This section contains just three small fells which are on the fringe of Lakeland to the north of Ullswater, and they are normally far from being in walkers minds when planning a day in the hills. Gowbarrow Fell at least does exhibit some small crags, and tries to show it is a worthy part of the district; while the view from Green Hill at the southern extremity of the summit ridge commands a superb view of the lake. To stand here and look up the lake to St Sunday Crag and the Helvellyn fells is more than just reward for the simple ascent. Also of note is the path circling round the southern flank and climbing above Yew Crag which then contours and  hugs the eastern side with fine views over Swinburns Park and down Ullswater. The pride of the fell though lies in the glen to the west, and is one of the most popular attractions in the entire district. This is Aira Force approached up a beautiful path above Aira Beck, a scene that is enhanced by the fine stone footbridges above and below the fall. It is in my oppinion the best waterfall in the area seen to great advantage in the perfect setting. In contrast to all this grandeur the summit lies away from the drama on a heathery rise fringed with rocks. It is a pleasant enough place with a nice outlook, and from which the docile and seemingly featureless Mell Fells can be studied. High ground continues from Gowbarrow Fell over the grassy Great Meldrum to The Hause above which a steep but short ascent on fine turf leads to the broad top of Little Mell Fell. However at present crossing beyond Great Meldrum is frowned upon by the land owners, and this has not at present changed with the coming of open access. Great Mell Fell is isolated, and is best ascended from Brownrigg where a rough lane provides the key to the climb. It will be the view towards Kirkstone that redeems the toil up the hill, though the dwarf pines and larches in the belt higher up are interesting and deserving of better protection. This is a fine place to look at Blencathra. So perhaps lacking in grandeur and more pastoral at times than true fell country, these fells are worth turning to now and again when the rest of Lakeland is busy or the weather not quite reliable. Even so don't expect to have the hills to yourself especially Gowbarrow, and certainly not the path by Aira Beck.

ROUTE ONE. GREAT MELL FELL FROM BROWNRIGG.
1 mile 900ft of ascent

The Mell Fells and Gowbarrow do not lend themselves to the usual format. They are separate hills, and although a ridge exists between Little Mell Fell and Gowbarrow Fell over Great Meldrum access is at present denied it's full length. It is quite feasible to do a round of them all, but first I will show individual ascents suitable for the gentler walker. Brownrigg Farm stands below Great Mell Fell's wooded eastern slopes. To the north of the farm a rough lane gives access to the fell. A short way up the lane a stile enables the path within the fence to be taken and beyond the trees it turns up the bank to the ridge. It is only in recent years that this path has become distinct. Head for the little plantation of dwarf larches and pines through which the path makes it's way round fallen trees and a scene of sorry neglect. Continue climbing over the grassy slopes to the summit before returning the same way.

ROUTE TWO. LITTLE MELL FELL FROM THE HAUSE.
.5 miles 400ft of ascent.

Yes I know it's hardly worth the mention, but for keen summit collectors I have a duty to do so! There is no better way or reason to make more of this ascent than the simple climb from The Hause. From the roadside stiles lead to the base of the hill, and nowadays a signpost points the way up the fellside. As on Great Mell Fell in latter years the path has become clear all the way, and after a short but steady ascent the survey column marking the summit will be attained. The view is good with a fine glimpse of Martindale over Ullswater.

ROUTE THREE. GOWBARROW FELL FROM AIRA BECK.
2.5 miles 1150ft of ascent.

 Follow the path from the car park to the footbridge over Aira Beck and then take to the higher path by the enclosing fences of Lyulphs Tower. Swing right and select the path ascending the fellside on the flanks of Green Hill. This provides fine views of Ullswater; particularly from the cairn of Yew Crag, before it circles round the eastern side of the fell. The path remains attractive finally crossing a footbridge over a gully to a ruined shooting hut on the edge of Swinburns Park. At the hut turn left up the shallow valley on a path that can be rather boggy at times. Where the path curves left towards Gowbarrow’s summit a stile in the nearby wall gives access to Great Meldrum. Although no more than a broad expanse of grass it provides a point to look further along the ridge and wonder why this is still out of bounds. Return to the stile and ascend to the rocky heather clad summit and Ordnance Survey column. Return south along the ridge to Green Hill, which boasts one of the classic views of Ullswater and the Patterdale Fells. A good path easily descends to Aira Force which must be included in this walk. 

 
COMBINING THE THREE FELLS IN ONE WALK.
From Dockray ascend Gowbarrow Fell by the wall from Aira Beck. Descend to the Shooting Lodge, and through Swinburns Park to Watermillock Church. Walk up the lane to The Hause and ascend Little Mell Fell. Go down to Lowthwaite and along the lane to Greenrow; then across the fields to Brownrigg to ascend Great Mell Fell. Return along the track to Matterdale End.