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A walk up Gummer's How

Link to map for walk up Gummer's HowGummer's How is one of the best viewpoints for Windermere, providing a dramatic full-length view of the lake from Fell Foot almost up to Ambleside. This ascent of Gummer's How starts from the National Trust property of Fell Foot, a lovely place to spend a few sunny hours on the shores of Windermere.

Ascent: 900ft
Length: 3.6 miles
Map: The English Lakes - South Eastern Area (OS Explorer Map Active)
Last Walked: June 2010

We start from the car park for the National Trust property of Fell Foot, at the foot of Windermere.

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Follow the exit signs from the car park to reach the main road down Windermere.
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Cross over this busy road (carefully!), and follow a clear path straight across the grass in the field opposite the exit from Fell Foot. This brings us to a track - turn right and follow this to the minor road into Staveley-in-Cartmel.
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Turn left onto this road and follow it for a short distance, from the houses at the end of our track to the next set of buildings. Here a public right of way is signposted. This runs through the courtyard between several houses, then passes through a large gate. This brings us onto a rough track that runs across the hillside before entering a delightful bluebell wood. Follow the signposted footpath as it runs through these woods, following the most obvious path.
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This path brings us onto the road that climbs up Fell Foot Brow. Turn right and follow this road for just over half a mile, passing a Forestry Commission car park.
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Just after the car park we reach a lay by on the left of the road. At the upper end of this lay by turn left through a gate onto a wide and well maintained footpath. This runs slightly downhill towards the looming bulk of Gummer's How, then climbs up a steep stone staircase.
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View north from Gummers HowAt the top of the stone stairs we have a choice of paths - one that climbs straight up the front of the fell and one that branches off to the right. Take the path to the right, and follow it as it curves around to the left, before eventually climbing up onto the summit of Gummer's How and reaching the trig point.

View South from Gummers HowThe summit isn't actually the best viewpoint for Windermere. Head north-west across the summit towards the lake to find a stunning full length view of Windermere, and a path that runs across this side of the fell. Turn left onto this path, which soon joins the path up the front of the fell we ignored earlier, bringing us back to the top of the stone stairs. From here retrace your steps back down to Fell Foot.

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