What a SURPRISE this place was / Great Mell Fell / S1-Ep1 Hiking the Wainwrights

Hiking the Wainwrights - Season 1: Eastern Fells - Episode 1. Great Mell Fell, The Lake District
Welcome to this new series of videos dedicated to walking all 214 Wainwrights and split into 7 series; one for each of Alfred Wainwright's famous guide books. I'll be starting with the Eastern Fells and working my way through each book; devising interesting routes for both keen hikers and photographers alike.
I really hope you enjoy the series, I'd love to know your thoughts about each of the walks so please leave a comment and if you do enjoy them please hit that like button.
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/// ROUTE DETAILS ///
Start: Nr Brownrigg Farm (Grid Ref: NY 40732 24687)
Distance: 10.55 km / 6.5 miles
Total ascent: 587 m / 1926 ft
Exertion: Moderate
Technical difficulty: Easy
OS map of this route - Get the brilliant OS app to follow along
explore.osmaps.com/route/1305...
Buy the Wainwright guidebooks
amzn.to/3RiSVse
#hiking #wainwrights #photography #outdoors #mountains

[@brucewalker383]

Great to see you back, great idea doing the whole of the Wainwright’s. I’m stuck in a nursing home now in Aylesbury so you will help me relive those days in my native north. Once again looking forward to revisiting my beloved fells with you! 🙏❤️🕉🌈🌍

[@BlackCrag]

Thank you so much, really pleased you enjoy them and it's wonderful to be back out. I'll try to do you proud and bring the fells to you 😊🙏

[@brucewalker383]

@@BlackCrag Many thank Black Crag I am so looking forward to the rest of the series. 🙏👍

[@flyingvisit2586]

Love those trees as you descend from Great Mell Fell, great views from the top, looks like a good walk. thank you.

[@claretheresegrayUK]

Hi Scott!! We met you yesterday on the top of Place Fell! Thank you for the recommendation- this account looks brilliant and have a great week of walks! Clare and Tom

[@BlackCrag]

I definitely wasn't on Place Fell yesterday 😁

[@scottnicholls8304]

Hl Claire and Tom and your little clan! I'm glad that you found the Black Crag site I mentioned on Place Fell. It is a great KZbin account, Glenn does a great job with the videos. It was great to meet you all the other day and I hope you all enjoyed your day on the Fells. Scott.

[@claretheresegrayUK]

@@scottnicholls8304 thanks Scott!! We did Skiddaw yesterday it was a beaut of a day! Thanks for the recommendation 🥳 and sorry for the confusion @blackcrag looking forward to watching your vids and hopefully doing a couple more walks before we leave!:)

[@Dagrdottir]

I am lucky enough to be widely travelled and I have to say though I have never been anywhere that is more beautiful and more memorable than the Lake District and you really do the scenery justice by the clarity of your filming - it's like I'm walking along with you - magnificent.

[@debbieharkness4736]

And of course, your films. Keeps me connected to The Lakes when I cannot visit. Thank you.

[@BlackCrag]

Thanks very much 😊

[@bessofhardwick9311]

This was a lovely walk. Thanks so much for filming and uploading it.

[@CollierCraig79]

Great video mate, Just want to say a big thank you to you mate as when I was struggling with some dark times I saw your channel on the tube, watching the video then following your routes has been a life changer 🍻

[@Wukkie.]

I did these two in2020 but turned right onto Great Mell and was absolutely swamped with Midges in what seemed every orifice. I've seen nowt like it before. Needless to say I descended back the same way you did.

[@David-uf8ex]

Lovely countryside cant beat this country for beauty 😊

[@BlackCrag]

Couldn't agree more 😊

[@mikehutchinson6567]

Bravo sir !!! Excellent vlog a really enjoyable informative vlog. I really like the highlighting of where the other fells are and what to look out for just brilliant. Great work all the best from the guy that used to work in the DIY store cheers Mike.

[@BlackCrag]

Thanks very much Mike, glad you liked it 😊 🙏

[@jacquilewis5694]

I’ve been up there today, some brilliant clouds and shafts of sunlight. You’re definitely right about its beauty

[@rescyn1190]

Did this yesterday and it was bloody lovely. As there wasn't a soul around I stayed at the car for a bit and made sure I got properly relaxed before heading out for a slow bumble on the first half. And then took advantage of passing the car again to get extra specially relaxed for the latter half ;) In good weather, this might just be the perfect walk to introduce people to hiking in the Lakes; not too strenuous, enough to get a taster, and the big stuff in the background all day to inspire you.

[@danielbyrne-fraser2955]

Hi, love all your videos (and obvs your photography) so thanks. I liked the new style vid. I know you have streamlined your approach but for me its still a great watch. New bag sir? You cant brandish new kit without explanations. I'm sure its against KZbin policy... Nonsense aside, i'm looking forward to your Wainwright journey. I'm slowly working through them myself so will be keeping an eye on your routes for inspiration 😁 Also really liked the extra photography stuff. You talked about composition, photo oppurtunities etc. All great insight. I like the fell shots with signposting too, would love to see more of that. Keep up the good work 👍🏼

[@BlackCrag]

Thanks so much, really pleased that those elements are of use and interesting 😊 It is a new bag, more on that soon 😁

[@DAoutdoors]

Hi Glenn. Me and my Dad did an ever so slight variation to your walk up the Mell Fells last week. Like you we were blown away with the views and the enchanted forest on Great Mell Fell.

[@karenhopkins9798]

Loving the Wainwrights series of vlogs...brilliant as usual👍🏻

[@WalkAr0und]

Cracking video, really enjoy your presentation style. I have walked up there, in winter in the snow it’s fantastic. Those twisted trees are hawthorn I think. Great views over to Blencathra. Anyway, top stuff, you have my sub, though I have to tell you that snickers are far better than mars.

[@peterd7422]

Horse and Farrier in Dacre is nice and they do an ace Sunday dinner!

[@davidmason3654]

Really enjoying the new format, in my opinion it's better, great in assessing the hike and if it's something I could manage and enjoy. Also a great idea to do all the Wainwright's, obviously some of the main ones are covered pretty well on KZbin, but there are many like these two which have plenty to offer, are less crowded and get no coverage. Well done!

[@Indigenous-English-Man]

I’m gonna enjoy these. I’m bagging all the trig points in the Peak District and it takes me to places in the peaks I’d never go as well. Just started the wainwrights as well.

[@marpop99]

Now to watch more

[@carolinemason4210]

So excited for this Mr Black Crag!! Glad to see you back!

[@BlackCrag]

Thank you.... Great to be back 😊🙌

[@chrisconrath1056]

Brilliant - love the no nonsense approach you are taking, drone shots and all the walk by stuff is ok, but really not necessary. - I have used loads of your videos as reference for my own walks. Keep up the good work

[@BlackCrag]

Thanks very much, really happy that this simpler format is working 😊🙌

[@Merritt7278]

Fantastic series this will be , look forward to the next one.

[@garymartin557]

never been interested in Wainwrights or any other lists, but i am truly interested in this series for the same reasons as yourself, see somewhere i may or should i say would have not seen.

[@richardborley7326]

Loved it Mate, perfect format . Can’t wait for the next one 👌🤞

[@BlackCrag]

Thanks so much 😊

[@user-xy1wy4cy6g]

Amazing walks!!

[@stephenthompson1998]

Often passed by the Mells and wondered about walking them, thank you for doing it for me👍. Nice pub to finish with.

[@bryanjones1244]

Looking forward to this series Glenn!!

[@callumjones4738]

Excellent video, looking forward to these upcoming series!

[@thereluctanthiker]

Been a subscriber to your channel for a while now, and I think this series will be awesome. As someone who is deep into the wainwright's I look forward to seeing new routes. Going back to the simplicity of just walking and talking and being informative in your videos is in my opinion where your channel stands out from others. Look forward to seeing the next video. Keep up the good work👍🏻

[@BlackCrag]

Thanks very much, appreciate that and glad you like the simpler format 😊

[@jenspiers1085]

Nice one Glenn👏🏼 Seeing some of those trees on GMF brought back nice memories of a lovely lunchtime spent amongst them 🙏🏼

[@BlackCrag]

Thanks for watching Jen 😊 it really is such a lovely little hill 👌

[@davidwillacy4796]

I’m looking forward to seeing each and every one of them. Cheers

[@marpop99]

Fantastic. Can't wait for the next.

[@BlackCrag]

Thank you 😊

[@GaryMorris222]

Great video thanks for sharing 👍

[@gm4wha]

Great video and looking forward to seeing all your new videos as you continue walking the 214.

[@jeffreykellett8660]

Enjoyed that

[@marybalmer5503]

Did these two today after watching your video last night. Really enjoyed them so thanks Glen 👍

[@BlackCrag]

That's fantastic! 🙌Thanks for watching and I'm glad you enjoyed your walk 😊

[@Fell214]

We finished all 214 visiting from the U.S. over a total of four months last fall and this past spring. Best thing we will ever do in retirement. Enjoy!

[@jonm4989]

Good effort!

[@BlackCrag]

That is indeed a good effort, well done 💪 😊

[@Fell214]

@@BlackCrag Wainwright knew what he was doing. We enjoyed all the fells…even the notorious Armboth.

[@catbuffett3675]

Love this! Great to see you back out and about. Looking forward to more Wainwrights adventures.

[@jameshorner7095]

Love your Videos & your 4 legged friend and So glad I stumbled upon them… and I actually like your Guff talk 😂 Keep up the great work 👍🏼

[@angelaoneill51]

Excellent Glenn👏🏻. I’m looking forward to seeing your videos and getting a great insight into the Wainwrights I have still to bag.

[@Hiker1958]

Great format. I love the detail and insights and the fact that you provide the route information. I’ll be saving these vlogs as a video companion to the Wainwright books. Cheers!

[@debbieharkness4736]

LOVE that pub.

[@BlackCrag]

It's not a bad spot 🍻

[@lomino6478]

That was terrific, beautiful views in such gorgeous weather, interesting commentary too 👍

[@michaelblack9813]

Brilliant video Glenn, some very interesting flora and fauna. Looking forward to the rest of the series. Michael.😊👍

[@nickslessor1524]

Absolutely fantastic can’t wait to see the rest of the Wainwrights

[@BlackCrag]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@fayegreenway3948]

Really liking the chilled vibe to this and looking forward to more. That trig point was minging 🤣

[@therossendalerambler-mikei7294]

Looking forward to the series

[@BlackCrag]

Thank you 😊

[@markpursglovephotography]

One of my favourite channels on KZbin, always look forward to a Black Crag video.

[@stuartheatley7620]

Love the fact your doing a series and fully understand the time and effort it must take to do the full round vlogs etc ... Having recently completed the Wainwrights I look forward to watching your vlogs on the individual Wainwrights to jog my memory. Always impressed by your vlogs. Thanks. Stuart.

[@stuartheatley7620]

I remember doing Great Mell Fell in the snow and the wild ponies came running around us. That was an experience.

[@glennholdom7005]

Great video, with stunning views.

[@BlackCrag]

Thank you 😊 🙏

[@paddlingnorfolk6789]

Top form fella, glad you're back 👍🏻

[@BlackCrag]

Thanks very much 😊

[@CollierCraig79]

Great to see you doing all te wainwright's mate, I know you've covered a good few already cos I watch ya videos. Only done 32 so far myself following all of your routes, although ive done halls felll ridge 3 times now, so many fun sections up there, not done sharp edge yet due to lost light, due to fecking about on halls fell ridge. Be great to bump into ya mate just t say alreet from sunny sunderland 👍atb

[@richard1752]

Love the plan to do all the Wainwrights 👍 can’t wait 😀 keep up the great work

[@BlackCrag]

Thanks very much 😊

[@MrRennieFrumpkin]

Yes 🙌! Got a brew on and settling in for the long haul!!

[@BlackCrag]

Excellent stuff, thanks so much for watching 😊 🙏

[@dubtrek3023]

Enjoy all your vids 👍

[@BlackCrag]

Thank you 😊

[@niclrig]

Great plan. Really looking forward to this series, thank you for sharing 🙂

[@BlackCrag]

Thanks so much, chuffed to bits to have you along 😊🙌

[@deanmccluskey4664]

Love the new format! Really looking forward to seeing you do the rest of the wainwrights.

[@BlackCrag]

Thanks very much.....really looking forward to getting out there and doing some familiar and unusual routes 😊

[@chrisac4672]

Been watching a few various episodes from your channel, enjoyed them all so starting again at S1 ep 1, wonderful viewing 👌👍

[@neil.r.]

Brilliant video again pal, love how simple it was and I hope you enjoyed it more thanks Crag

[@BlackCrag]

Thank you.... Enjoyed making this very much 😊

[@RussWeymouthPhotography]

I also enjoy photography and hiking, it's a great combination. Not as hilly where I live on the Essex-Suffolk border, but always great to get out wherever you live.

[@grahamparsons2642]

I have just stumbled across you and im so glad you did.

[@jonm4989]

Great idea and great to have you back. Looking forward to watching you chalking them off.

[@BlackCrag]

Thanks very much mate, great to be back 😊🙌

[@ervinslens]

The trail and the surroundings are simply perfect for hiking amd filmed. Love the landscapes, views are simply stunning.

[@BlackCrag]

Thanks very much 😊

[@stuartribbons5296]

Superb Glenn. 'Gonna park myself down, make myself comfortable and just enjoy revisiting the 214 again 😊. Hope Finn gets to enjoy parts of the ride too. Cheers👍

[@budvarone]

That was different! Really like the simpler format, a bit of a departure from your previous style, although those videos are excellent! I'm slowly working my way through the Wainwrights, so I'm looking forward to this series. Cheers.

[@ginetteneale5101]

A great video, really enjoyed it. Looking forward very much to your Wainwright series.. I’m going to follow along with the books also. Thank you so much for sharing xx

[@BlackCrag]

Thanks so much, really chuffed you enjoyed it 😊

[@jamesstreeter7342]

Absolute winner. Some mission so don't stress if you miss a week or more, it's so worth the wait. Thanks fella 👍🏻😎

[@BlackCrag]

Thanks very much, appreciate it 😊

[@markgrinsted8728]

Nice one ! Cant wait for the next hike to vid to land ... great stuff👍

[@BlackCrag]

Thank you, appreciate it 😊

[@mattwhalley1671]

Great idea for a series, that's my viewing sorted for the foreseeable future! Top tier video as always 👌

[@BlackCrag]

Thanks very much as always, chuffed you enjoyed it 😊

[@adamduckett8855]

This new format is spot on chap! I really really (really?!?) like your plan to walk all the Wainwrights. We love to come walking in the Lakes but can't there as often as wel like so having a visual guide to help us prioritise is so valuable! And I really like the new little touches of zooming in on the landscape and putting labels on the surrounding hills. Glad you decided on this project and hope you're feeling better about the channel! Great stuff!

[@grahamtowler1761]

Fantastic views and video, the Lake District is so diverse

[@BlackCrag]

Thanks very much 😊 it really is, considering how small it is 🤯

[@paulbusfield5774]

Excellent video will be giving these two walk a go thankyou 👍🍺

[@BlackCrag]

Thanks very much 😊

[@stephenbrown310]

Love the more simple format, now looking forward to you doing all the wainwright’s, hope your little companion will join you👍🐶

[@BlackCrag]

Thanks very much 😊 She will be joining me on a few of them, that's for sure 😁

[@tomrainford8584]

Great video! The editing style, new vibe and music are ace. Really looking forward to the rest of the series. 👏👏👏 Also, LITTLE FLUFFY CLOWS

[@BlackCrag]

Thanks very much 😊 I think I must've been thinking of that 90s song by The Orb 😂

[@patrickmagner9840]

Love the new video series! I can’t wait to find out your favourites. I went up great gable last Wednesday, think it’s got to be my favourite

[@BlackCrag]

Thanks so much 😊 I think my favourites won't change much, they're set firmly in my heart forever 😁

[@this_family_hikes422]

Love it love it love it. Watched all your previous videos and this series idea is fantastic I can’t wait to follow your journey. I am also in the process of walking the Wainwright’s with my eldest daughter not just to tick them off but to create memories we can look back on in years to come. Enjoy your journey Glenn. 🍺

[@BlackCrag]

Thanks so much 😊 love that you're doing it for memories 👌 You'll have so many when you're done.

[@stepheneverett6131]

Great video mate .Little Mell Fell is my local one from our static ,I’ve done it 50 times now ,hoping to complete 214 for each Wainwright.loved your video on Souter fell ghost story .👍

[@BenJiggins]

Love the new series. I also particularly appreciated you labelling the fells in the views - more of that please!

[@BlackCrag]

Thank you, I'm glad you liked that bit 😊

[@LakeDistrictcyclist]

What great idea to do the wainwrights going to enjoy this 👌

[@BlackCrag]

Thanks very much, chuffed you enjoyed it 😊

[@yvetteprice8097]

Hi Glenn. Love, love, love - the content, the format (not that I didn’t love your previous format) the views, the waffle, the routes, the Wainwright series to be….Thanks for your efforts and for sharing. Keep them coming; we’re 100 Wainwrights in and so are looking forward to you covering the ones we are yet to do. All the best, Yvette and Mark. PS, a bit of your amazing drone footage every now and then would always be welcome 🙏

[@russellhomans2173]

Really like the new format Glenn but good to see that you have kept the tradition of ending the video at a pub, cannot go far wrong with the Kirkstone.. You make a very good point about the smaller hills have good views of the more famous fells, Binsey has a similar feel to it. Looking forward to the rest of the series.

[@julieyoung3627]

Enjoy all your videos and really looking forward to seeing more of the fells that I'll never be brave enough to do myself! Especially appreciate the naming of the fells and no hideous constant music! Your videos give me some escapism from humdrummery! 😁

[@BlackCrag]

Thanks so much 😊 No music was a conscious decision, I prefer the ambient sounds too. I'm going to be upgrading the sound a little more soon as I don't think this mic is quite right. Maybe it'll do as a back up for those rainy days 🤔

[@paulbennison2614]

Phenomenal! It's brilliant to see you out and about again. I never thought you would be bagging Wainwrights but all power to your elbow. The tree sections reminded a little bit of your foray up Whitbarrow about 2 years ago. It looks like the break has done you the world of good. Keep on doing what you do prodigiously.

[@BlackCrag]

Thank you 😊 Must admit I never thought I'd do it either but it'll be a great source of content ideas and a great adventure..... I hope 😁

[@Badgerhunter1]

Nice, simple straightforward format and still just as entertaining. Love it. Superb idea to do the Wainwrights. About time someone did this on You Tube . You're definitely the best man for the job. 👍

[@BlackCrag]

Ah, thanks so much, you're too kind 😊🙌

[@vira7925]

Another great video, love the waffle

[@user-hn6vq8so8y]

Hi Glen, for something like 50 years I have driven past the Mells regularly on my way to our family caravan near Keswick. I was always pleased to see them but like yourself it never crossed my mind to walk on them. After watching you Video which I really enjoyed I'll be telling my not so young kids to take a hike on the Mells first chance they get! Brilliant stuff! PS sorry for rambling on !

[@davidthomas9079]

Good to see you back on it Glenn. Keep it simple works great. Thanks for showing me those two Wainwright two that i`ve haven`t completed yet. Looking forward to seeing you on the rest of them.

[@BlackCrag]

Thanks very much David....you'll enjoy those two when you get around to doing them 😊

[@davidthomas9079]

@@BlackCrag I'm sure 👍...it's just getting around to doing them. Busy busy😉

[@clairewalker2]

Wow, you're taking us around all the Wainwright's. Looking forward to the series🖤⛰️🖤

[@BlackCrag]

All of them! Eek 😱😂

[@clairewalker2]

@@BlackCrag just watched episode 1. Love the new format. Looking forward to seeing the rest. Have you been treating yourself to a new bag 🎒 don't forget the outliers by the way😜

[@colinboxall2692]

Fast becoming my favourite watch on you tube. I have the two mell fells still to do as part of my 5 remaining wainwrights! Blencathra views and sharp edge look amazing. Thanks for sharing your walks. The worst part by far was the warm mars bar - what were you thinking 😵. A Mars has to be slightly cold to be enjoyed 😂

[@JB-qp5ro]

Love the idea roll on the next video all the best James 🍻

[@BlackCrag]

Thank you 😊 Next Thursday for walk 2 👍

[@davidbutterfield8911]

Great to have you back Glenn. This series is just what I need. I too am completing the Wainwrights, also for the views and not just bagging for the sake of it. To be honest you set me on this voyage when I started watching your channel during lockdowns, so thanks a bunch pal. Will be up in Keswick in a few weeks to do a Coledale horseshoe. You are right though. Was on little Binsey a couple of months ago and the views were very dramatic, so big is not always beautiful. Keep em coming Glenn, it’s very addictive viewing👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@BlackCrag]

Thanks very much and I'm so pleased to hear that these videos were a source of inspiration 😊🙏

[@keithgoulding2806]

Great viewing and great idea. We where waiting for you start hugging trees 😁😁😁😁 ,Good laugh.

[@BlackCrag]

Thanks very much.....I wasn't far off doing that 😂 sometimes nature is a bit of a drug

[@LearyUK123]

Hey Glenn, glad to see you back out on the Fells. Love that you’ll be bagging the Wainwrights and that you’ll work through the books in turn. Liking the new unfussy production (esp. if it means we get more Fell action 😋) but do hope that you’ll find time to get the drone out just occasionally. Appreciate it’s a ball-ache but the footage is always SOOOOO good. All the best and keep up the great work. 👏👏👏

[@BlackCrag]

Thanks very much, glad you liked it 😊 I'll definitely take the drone on various walks but it is liberating not having to plan them around the potential of drone footage 🙌

[@paulryan2081]

Great timing Glenn. I decided to tackle the Wainwright's starting last autumn. Mainly, but not exclusively on the Far Eastern Fells currently your videos, apart from the entertainment will be a useful aid when planning routes. You are right about this area of the lakes too. It's much quieter. Something of the Mediterranean about the trees I thought? Horseflies, grrrrrr 😡 TFS, Paul

[@BlackCrag]

Thanks very much 😊 and good luck to you and your challenge 🙌 Definitely a feeling of being abroad on these hills, particularly Great Mell

[@RyanJones-ig3qc]

Happy you’re back mate, great little walk this. Been to the top of little on one of my Ullswater Way walks, never done Great. I’ve got about 8-9 to do in the Far Eastern fells before I focus on the Eastern. Summited 35 in total so far. Enjoy and stay safe mate.

[@BlackCrag]

Thanks very much 😊 it certainly is a great area.... Great Mell is a little gem 👌

[@darrenhedley9381]

Great video, ex Army too which I have just learnt, like you’re vids even more now 💪🏻

[@BlackCrag]

Thanks very much 😊 🙏

[@FromTheStretfordEnd]

Really enjoyed this one. I enjoy all your videos but this has got me interested because I’m doing all the Wainwrights too! I’m up to 83 so far. I intend to finish with the biggest, Scafell Pike and have a celebration on the top. Looking forward to following your adventure as I complete my own. Maybe see you out on a hill one day. Good luck 👍🏻

[@mickgrundy4615]

Enjoyed them two fells mate great idea to do all the wainwrights, iv a long wait for causey pike? Rave on thanks for showing us some great walks. Hope to see fin on your next jaunt.

[@BlackCrag]

Thanks very much 😊 Yeah, that one is going to be some months off yet 😂 I'll be out with Finn this weekend but that won't be on for a few weeks.

[@LSWSSoftware]

Welcome back! Just done my 100th wainwright.. Pillar. Can't wait to see your progress and enjoy the best vlogs on youtube.

[@BlackCrag]

Thanks very much, appreciate it 😊 Pillar is a personal fave 👌

[@LSWSSoftware]

@@BlackCrag I used your vlog of the high level route to get my eye-in. Views in to ennerdale were amazing, and Pillar rock... yikes. OS map, wainwrights book and your vlog. Fully tooled up!