Park in one of several car parks in Middle Fell, at the end of the B5343.
(S) Head south-west in order to reach a small road leading to Oxendale Valley (1). Pass through a group of houses and keep going in the same direction reaching a trail crossing. Keep to the right until the trail splits into two paths.
(2) Go down a track on the left-hand side heading south-south-west, which pretty much keeps heading in the same direction, then climb a steep slope reaching another crossing near Red Tarn Lake.
(3) Take a 90° turn to the right and continue the climb which becomes easier. Go left at Great Knott summit reaching South Top.
(4) Heading north you'll reach Long Top a few metres further (5) (here, ignore the trail to the right and take the one to the left which is a lot easier).
Keep heading north-east, slightly downhill following the cairns along the trail leading to Three Tarns Lakes.
(6) Head down The Band (7). Keep heading downhill (8) leading to point (1) and the way back.
Get back to the car park using the same trail as when you started.