00km (6.21 mi) long, duration: ~2:45h.Black Combe
A moderate, linear walk (low hills and fells (below 600m)) starting in Cumbria, England, about 11.00km (6.84 mi) long, duration: ~4:45h.Walk Map
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Waypoints
OS Grid SD189839
Take the train to Green Road Station - a request stop so tell the conductor you want to stop here. From the station, head northwest along the road towards The Green.
OS Grid SD178847
Pass the pub and cross the A5093. Take the road opposite, and after 150m or so, take the footpath on the right. Follow this across the fields to Lanthwaite Bridge.
About 1.33 km (~0.83 miles) from 
OS Grid SD165849
From Lanthwaite Bridge, a path leads towards Baystone Bank reservoir. Just before the reservoir, take the footpath heading west towards Whirlpippin (what a name!) From here, take the route alongside the Stoupdale Beck onto the fells.
About 1.34 km (~0.83 miles) from 
OS Grid SD162868
A path hugs the line of the beck and takes you up onto Gray Stones. Follow the path to the top, which is part of Swinside Fell. Take in those views!
About 2.01 km (~1.25 miles) from 
OS Grid SD145869
The tops are quite flat and featureless, so in bad weather you will need to take a bearing past Whitcombe Head onto Black Combe. Otherwise, head for the highest point to the south!
About 1.72 km (~1.07 miles) from 
OS Grid SD135852
Head past the impressive Blackcombe Screes to the summit. Anyone who tells you Black Combe is the Lakes' 'quiet corner' has clearly never been here on a summer weekend day. But it's still a great spot, with sea views and the western fells standing out to the north.
About 2.01 km (~1.25 miles) from 
OS Grid SD133836
Take the clear path that runs down Black Combe's southern spur via Townend Knotts.
About 1.61 km (~1 miles) from 
Silecroft StationOS Grid SD130819
Head through the village - with a quick pint in the Miner's Arms on route - and catch the train home at the station.
About 1.68 km (~1.04 miles) from 
