Knipe Scar Walking

Overlooking the picture perfect village of Bampton in the peaceful Lowther Valley, this outlying fell may be very minor by Lake District standards, but offers a nice leg stretch far from the crowds, and limestone scenery quite different to the Lakes proper.

The eastern fells from Knipe Scar  © Dan Bailey - UKHillwalking.com
The eastern fells from Knipe Scar
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Detailed description

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NY5214618723 A direct ascent of the hill is possible from the Whale road - it's open access ground, and there are a number of paths; but the longer circuit described here is better. First follow the road south-southeast to a junction at Bampton Grange, then turn left and walk up the Shap road to a bend just beyond Fieldgate Farm.

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NY5297918275 At a footpath sign, pass through a gate (at the time of writing this had to be climbed), and take the right of way uphill through open pastures. The path is vague but occasional posts show the way, roughly east-northeast. Go over a stile and cross a field to Low Scarside; the path as shown on OS maps has been redirected to stay right of the house. Continue uphill to reach the gorse-covered common land.

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NY5389018695 At a track junction at the top of the hill turn left along the edge of Inscar Plantation, with lovely views out over the gorse thickets to the Lowther Valley and the High Street fells. After several hundred metres bear slightly left to gain the edge of the little limestone escarpment of Knipe Scar, which soon leads out to the high point of the hill.
The limestone escarpment of Knipe Scar  © Dan Bailey - UKHillwalking.com
The limestone escarpment of Knipe Scar
© Dan Bailey - UKHillwalking.com, Apr 2022

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NY5267119124 It's worth detouring off the escarpment to look at Knipe Scar's large areas of limestone pavement; there's also a small stone circle (hard to find, but you'll know it when you see it). Back on the route, continue north along the edge to meet an old track.

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NY5256919579 Turning left, descend the slope to the corner of the common by High Knipe farm. Pass through the farmyard to reach the public road, which leads past the house and stone barn at Howgate Foot back to the Bampton Grange road.

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