Sail is one of Wainwright's North Western Fells, located between Crummock Water and Derwent Water, part of a group of fells that rise between Coledale and the Newlands Valley. It has excellent views from the small cairn on its heather covered summit, including sight of Bassenthwaite, Buttermere and Derwent Water. Excellent views can be had of the surrounding fells too, with the Helvellyn range particularly prominent and impressive. Wainwright walkers also get a panorama that includes the fells around Wasdale, Ennerdale and Eskdale, making for a stunning end to this Wainwright walk.
Wainwright baggers who have completed other fells in this area can take in Sail with one of the relatively straightforward direct routes from Stair or Braithwaite. Alternatively, a longer route from Buttermere can be taken along Sail Beck, taking a path to the top of this Wainwright Fell that stretches behind the neighbouring Wainwright peak of Ard Crags. Walkers keen to complete a number of peaks from their Wainwright Maps are spoiled for choice, with Sail forming part of a horseshoe shaped walk known as the Coledale Round. This offers energetic hikers the opportunity to complete up to eight of the Wainwrights in a (long) day of walking, starting at Braithwaite and taking in Grisedale Pike, Hopegill Head, Grasmoor, Eel Crag, Sail, Scar Crags, Causey Pike and Barrow.
More details on Sail and the Coledale Fells can be read about in detail in Book Six: The Northwestern Fells, by A. Wainwright, part of the Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells.
Plan and record your progress through the Wainwright Fells of the Lake District