Central Fells · Book 3

Grange Fell (Brund Fell)

Grange Fell (Brund Fell) is a Wainwright, one of the 214 Lake District fells in Alfred Wainwright’s Pictorial Guides. At 417 m (1,368 ft) it is the 199th highest of the 214 and the 22nd highest in the Central Fells.

Height: 417 m; 1,368 ft
Rank: 199; of 214
In area: 22; of 27
Difficulty: Easy

Grange Fell (Brund Fell) in the Central Fells of the Lake District — Photo: Mick Knapton via Wikimedia Commons

About Grange Fell (Brund Fell)

Low and knobbly above Borrowdale, between Rosthwaite, Grange and Watendlath. Heather hummocks, drystone walls and rocky tors lead to wide views over Derwentwater to Skiddaw. Pairs well with Great Crag.

Walkers go for two tops on Grange Fell. Brund Fell, above Rosthwaite and Watendlath, gives the fell its listed name. King's How, above Grange, has the story. An undulating path links them through heather hummocks, drystone walls and clumps of trees.

From Rosthwaite, take the bridleway towards Watendlath and follow the walls north to Brund Fell. Watendlath, with its tarn and packhorse bridge, gives the shortest climb, steep at first but soon easing. At the Grange end, a path climbs through broadleaved woodland and skirts Greatend Crag to reach King's How. The Quay Foot car park on the Borrowdale road is handy for this side.

None of it is difficult. The ground is rough and knobbly, with bracken lower down and heather higher up, and it turns boggy if you carry on towards Great Crag. There is no scrambling on the paths.

The top of Brund Fell is a cluster of rock tors sticking up out of the heather, with cairns on the main points. Look north and Derwentwater fills the view, with Skiddaw behind it. Turn round and Borrowdale leads up to the high fells at its head, with Dale Head, Great Gable and Green Gable in sight.

King's How has a small, steep-sided domed top. The National Trust bought it in 1910 as a memorial to King Edward VII, and a slate plaque below the summit records the gift. The climb to it from Grange is often counted among the loveliest short walks in the Lake District.

In winter

The top is a maze of heather hummocks and drystone walls, and in snow or mist the path between King's How and Brund Fell is easy to lose. The ground from Brund Fell towards Great Crag stays wet all winter.

Great Views
Family Walk
Kid Friendly
Dog Friendly

Sources: Wikipedia: Grange Fell, Wainwright Walking: Grange Fell. Updated 24 September 2026.

Summit

OS grid ref: NY 264 162
Latitude: 54.53639° N
Longitude: 3.13794° W
Area: Central Fells

Walking up Grange Fell (Brund Fell)

The nearest car park on foot is Quay Foot Quarry, 3.0 km (1.9 miles) from the summit along mapped paths. Directions to the car park

Route from Quay Foot Quarry

Distance: 3.0 km; 1.9 miles, one way
Ascent: 343 m; Total climb to the summit
Time up: 1 h 7 min; Allow 1 to 2 hours

Height in metres along the path from Quay Foot Quarry to the summit.

Times use Naismith’s rule, 5 km/h on the flat plus extra time for the climb, with Langmuir’s corrections. It’s a rule of thumb for the way up only, so add stops, weather and the walk back down.

The route follows paths mapped by OpenStreetMap contributors and isn’t a guided line. Check the mountain forecast before you go and carry a map and compass.

Grange Fell (Brund Fell) questions

Is Grange Fell (Brund Fell) a Wainwright?

Yes. Grange Fell (Brund Fell) is one of the 214 fells Alfred Wainwright described in his Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells, in Book 3, The Central Fells.

How high is Grange Fell (Brund Fell)?

Grange Fell (Brund Fell) is 417 metres (1,368 feet) high. That makes it the 199th highest of the 214 Wainwrights and the 22nd highest in the Central Fells.

Where do you park for Grange Fell (Brund Fell)?

The nearest car park on foot is Quay Foot Quarry, 3.0 km (1.9 miles) from the summit along mapped paths.

How long does it take to climb Grange Fell (Brund Fell)?

From Quay Foot Quarry it is 3.0 km with 343 m of ascent. Naismith's rule, with Langmuir's corrections, puts the climb at about 1 h 7 min, so allow 1 to 2 hours to reach the summit at your own pace, plus the walk back down.

How hard is Grange Fell (Brund Fell)?

Upfell rates Grange Fell (Brund Fell) as easy. Check the mountain weather forecast before you set out and carry a map and compass.

Which Wainwrights are near Grange Fell (Brund Fell)?

The closest are Castle Crag (290 m, 1.6 km W), Great Crag (449 m, 1.7 km S) and High Tove (515 m, 2.5 km E).

What is the grid reference for the summit of Grange Fell (Brund Fell)?

The summit is at OS grid reference NY 264 162, or 54.53639, -3.13794 in latitude and longitude.