Great Borne (Herdus)

Great Borne rising over Bowness Knott

Great Borne

Height616m (2,021ft)

Prominence113m (371ft)

RegionWestern Fells

Climbed2 Times

"Great Borne is the name of the summit of the fell locally and correctly known as Herdus, an abbreviated version of the former name of Herdhouse. From Ennerdale, it rises as a massive buttress to the High Stile ridge. It is not prominent in views from other directions, however, and is not frequented by walkers." — A. Wainwright

Anchoring the western terminus of the long ridge dividing Ennerdale and Buttermere, Great Borne presents a massive, craggy buttress above Ennerdale Water. While mapmakers apply the name Great Borne to the summit area, locals throughout West Cumbria predominantly refer to the entire fell as Herdus—a shortened form of the historic name Herdhouse.

The name Great Borne is thought to derive from Old French meaning 'Great Boundary', marking the 13th-century border of the Loweswater forest. Alternatively, it may originate from the Old English bourne, referring to a spring-fed stream rising on the high ground.

Great Borne's fantastic view of Buttermere

The fell features twin tops separated by a shallow dip. The slightly higher southern top holds an Ordnance Survey triangulation pillar alongside a substantial stone wind shelter. The lower northern top features a prominent cairn visible for miles, believed to be the ancient boundary marker from which the fell took its title, yielding extensive views across the Loweswater Fells and Buttermere.

Trip Reports

Great Borne & Starling Dodd26/03/2017

A Tour of Ennerdale19/04/2015

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