FRIDAY FELLS - Fat Man's Agony
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Join us for the final Friday Fells of 2025 - an 8 mile circular mountain walk (625m ascent) in Great Langdale.
Starting from the National Trust Car Park at Elterwater, we'll asend gradually to our only Wainwright of the day, Lingmore Fell (469m). On the way, we'll pass Burlington Quarry, which is the subject of an ongoing planning battle, as (to the horror of many) they are currently trying to turn it into a Zip World attraction. From Lingmore Fell, we'll descend to Side Pike, a mere Birkett at 362m, but nevertheless with stunning views of Great Langdale. To get to the summit of Side Pike, we'll need to remove our rucksacks to squeeze through a narrow rock crevice, aptly named "Fat Man's Agony" (other routes are available). From Side Pike, we'll descend to the valley floor and pick up the Cumbria Way to take us back to Elterwater.
At the end of the day, we'll go for an optional drink at The Britannia Inn, and a chance to reflect on the 10 great Friday Fells events of 2025, before we take a break for the winter. Don’t worry though we’ll be back again in 2026!
You can find the planned route here, though we may vary this depending on the abilities and ambitions of the group and weather conditions.
Event full? Please join the waiting list. Places usually open up as the event gets nearer and, where necessary, we try to add additional leaders to increase the numbers, so you are highly likely to get a place.
New Members: Please feel free to join this as your first OutdoorLads event, do note that this walk is likely to require some experience. If you have any questions then feel free to message me, or go to the "My First Event" section under "About Us".
Is it dog friendly? Well-trained dogs are welcome but please note and abide by the Countryside Code. Please also remember not everyone loves dogs as much as you do so please be mindful of other members.
Image / photo credits: All images (c) JPV with permission for OutdoorLads to use and reuse.
What to bring
Waterproof jacket and trousers: essential when hiking in all but the calmest of weather, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry.
Walking Boots: waterproof and breathable hiking boots with good ankle support
Trousers: no jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry and on warm days shorts are OK
Layered clothing: lets you quickly adapt to changes in the weather and body temperature. Go for a base layer (vest or t-shirt) and a mid layer (a micro fleece or shirt) and in cooler weather add an outer layer (a windproof jacket or thick fleece)
Hat or cap: stay warm in winter and shaded in summer
Gloves: Windproof, or better still, waterproof gloves are the best choice, bring a spare pair if expecting rain.
Day Rucksack: typically 20-30 litres, they are comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely
Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters, and carry a spare, dry pair
Gaiters: recommended for wet weather or boggy conditions
Walking Poles: always optional, love them or hate them, but give them a try and decide for yourself
Water: bring at least two litres in a water bottle, or better still, a hydration bladder
Snacks: bring biscuits, energy bars, gels, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit for example and put them somewhere easy to get hold of
Medicines: if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments etc.
Sunglasses: for any sunny day, even in winter
Sun cream: can be useful even on cloudy and winter days
Emergency equipment: the walk leader will bring any emergency equipment required for the group, but you are welcome to bring any that you have, such as additional high energy food, a survival bag, a whistle, a medical kit, a torch and something to make fire (either storm proof matches or a firelighter
Map and compass: the walk leader will have these, but if you like map reading or want to develop your skills, bring yours along
Food & drink
You will need to bring a packed lunch and plenty of water (at least 2 litres). There are limited facilities available in Elterwater, but there is a full range in nearby Ambleside.
At the end of the walk, there will be an optional visit to a local pub for a drink.