Walking the Wainwrights: Troutbeck Tongue
Over the years, we’ve walked many of the Wainwrights — the 214 fells in the Lake District, immortalised by Alfred Wainwright’s meticulously hand-drawn guides. Some are towering peaks such as Scafell Pike (England‘s highest mountain) and Helvellyn, while others, like Troutbeck Tongue, are more unassuming, their magic found in their solitude, their setting, and their subtle beauty.
We’ve made it our mission to walk them all, starting afresh as we can’t be 100% sure on which we have and haven’t done. If you’re ever thinking of doing the same, Troutbeck Tongue is an easy one to get started. Modest in height yet rewarding in views (weather permitting), this Wainwright stands at the heart of the Troutbeck valley, and offers a peaceful hike with panoramic vistas – so peaceful for us, in fact, that we only encounter two other people the whole time we were out. Below is a detailed guide to help you plan and enjoy this walk.
Key information
- Start and parking: Troutbeck village is the ideal starting point for Troutbeck Tongue. There are numerous laybys in the vicinity of The Queens Head and The Mortal Man.
- Distance: Approximately 6 miles (10 km) when walked as a figure of 8
- Map: OS Explorer OL7 is recommended
- Navigation: Various downloadable route maps are available online but please don’t rely solely on gadgets to navigate!
- Time: 2.5–3.5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate (steep sections, uneven ground, potentially boggy during times of wet weather)
- Terrain: Farm tracks, grassy slopes, stone paths
- Facilities: Pubs and accommodation in Troutbeck; no amenities on the route
The route
Begin in Troutbeck village, a picturesque collection of stone cottages and barns. If parking near the Queens Head, follow Ing Lane northeast. The path gently ascends through farmland, with dry-stone walls lining the route and Herdwick sheep in some of the fields.
Follow the track along the valley floor, passing Trout Beck stream, which will be a companion for much of the journey. You will see the grassy pyramid of Troutbeck Tongue ahead.
For the main ascent, you can choose your path. There’s the western flank – a steep but direct, grassy climb. Alternatively, you can do as we did, and take the eastern path – a longer, more gradual ascent through bracken and heather, occasionally muddy depending on recent weather.
Both routes lead to the summit, a small but rewarding crest with stunning views. Look south for glimpses of Windermere, north towards Kentmere, and east to the High Street range. The summit offers a quiet, contemplative spot, often free from crowds.
From the summit, you can choose between the two options that you had for the ascent. We took the direct route down to make this part of the walk a circular route, before dropping down towards Hagg Gill.
From here, you can cross the beck and follow the valley track which takes you back to Troutbeck.
Some additional tips
Waterproof boots are advisable, as parts of the route can be boggy, as is appropriate clothing for the weather conditions.
Check out the excellent range of outdoor gear available from Helly Hansen.
Check weather forecasts in advance and be prepared for eventualities as conditions can change at short notice. Be aware that mist can obscure the summit views. Dogs are allowed on the route but you need to be mindful on livestock and put your dog on a lead when appropriate.
The Mortal Man Inn and The Queen’s Head are good bases for food and drinks pre- or post-walk.
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Helly Hansen.
Paul Johnson
Paul Johnson is Editor of A Luxury Travel Blog and has worked in the travel industry for more than 30 years. He is Winner of the Innovations in Travel ‘Best Travel Influencer’ Award from WIRED magazine. In addition to other awards, the blog has also been voted “one of the world’s best travel blogs” and “best for luxury” by The Telegraph.
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The story behind Wainwright is always a good read, how he saved up for his 2 weeks holiday, never thinking that his love of the peaks and artistic ability would combine to give him both a living and lasting fame.
Nice pictures. They sum up the challenges of walking n the country’s wilder spots.
You get such great names in The Lakes, like Troutbeck Tongue. There could be a book in there on the name’s origins.
Yes. there are some wonderful landscapes in The Lakes. The trouble is that they can change from idyllic to treacherous within an hour. If you haven’t got the right kit you can soon find yourself in big, big trouble.
Looking back on some Fell walks in my early 20s I can’t believe how naive I was. Heading into the Fells with trainers from the market and a pair of cheap jeans that soon got drenched was very foolhardy.
After one terrifying experience when the cloud descended and visibility was around 2 yards I didn’t go into the hills for about 15 years until I could afford some decent HH kit.
I think a lot of us have made that mistake. At least we’re still here to tell the tale.
I know that you haven’t kept a strict count but roughly how many Wainwrights have you ticked off?
Even though my wife would never go out in the mud and rain she still takes an interest in what I wear saying that I have to look respectable when I go walking.
She even goes along with my hobby by buying me some Helly stuff for my birthday and for Christmas. Occasionally, very occasionally.
Is this going to become the 21st century Wainwright? A digital record of the peaks.
It seems to me that one of the first rules of walking is always wear good boots. Even in mid-summer you’re always likely to find a pool of bog.
It’s almost 20 years since we took the plunge and moved down South for our jobs. We do a lot of walking on the South Downs which is enjoyable in its own way.
For us those Downs are never going to compete with the Wainwrights. Those Fell walks are probably what we miss most.
Were these pictures taken recently in May?
It doesn’t look like May!
Another reason why you should have proper gear for unseasonable weather.
What a beautiful hike! I love the mix of scenic views and local history—Troutbeck Tongue looks like a hidden gem. Definitely adding this to my Lake District list!
Looking forward to reading about the next one.
When you do finally get a clear day and good visibility in the Lakes the views are among the best in the country.