We are the Penrith Ramblers. We open the way for everyone to enjoy the pleasures of walking in our wonderful area.
John D.
Great Coum (2,254 ft) & Gragareth (2,057 ft)
An upland circuit begining in Cowan Bridge, following quiet lanes towards Leck before rising gently onto open ground. The route continues towards the limestone country above Leck Fell, passing close to the entrance of Lost John’s Cave, a part of the complex cave systems beneath these hills.
From here the path climbs steadily onto the ridge, reaching the distinctive cairns known as The Three Men of Gragareth. A short ascent leads to the broad summit of Gragareth, offering wide views across the Lune Valley, Ingleborough, and the Howgills.
The walk then follows the high ground northwards over Green Hill and on to the summit of Great Coum, the highest point of the day. The ridge continues to Crag Hill, giving an airy traverse with far‑reaching views in all directions.
From Crag Hill the route descends towards the moorland track near Bullpot of the witches, skirting the upper reaches of Leck Beck Head, where the beck appears from underground. The descent then continues across pastures and following the beck, returning to Cowan Bridge to complete the circuit.
Great Coum, Gragareth, Lovely Seat, Great Shunner Fell, Great Knoutberry, and the mighty backbone of Whernside — names that stir the blood of many a Yorkshireman and woman. These are just a few of the 2000ft summits that form the backdrop to our summer series: six carefully curated, monthly circuits of Yorkshire's finest hills.
We’ll be walking in the real Yorkshire — not the administrative patchwork left behind by 1974, but the true county as tradition and topography demand. And we’ll measure our climbs the proper way: in feet, not in metres. Yorkshire holds around 36 hills rising above 2,000 feet, and many of them lie within easy reach of Penrith, waiting patiently for those ready to explore their wild beauty.
Village hall car park behind the Cowan bridge tearooms
