A birthday Binsey

/ 23/09/2025

So the main reason we were away in late September, was a birthday for myself, one with an 0 in it (yes you are all correct I don’t look 40 do I? 😁). After two big walks around Coledale and Newlands, we were a bit knackered. Our legs knew what they should be doing but struggled to do it anything quickly. A short walk was needed, something that could be classed as a loosener normally, no real ascent nor distance needed. A good view obviously and a Wainwright preferably. What could be better than Binsey on your birthday, answer – nothing. It was perfect. We drive the short distance to Binsey cottage and parked up right by the gate, reserved for those with a birthday, clearly!! Its not even a mile to the summit, and views across this corner of northwest Lakeland spread before you. Scotland can be easily seen across the Solway Firth, Back O’Skiddaw is in view and well as the northern tip of the Pennines. Green patchwork farmland rolls up to open fellside, its a superb place. We set off gingerly at first, hoping for our legs to warm up, and thankfully they did. A simple climb had us in sight of the trig point and the summit, with ever improving views with every step we took. We admired the summit views, a full 360 vista, being away from any other high point. That’s the beauty of this hill, its detached from the others, on its own and therefore has nothing to block a view but still standing at a respectable 447metres. We sat at the summit in a quiet corner, with a flask, enjoying the views. Not many others were here. When we were ready we started out back down to the car. A lovely gentle walk, and a perfect birthday treat. That evening we headed to the Pheasant Inn in Dubwath, across the A66 from the house. It was as good as the reviews say, and we sat in the bar both before and after eating. Its a superb pub. Walking home it was pitch black, and when people say you can’t see your hand in front of your face, this was it. Absolutely nothing. My phone torch got us to the A66, no cars, so we crossed easily and then headed the 100 or so metres to the house. Looking up Linda saw a shooting star, and went to point it out, as I looked up another scooted across the sky. Then we both saw the dusty like Milky Way, stretching across the sky and above us more stars than can be counted, a sight that makes you feel very small and grounds you straight away. A grand way to finish a grand day. Happy birthday to me!

Start – Binsey Cottage

Route – Binsey – Binsey Cottage

Distance – 1.5 miles   Start time – 12.50pm  Time taken – 1hr 25mins  Highest Point – Binsey 447 metres

Weather – Sunshine and white fluffy clouds

© Crown copyright 2025 Ordnance Survey FL 2025 SF
The gate to start your walk to Binsey
Looking back through the gate to the Skiddaw range, our car is that one there. Its like someone had put a birthday boy only sticker on the parking spot!
Looking to Overwater with Back O’Skiddaw beyond, some great walking up there, all grassy and quite Dartmoor like
This is about as steep as it gets on Binsey. That’s Lake Bassenthwaite and the fells around Coledale and Whinlatter over there. Ullock Pike and the ridge to Skiddaw on the left
A bit higher up gives a better view to Overwater and the fells behind. Patchwork fields begin to show, Linda loves this contrast of farmland and hills
Binsey summit in view
A little hazy but Scotland in view across the Solway from Binsey. The hill you can see in the distance is Criffel, standing at 570 metres.
Looking back into Lakeland from Binsey
And into the Back O’Skiddaw. We didn’t make it there this trip but I still want to re-walk that area again as I loved it on my first round.
Wider view of the Back O’Skiddaw. The Pennines in view to the left
One more look to Scotland and the Solway Firth
Love the sky on this one
Linda on the way down. We’d both needed this walk to loosen some very stiff legs but nothing to difficult to cause injury
And leaving the Pheasant Inn (Dubwath) after feeding and drinking well, a wonderful pub, recommend highly for both drinks and food.

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23 thoughts on “A birthday Binsey”

    • We sat on the top of Binsey for around 30 minutes just enjoying it. The Pheasant was excellent and I’m hoping we can book the same house again in the future to go back again

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  8. Happy 70th Birthday 🤣

    Great way to celebrate and a hill I’ve never done but right up my street these days, small but isolated for grandstand views of the bigger mountains. Also can vouch for the quality of the Pheasant In

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    • Its a little bit on from Keswick, and also not the easiest to link in with any other hills/paths. This one actually suits a stay in the northern part of the Lakes, where you can pop out for a short/evening walk

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  11. Happy Birthday – very belatedly.😂 Looks like a very fine way to spend a birthday. I have one of those big ones coming up. Not 40 sadly. I shall be….still not quite as old as Andy.😁
    This was the final tick on my mad day in September and one I’d never climbed up till that point. What a revelation, superb views; I’m with Linda: the contrast of the patchwork of fields and the hills is superb.

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