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Name:Ponsonby Fell
Hill number:2509
Height:315m / 1033ft
Parent (Ma):2368  Pillar
RHB Section:34B: Lake District - Central & Western Fells
Nuttall/Wainwright area:Lake District - Western Fells
County/UA:Cumberland
Catchment:Calder & Ehen, Catchment Boundaries, Irt
Class:Tump (300-399m), Wainwright Outlying Fell, Birkett, Synge
(Tu,3,WO,B,Sy)
Grid ref:NY 08198 07030
Summit feature:cairn
Drop:37m
Col:278m  NY080074  
OS map sheet(s):(1:50k) 89
(1:25k) OL6N 303
Observations:ground to 6m NNE is as high
Survey:Abney level
GPS data:show GPS entries for this hill

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Please report via the contact page any logs you see below which describe or encourage acts of trespass.  Please quote the hill number and hill name.

Logged Descriptions  (logged by 252 users)ByDate of Ascent
From Boat How and after seeing Eric Robson in the carpark at Gosforth and getting a little lost look for the carpark we made it, loved the Blengdale Forrest walk it was amazing, after coming out we made the boggy horrible walk to the summit. there were cows up there so Bec made a dash to touch the summit, i stayed a little longer. retraced our route back through the coz shit and the gorgeous forest. 12miles done and 27,600 steps! had a pint in the strickland arms on the way home, listened to more Karl Pilkington on the way home and ordered a mixed special kebab on garlic bread for tea. fantastic dayScotty 2 Hotty30/03/2024
12th and final top of a 29.3km circuit from Greendale Cottages, continuation from Stone Pike following fenceline. Descent Ene over Scalderskew beck, detouring past a herd of Aberdeen Angus then following Northern perimeter of Blengdale forest to reach the River Bleng. Again, impassable without using the debris fence to get across. Followed Fp Sse now with torch on to reach wide track and followed this out to road, following it East to the Start. It took me 45 mins to change my clothes get dry and then have a bite to eat and drink before the long drive back home!Dazingdale17/03/2024
Swainson Knott, Stone Pike, Ponsonby Fell, In Fell, Cold Fellkeithouk14/02/2024
From small parking area at Stakes Bridge. Ponsonby Fell and In Fell. With ARC and his dad.PGCE05/07/2023
In Fell and Ponsonby Fell from NY 0561 0678. (Too hot for Swainson Knott)summitsup10/06/2023
 yorkielad23/05/2023
Parked at Stakes Bridge: up In Fell first then followed BW to access land, across rough terrain to small cairn hidden in grass at top. then onto Stone Pike and Swainson Knott . Great views on a clear day.PeterD20/04/2023
We followed AWs advice and went via Blengdale Forest. Parked at the carpark at the car park on the forest road just before the forest boundary NY085052 A 10km round trip through the forest then round and up onto the boggy wet fell. Back through the forest on the eastern picking up geocaches.RowanP14/04/2023
From Gosforth. 15 km, 500 m asc. Up by Blennerhazel, Hurlbarrow and Laverock How to the summit of Ponsonby Fell. N direct to Stone Pike sheepfold and onto Swainson Knot. Down NE to Scalderskew Wood and S to Scalderskew Farm and along the River Bleng. Easy paths and bridleways either side of rough, boggy grass on the tops. Dry, cold. https://www.flickr.com/photos/samandjo/albums/72177720307185243SalmonJoe01/04/2023
From stakes bridge took various RoW to Ponsonby Fell via In Fell. The HP is allegedly on the RoW which is just as well as there is absolutely nothing to suggest one grassy tussock is higher than the other several hundred. An otherwise completely pointless summit. RoW are fairly well waymarked but in desperate need of some TLC. The yomp over the fell began with a gate climb to avoid the 12-18 inches of water accumulated around it. After that it was a straightforward if squelchy climb to the summit with its half hidden little cairn in the middle of some rushes. With borisytfckent06/02/2023
Circular walk on paths from small parking area at Stakes Bridge. Out via Farmery, back via Laverock How.Winterfloodian18/07/2022
Ennerdale Bridge to Seascale cross country route, after Stone Pike. Good viewpoint marred only by the power stationtrimarc229/06/2022
Parked at the bridge over the River Calder. Up the track to the interesting ruined Farmery, through a little gate beyond the stream, over some boggy ground and up to the summit. On to Stone Pike and Swainson Knott.LizH26/02/2022
A circular exploration of the hills above the Calder valley. Staring from the tiny car park at Stakes Bridge, and visiting In Fell, Ponsonby Fell, Stone Pike (and its circular enclosure), then Swainson Knott with its cairn of Bovine bones. 10km with 380m ascent in just under 3 hours. (S)silveracorn_alan15/02/2022
With Carol. Park at “Stakes Bridge” (over the River Calder near Calder Bridge). Climb the hill along the road and then turn east along an old lane to “Farmery” (a ruined farmhouse). Cross the stream (“Birrel Sike”) and head east on the poorly defined (and wet) track towards “Scalderskew”. Before this, at the col, turn south to the summit. In mist. Return by reversing the route. 4.50 miles. 2.5 hrs. 693 ft gained.DABT18/08/2021
With Cold Fell, from Calder BridgeNumptyDumpty03/07/2021
From Stakes Bridge.Slash330/05/2021
From Stakes Bridge: Inn Fell, Ponsonby Fell, Stone Pike, Swainson Knott and Cold fell. Great views to Isle of man and Scotland, clear day. Staying at RavenglassLazylizzie01/05/2021
From the layby on the main road near Ponsonbytomd421/04/2021
From Gosforth With Jules and Jill via the Blengdale forestry track to Scalderskew farm on a clear hot day before bagging Stone Pike and Swainson Knott and back via Wormgill and Scalderskew WoodGrey Hare09/08/2020
Parked at Blengdale, up through the forest and round by Skalderskew onto the top of Ponsonby Fell, back via the long way around Blengdale Forest.Chipstertrain08/07/2020
Part of a solo circuit taking in Inn Fell, Ponsonby Fell, Stone Pike and Swainson Knott (Cairn made of Bones). A cold but good visibility day.Shutterlag19/11/2019
Ascent from road at Scargreen up road/bridleway towards Laverlock How and over common land to Ponsonby Fell. Return via the same route.raymooremanx16/11/2019
Wainwright was right: the walk through Blengdale is by far the best part of this walk. From Blengdale Bridge along paths between autumnal trees, across the footbridge and up through the trees. Once on Ponsonby Fell itself, progress was a slow, marshy bogtrot, albeit with an excellent summit view.Nick Down102/11/2019
Completed the round.softsquare20/10/2019
Found the Buried Block under the cairn.Dusty16/10/2019
After In Fell, by vague RoW from Laverock HoweColin Crawford05/09/2019
From good roadside car park at Stakes Bridge. Path south east along stream and through wood is delightful with easy access to In Fell. Track at Scargreen to access land and Ponsonby Fell. Thought alternative routes back would be inferior so retraced steps to enjoy the stream/woodland again. Can't understand other reports of the RoW along the stream through the wood being a poor route. Maybe depends on time of year and map reading skills. Yes it's a narrow and in a few places unclear path which I thought made it nicer. RoW from bend in road near Scargreen is obvious and easy to follow contrary to earlier report - maybe improved since then.ijpowell25/05/2019
From Stakes Bridge for a rounds of Ponsonby Fell, Stone Pike and Swainson Knott.rhalstead20/04/2019
Many thanks to Bolton below for the route. Parked at Stakes Bridge and took the path which leads to the now disused Farmery. Largely overgrown and little used we then headed directly for the summit. 2 Birketts to the north and then a descent close to Needless Gill.Total clag had to rely on compass.Underfoot not as bad as all the doom merchants make out.jocks128/12/2018
From Stakes Bridge, via Laverock How, then RoW into designated open access country. Frozen ground made for good going.Isbjorn14/12/2018
Direct line from Swainson Knott. On to In Fell.jonglew19/09/2018
AW's outlier from parking area at Stakes bridge on the river Calder then went onto Cold fell.WAYNE ROWLETT16/09/2018
Circuit from ScargreenAjm031006/11/2017
Walked from Gosforth on my own. Glorious walking weather. Great views on the way up from Gosforth and from the summit of Ponsonby Fell, contrary to Wainwright's comments in his Outlying Fells book.flockwatcher13/08/2017
With Clare, Eire, Evan, Sail, Danu, Coel & Alfie.Dangerous Dave05/08/2017
WOs 48; Bs 46,47 and 48. Moved camp to Gosforth a.m. and weather cloudy with sunny spells so went for Ponsonby Fell from end of small road to the west. Easy walk up on track but rough and steep ascent on to Stone Pike and horrible bog to Swainson's Knott and back to track. Ponsonby not as bad as advertised but Swainson's Knott thoroughly unpleasant.BURGESS28/07/2017
A horrible wet trudgebardolph20/07/2017
Evening walk from Laverock How, Ponsonby with wife and the 4 and 2 year old. Paths OK but heat still relentless and we discovered 2 yo doesn't like walking in long grass so a hard slog for the last quarter mile above the top wall.nukeboy118/07/2017
CJchrisj196518/04/2017
From Scales bridge. Getting dark but managed to navigate to Farmery OK and cross the beck at the right place and head up to the summit. On to Stone Pike.Wycombe Wanderer05/12/2016
last of 3 hills a bit boggy in placescolinfielding21/11/2016
Done with Richard Turner on a grim very wet day.falunty18/10/2016
Done with Richard Turner on a grim very wet day.nitranrenrut18/10/2016
Parked at Stakes Bridge and took the path which leads to the now disused Farmery. Largely overgrown and little used we then headed directly for the summit. 2 Birketts to the north and then a descent close to Needless Gill. With GB.bolton07/09/2016
Parking area by Stakes Bridge (3-4 cars) at 056068 - Up road for about 300m & then RoW (very overgrown in places) to Farmery - Through gate & up to summit cairn. Continued to Stone Pike & Swainson Knott. (PM)gerrybowes07/09/2016
Last of the three Birketts, then on to In Fell.ngthack05/01/2016
Birkett route from Blengdale, no problem parking in forest since felling has finished for time being. Up forest tracks to Skalderskew beck then to PONSONBY FELL, Stone Pike & Swainson Knott. Miserably wet underfoot as soon as forest was left - glad I won't have to repeat the experience!citygent02/10/2015
Access to/from the NE is wet around the streams, drier slightly north of a direct line. Parked at wide entrance lane to High Boonwood Farm NY068047, this allows a modified AW circular route.Nick Caunt17/09/2015
Round from No 30 bus terminus in Thornhill, down to Calder Bridge, Ponsonby Fell (what a name), Stone Pike (for what it's worth), Swainson Knott, Cold Fell and down to the bus stop just in Egremont.Eddie04/07/2015
From Blengdale Forest carpark, over bridge then crossed back over river just past Blengdale Lodge. Steeply up hillside beside wood then track to gate onto open fell. Then to Stone Pike and Swainson.Aye Jimmy15/06/2015
With Katy. Sunny day.George Thompson07/04/2015
Walked from Blengdale. This was a good walk on forest tracks before heading out on to open fell to bag 3 Birketts.Neil Haslewood06/02/2015
Parked at the Blengdale Forestry car park (NY 085 053) NO PARKING TODAY FORESTRY WORK… so I turned the sign around > Scalderskew Farm >Swainson Knott > Stone Pike > PONSONBY FELL grass area marked with a small cairn > Scalderskew Farm > CP…. turned the sign back (got away with that one)Tony Hartry II16/09/2014
Thornholme Needless Gill Swainson Knott Stone Pike Ponsonby Fell Wheel Fell Needless Gill ThornholmeAndy Hirst05/09/2014
Climbed from Gosforth using Birketts routerobert15/07/2014
With Eire, Evan, Sail, Danu, Coel & Alfie.Dangerous Dave01/07/2014
Birkett walk from Wellington Bridge(car park closed).Confusing directions at footbridge.Reasonable views at top disregarding Sellafield.With Oscar.catman20/09/2013
With Catman.oscarrosie20/09/2013
Roadside parking available through the gate north east of High Prior Scales. Head easterly, following the wall, which reaches a sheep pen then the access track to Farmery (derelict). Follow the footpath north east to cross the river, then an easy direct route to the summit.moorsman25/06/2013
With Jo, Seren, Sarah and Ebencustard9915/06/2013
W Jenx,very pleasant stroll around Ponsonby Fell and Swainson Knott (and Stone Pike), to find the only decent weather in Lakes this weekend. Plus pt Wainwright Outliers and t'HuMP. From woods at Blengdale despite forestry works - always better than Calder Bridge approach.nordicstar19/05/2013
Birketts 2nd roundDave Geere17/03/2013
Ponsonby Fell, Stone Pike, Swainson Knottronaldo33309/03/2013
Calder Bridge circular. Frozen terrain via S side of Birrel Sike. Excellent profile of snow clad Sca Fells from In Fell (P30) on way back.Smudge02/12/2012
From the ford.Anduril06/08/2012
With Swainson Knott and Stone Pike.destaylor27/07/2012
From ford at Scargreen. Parking for one car near Ford. Bridleway then through a gate at NY 077070 then access land to summit top. Operated ham radio for Wainwrights On The Air.G4OBK (Phil)27/06/2012
From Gosforth through the Blengdale Forest and returned the same way. Footbridge in the forest not there, but managed to cross river fairly easily just downstream.jeffurz04/06/2012
Blengdale - Ponsonby Fell- Stone Pike - Swainson Knott (LAK 1)Note! footbridge in Blengdale Forest out of action - longish detour neededbenarbia_831/12/2011
Solo from Priorling and using the network of tracks up to the Farmeryollismark07/10/2011
With Jo, circular walk from Gosforth: through forest to Scalderskew, Stone Pike, Swainson Knott, Ponsonby Fell, trip to Sampson’s Bratfull, return through forest. Weather; sunny, warm, very good visibility.amblerbob15/09/2011
Parked opposite road to Laverock Hall, then reasonable going to Ponsonby Fell, Stone Pike and Swainson Knott. Grey day.Dugswell202/09/2011
Debs, Goska and EllaMountain Goat15/01/2011
Climbed on a walk with The Irregulars - bagging the Outlying Fells - Led by D williamsstephenwalker24/07/2010
1dads15/06/2010
Dull top combined with Swainson Knott and Stone Pike. Lots of fences - difficult to cross. Parking at bridge over River Calder. Footpath to Farmery overgrown and muddy, path via Laverock How better. With Joan and Jenny.PeteF31/10/2009
Via Blengdale Forest. Couldnt find a way over Scalderskew Beck at Gait Kirk. Skirted round forest edge from the Scalderskew Road then straight up. Small old cairn in the rushes.mick10/10/2009
Richard Tait01/07/2009
Birketts CLF W/LAK1, Blengdale Forestry Commission CP > River Bleng > Scalderskew Farm > PONSONBY FELL summit marked with a small cairn > Stone Pike > Swainson Knott > Scalderskew Farm > River Bleng > Blengdale Forestry Commission CPTony Hartry30/05/2009
From Gosforth. On tarred road for 2 miles to cross River Bleng and into forest. A mile further re-cross to W bank. Out of forest to Scalderskew. Crossed beck at a signpost and up over wet tussock, under power cable to top at 13.45. Small heap of stones in a tump of rough moor grass.arranc18/03/2009
from teh thornholme road - as non-descript as wainwright says - a cowpat is slightly higher than the cairn - sums it up - my last outlying fell -yippeegigglejon28/06/2008
With Eire, Evan & Barnie.Dangerous Dave30/08/2006
R Richard Tait27/05/2006
From here return By Lank Rigg.smocks and denims03/02/2006
dullish summit & approach, pleasant view. b/w from SW, not well signposted, can park on road RHW16/11/2003
2ndAlaric07/11/2003
Part of Birkett walk, small cairnGeorge Gradwell09/05/2002
HOT. up W'wright route from farm over Ponsonby Fell and Swainson Knott to North d - vast empty grassy bowl to east (Day after climbing on Pillar with Darren -a long all day HVS Thanatos/ Electron) -then on to Irton Pike and Newton Fell N topChris Pearson25/06/1995
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