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| The dominant outline of Barf |
Prominence: 39m (125ft)
Region: North Western Fells
Classifications: Wainwright, Birkett
Summit feature: Rock outcrop
Times climbed: 2
Related trip report:
A Whinlatter Round - 05/10/2014
Barf, Lord's Seat & Broom Fell - 01/02/2014
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| The summit outcrop on Barf |
"Insignificant in height and no greater extent than half a mile square, the rugged pyramid of Barf yet contrives to arrest and retain the attention of travellers on the road at its base. Its outline is striking, its slopes seemingly impossible steep; the direct ascent from its foot appears to be barred by an uncompromising cliff. There are few fells, large or small, of such hostile and aggressive character".
Famous for its Bishop, Barf is the termination of the eastern ridge descending from Lord's Seat though was included in the Pictorial Guides as a separate summit.
Though standing under 500m, the direct climb up the scree to the summit is a punishing one with a couple of exposed scrambles. This route, however, passes by the famous Bishop of Barf, a tall boulder perched on the hillside. What makes this remarkable, however, is the rock is painted a startling white and is visible for miles around. It is said that the Bishop of Derry was killed falling from his horse in 1783, after making a drunken bet to ride up the side of the hill. Both the Bishop and his horse are thought to be buried near a smaller stone, the Clerk, at the base of the hill.
The best of the views from the summit are eastwards towards Skiddaw and Long Side.
Return to Lake District – North Western Fells
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