Wansfell (Baystones)

Wansfell rising over Windermere

Wansfell

Height488m (1,601ft)

Prominence147m (485ft)

RegionFar Eastern Fells

Climbed1 Time

Wansfell occupies a significant stretch of territory between Ambleside and the Troutbeck valley, forming the long southern ridge of Caudale Moor. Whilst the summit ridge is relatively narrow and well-defined, the fell itself is broad, with extensive slopes on most sides.

"Wansfell, though its summit ridge is fairly narrow and well defined, the slopes on most sides are extensive, the fell as a whole occupying a broad tract of territory between Ambleside and the Troutbeck valley. A rocky bluff at the south-west extremity of the ridge is known as Wansfell Pike is often incorrectly regarded as the top of the fell." — A. Wainwright

The highest point of the fell is known as Baystones, though it is frequently confused with Wansfell Pike, a rocky bluff at the south-west end of the ridge. The two tops are linked by a dry stone wall. Wansfell Pike is the lower of the two, yet it is often preferred by walkers for its more attractive rocky summit and its superior views, particularly southwards over Windermere. The name "Wansfell" is thought to derive from Old Norse, drawing a parallel to Wansdyke in Somerset; it is believed to mean "Woden's Fell," after the main Norse god. The fell is intimately tied to the town of Ambleside, with Bill Birkett famously noting that "Wansfell is to Ambleside what St. Paul's is to London."

The summit (possibly) of Wansfell - called Baystones

Trip Reports

Wansfell27/01/2015

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