Derwentwater and the wooded vale seen from high on Barrow under piled cloud

Barrow Fell

Although Barrow Fell is of modest height at 455 metres there are excellent 360 degree views from the summit, a great reward for not too much effort. If you prefer a gentler ascent and steeper route down this route can ea

Although Barrow Fell is of modest height at 455 metres there are excellent 360 degree views from the summit, a great reward for not too much effort. If you prefer a gentler ascent and steeper route down this route can easily be reversed.

The walk

Distance
3 miles
Time
2 to 2.5 hours
Starting point
Braithwaite village shop, car parking space at NY230236 or by bus X4 X5 Penrith to Workington

Contact Keswick Tourism Association by email info@keswick.org

Map

  • Braithwaite village shop
  • Keswick
Where the walk starts, with Keswick for scale.

  1. With the bridge behind you take the lane down the side of the village shop signposted Newlands, Buttermere. Very soon turn right up a bridleway over a cattle grid with the sign Braithwaite Lodge. Follow the path to the right of Braithwaite Lodge. A slate plaque resting at the foot of a tree indicates the direction to follow.

  2. Go ahead through a gate signposted Newlands up to a bench with a fine view towards Skiddaw. Go through a small gate, turn left and very shortly take a path on your right signposted Barrow to start the ascent proper.

  3. Carry on up a series of false summits. Keep stopping to turn round and admire the ever expanding views behind you. As you climb the views on your left open over the Newlands Valley and to Catbells.

  4. As you reach the cairn marking the summit a magnificent 360 degree panorama comes into view over Bassenthwaite Lake, Whinlatter Forest, Grisedale Pike, Causey Pike, the Newlands Valley, the Helvellyn range, Derwentwater, Keswick and the Skiddaw range.

  5. Continue on the same path down to a crossroads at Barrow Door. Turn right and keep to the same path all the way down to a gate. This opens on to a metalled lane with houses on your left.

  6. Continue down to a fork in the road. Turn right here and follow the road as it zigzags back down to the village shop.

More walks from Keswick are on the walking routes index. For what to take and what the weather is doing, see safety on the fells.

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