The slender ridge line of Barrow cutting across the valley, as seen from the slopes of Outerside

Barrow

Height455m (1,493ft)

Prominence71m (233ft)

RegionNorth Western Fells

Climbed2 Times

Barrow presents itself as a beautifully slender, rolling ridge that climbs steadily out of the valley basin at Braithwaite. Resembling the smooth profile of an ancient burial mound, the fell derives its very name from the Anglo-Saxon word signifying a prominent hill or long earthen barrow ridge. While it stands at a relatively modest height compared to its towering neighbors, the mountain throws a broad, impressive flank straight down into the green depths of the Newlands Valley, before curving gracefully westward to link onto the sprawling upland mass of Outerside.

"Barrow occupies an enviable position overlooking a scene fair as any in the kingdom. In shape a long narrow ridge, rooted in Braithwaite, it rises to present a broad flank to the valley of Newlands, before curving west to join the mass of Outerside.” — Wainwright 1957, Book Two

Because the true summit sits proudly right at the terminal prow of this elevated finger of land, it enjoys a spectacular, unhindered vantage point that far punches above its weight class. Gaining the high point—marked by a simple, compact stone cairn perched atop a clean, turfy covering—rewards walkers with remarkably far-reaching views. The open air serves up a magnificent panorama tracking right across the shimmering expanse of Derwentwater, backed by a particularly pleasing, textbook sighting of the massive profile of Skiddaw rising grandly on the northern horizon.

Standing at the turfy summit cairn of Barrow, enjoying the grandstand view overlooking Derwentwater

Trip Reports

The Coledale Round16/04/2016

The Coledale Round11/08/2013

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