Walla Crag, Bleaberry Fell and High Seat Loop

Starting near the charming town of Keswick in Cumberland, England, the Walla Crag, Bleaberry Fell, and High Seat Loop is a delightful 12 km (7.5 miles) loop trail with an elevation gain of approximately 600 meters (1,970 feet). This medium-difficulty hike offers a mix of stunning landscapes, historical landmarks, and diverse wildlife, making it a rewarding experience for any hiker.### Getting There To reach the trailhead, you can either drive or use public transport. If driving, head towards Keswick and park at the Great Wood car park, which is conveniently located near the start of the trail. For those using public transport, Keswick is well-served by buses from Penrith, where you can connect from the nearest train station. From Keswick, it's a short walk to the Great Wood car park.### Trail Overview The trail begins with a gentle ascent through the lush woodlands of Great Wood. As you climb, you'll be treated to the sight of ancient oak and birch trees, and if you're lucky, you might spot red squirrels darting among the branches. After about 1.5 km (0.9 miles), the path opens up to reveal the first significant landmark: Walla Crag.#### Walla Crag At approximately 379 meters (1,243 feet) above sea level, Walla Crag offers breathtaking views over Derwentwater and the surrounding fells. This is an excellent spot to take a break and soak in the panoramic vistas. The crag itself is a popular spot for rock climbing, so you might see climbers scaling its rugged face.### Bleaberry Fell Continuing from Walla Crag, the trail heads towards Bleaberry Fell. The path here is well-defined but can be boggy in places, so waterproof boots are recommended. After another 3 km (1.9 miles) and a steady climb, you'll reach the summit of Bleaberry Fell at 590 meters (1,936 feet). The summit offers expansive views of the Lake District, including Skiddaw and Blencathra to the north.### High Seat From Bleaberry Fell, the trail continues southward towards High Seat. This section of the hike is more challenging, with some steep ascents and descents. The terrain can be quite marshy, especially after rain, so be prepared for wet conditions. After about 2.5 km (1.6 miles), you'll reach the summit of High Seat at 608 meters (1,995 feet). This is the highest point of the hike and offers stunning 360-degree views of the surrounding fells and valleys.### Descent and Return The descent from High Seat takes you through a mix of open fell and woodland. The path can be slippery, so take care on the way down. After about 3 km (1.9 miles), you'll re-enter the Great Wood, where the trail levels out and leads you back to the car park.### Historical Significance The area around Keswick has a rich history, with evidence of human settlement dating back to the Neolithic period. The nearby Castlerigg Stone Circle, one of the oldest stone circles in Britain, is a testament to the region's ancient past. Additionally, the town of Keswick itself has a long history as a market town and was a center for the pencil industry in the 19th century.### Wildlife and Flora The trail is home to a variety of wildlife, including red squirrels, deer, and numerous bird species such as buzzards and kestrels. The flora is equally diverse, with heather, bilberry, and various wildflowers adding splashes of color to the landscape.### Navigation For navigation, it's highly recommended to use the HiiKER app, which provides detailed maps and real-time tracking to ensure you stay on the right path.This loop trail offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, historical intrigue, and physical challenge, making it a must-do for any hiking enthusiast visiting the Lake District.