The rugged, hostile outline of Barf overlooking Bassenthwaite Lake

Barf

Height469m (1,539ft)

Prominence39m (125ft)

RegionNorth Western Fells

Climbed2 Times

Famed for its legendary rock feature, the "Bishop", Barf acts as the abrupt eastern termination of the ridge line descending from Lord's Seat. Despite standing at under 500 metres, a direct ascent from its foot is a famously punishing, loose scramble over raw scree slopes. This demanding, exposed line leads walkers past the famous Bishop of Barf—a tall, distinctive boulder perched high on the hillside that local dalesfolk traditionally keep painted a startling white, making it visible for miles across the lake below. Local lore tells that the Bishop of Derry was tragically killed here in 1783 after falling from his horse during a drunken bet to ride straight up the steep fellside, with both horse and rider believed to be buried near a smaller standing stone, the "Clerk", at the base of the hill.

"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". — Wainwright 1957, Book Two

Gaining the rocky summit outcrop provides an exceptionally airy vantage point above the water. While the towering forms of the Whinlatter fells enclose the views looking back to the west, the absolute highlight is the grand, completely open panoramic vista looking eastwards across the valley directly to the massive, dark profiles of Skiddaw and Long Side.

The rugged rock outcrop marking the true summit of Barf

Trip Reports

A Whinlatter Round05/10/2014

Barf, Lord's Seat & Broom Fell01/02/2014

Return to Lake District – North Western Fells