The Uldale and Caldbeck Fells are largely rounded and smooth hills cloaked in grass heather and bracken. They are quite different to the volcanic central area. Despite a lack of drama in the scenery the extensive views over the Solway Firth to Scotland are well worth the easy ascent required. Good weather is essential here because shelter and landmarks are few on the gently contoured ridges. Even though these fells do not compare with those at the head of Borrowdale, walkers seeking the peace and solitude earlier visitors might have expected may well be disappointed. The formation of paths in recent years testifies to the growing number of people here. The fells are situated north of the lofty Skiddaw and Blencathra groups, and are often hidden in views from the centre. However the Uldale Fells peer round Skiddaw towards Whinlatter; the Caldbeck Fells look east of Blencathra to the Martindale and High Street ranges while Knott and Great Calva provide a view of Lakeland down the Glenderaterra Valley to Thirlmere and Derwent Water. Binsey stands apart to the north of the rest and it's grand view includes them, but the highlight is the scene down Bassenthwaite Lake to the far Coniston Fells. The road from High Side to Caldbeck via Orthwaite, Longlands and Fell Side gives access to these hills as does that through Mungrisdale and the spur into Mosedale. This area can conveniently be reached from Keswick, but the village of Caldbeck is the best place for a base to explore this part of the district. The old mines are a source of interest here, and many of the tracks on the hills are the result of this industry. Of the fells themselves a special mention must be made of Carrock Fell, which has unique rocks on its eastern flanks, and a remarkable hill fort on the summit. There are no tarns on these fells, but Over Water and Little Tarn lie between the main group and Binsey near Orthwaite. Perhaps there is a lack of excitement here, but Knott and it's satellites do not compete with Scafell and Great Gable. They provide fine easy walking in scenery that soothes the mind, and in the views to the north they cannot be beaten.

ROUTE ONE. KNOTT FROM FELL SIDE VIA  BRAE FELL AND GREAT SCA FELL.
4  miles. 1550ft of ascent.
 

ROUTE TWO. KNOTT FROM CALEBRACK VIA HIGH PIKE, GREAT LINGY HILL AND NAMELESS TOP ABOVE IRON CRAG.
4.75 miles. 1675ft of ascent of ascent.

ROUTE THREE.KNOTT FROM STONE ENDS VIA CARROCK FELL.
5.25 miles 2200ft of ascent.To Carrock Fell it is 1 mile 1425ft of ascent.

Go up Rake Trod which is clearly in view from the road, and through the breach in the crags to the upper plateau from where the East cairn and summit are not too far away. Take time to admire the wall ringing the top and the general situation, for there will be nothing better to see beyond. A good track follows the somewhat spongy ridge to the head of Dry Gills where the Cumbria Way and Route Two is joined. High Pike can very easily be added to the walk here. Turn left along the track past the Lingy Hill hut and cross Grainsgill Beck onto the ridge leading to Knott.  

ROUTE FOUR. KNOTT FROM MOSEDALE VIA COOMB HEIGHT.
4 miles 1600ft of ascent. To Coomb Height it is 3 miles 1325ft of ascent.

Coomb Height rises at the head of Mosedale where the surfaced road terminates. It is not blessed with paths, though one of sorts endeavours to ascend the ridge. Take care on the heathery top as some dangerous old mine workings lurk nearby on the flanks. Continue ahead to eventually pick up the good path coming up from the Cumbria Way at Grainsgill Beck; which leads unerringly if rather squelchily to Knott. As with Route One the finest route of return is over Carrock Fell; though the descent down the south east shoulder is not the simplest if unfamiliar.This walk may be started from the road terminus which halves the distance to Knott

ROUTE FIVE. KNOTT FROM KESWICK OR THRELKELD VIA GREAT CALVA.
6.5 miles 2175ft of ascent from the top of Gale Road. 7 miles 2450ft of ascent from Threlkeld. To Great Calva it is 5 miles 1650ft of ascent and 5.5 miles 1925ft of ascent respectively.

From the car park take the Skidaw path, but below the Hawell memorial bear right along the track to Skiddaw House. Follow it all the way round the flanks of Lonscale Fell to the lonely buildings in the heart of Skiddaw Forest; used to telling effect by Hugh Walpole in his novel 'The Fortress' the third in his Herries saga. The lane to the Blencathra Centre should be used from Threlkeld continuing beyond round the fellside to the head of the Glenderaterra Beck, where the other start route will be joined. Go straight ahead from the house down to the stream and about 200 yards beyond the footbridge ascend the ridge to Great Calva. The path is indicated by a cairn, and is continuous though nearly choked in heather early on. It becomes much clearer as height is gained. A good path now heads for Knott crossing the ridge fence at a stile before descending to a deep connecting col with a steepish climb to follow. It makes for a long day to return to the starting points; so a car in Mosedale or the Dash Valley to reduce the mileage might be appreciated.

ROUTE SIX. KNOTT FROM LONGLANDS VIA LONGLANDS FELL, LOWTHWAITE FELL, BRAE FELL AND GREAT SCA FELL.
4.5miles 1950ft of ascent.

From the small parking area by the waterworks building go through the gate, and take the gently rising track below the hamlet which leads to Green Head. Turn up the easy ridge of Longlands Fell and across the depression to Lowthwaite Fell which does have a tiny cairn hidden in the grass. Now curve round with the aid of a track to cross the bridleway coming out of Charleton Gill. The track can be followed all the way to the large cairn on Brae Fell keeping well below the crest of Little Sca Fell as it does so. The bridleway may be used, but more height and distance are involved before the ridge path is reached. Return south to the bridleway and ascend a path up the bank to the right for the cairn on Little Sca Fell. Finally cross the slight col to Great Sca Fell and Knott on a good path. A variation return to Longlands may be effected by turning left on Great Sca Fell for Meal Fell and Trusmadoor, where go right to cross the infant River Ellen and down by Longlands Beck.

ROUTE SEVEN. KNOTT FROM ORTHWAITE VIA GREAT COCKUP, MEAL FELL AND GREAT SCA FELL.
4 miles 2000ft of ascent.   

A farm road just north of Horsemoor Hills gives access to the fells. Great Cockup may be gained by turning up alongside the intake wall and ascending Orthwaite Bank then keeping to the broad ridge. The alternative is to continue along the track for a third of a mile to pick up a rising track on the left that contours above the prominent quartz streaked Brockle Crag.Turn up the fellside beyond this, and pick a way through the heather to the summit. From the top there is a good aspect of Skiddaw rising above the scoop of Dead Crags on Bakestall. Descend east to the col at Trusmadoor which has some interest, and then follow the recently formed path opposite directly to the curious top of Meal Fell which boasts a nice wall shelter, and more stones than most fells hereabouts. Beyond the slight depression take the slanting path to the left which leads to the ridge between Great and Little Sca Fell. Turn right to the cairn on Great Sca Fell, and then head south on a good path to the rising slopes of Knott ahead. The simplest way back is to descend to the col below Great Calva there turning down into the head of Hause Gill.

ROUTE EIGHT. BINSEY FROM BINSEY LODGE.
0.75 miles 620ft of ascent.

Binsey stands apart from the main block of hills, but has a nice summit and a superb view. For these reasons it deserves a visit. From the lodge a stile gives access to the open fell, and a lovely wide path heads purposefully for the top. Should you go astray here then perhaps fellwalking is not for you! Although not shown the best route to Binsey starts near the Roman Fort at Caermote (just off the A591) crossing Whittas Park. An interesting old lime kiln can be visited just above the road. Head for the south east corner of the pasture along a definite track to a stile accessing the summit area .