FRIDAY FELLS - The "Other" Borrowdale
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Join us for the first Friday Fells of 2026 - a 10 mile circular mountain walk (600m ascent) in the Lake District's most recent extension.
The Lake District National Park was extended by about 3% in 2016, adding roughly 188 square miles primarily to its eastern and southern fringes. This walk takes in part of that extension, Borrowdale - not the famous one near Keswick we all know and love; the other one... new to the Lake District.
We'll start the walk from Low Borrowdale Car Park off the A685 Tebay-Kendal road just south of Tebay village (M6 J38). At this point, we'll be right next to the M6 and the West Coast Main Line with cars and trains rushing through the Lune Gorge between Scotland and London, but we'll soon be transported into a secret valley that time and almost everyone else seems to have forgotten. We'll start with a steep climb onto Whinfell Ridge, with amazing views south to Morecambe Bay, west to the Lake District fells, north to the Pennines and the Eden Valley and east to the Howgills. We'll follow the faint path along the undulating ridge to the A6, before dropping into the valley for a peaceful and easy walk back to the start.
At the end of the day, we'll go for an optional drink at The Cross Keys Inn in Tebay.
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 no facilities available at the start of the walk or on route.
At the end of the walk, there will be an optional visit to a local pub for a drink.