Route: Barrow
Area: North Western Lake District
Date of walk: 11th March 2026
Distance: 3.4 miles
Ascent: 1,200 feet
Weather: Mixed sun and clouds, gale force winds where exposed
Barrow is a relatively small fell at a height of 1,494 feet, but ‘it is set in a wonderful position overlooking a scene as fair as any in the kingdom’ in the words of Alfred Wainwright. We’ve climbed the fell many times and it’s one of our favourites
We parked in the free car park by the Orthodox Church (Old Methodist Chapel) in the pretty village of Braithwaite. Shortly after passing by the village shop we turned off the road and joined the track leading up to Braithwaite Lodge. Beyond the lodge we were soon climbing up open fellside, following the line of the ridge to the top of Barrow. There was a fierce wind blowing and we wondered what the conditions would be like higher up. Clouds were scuttling across the sky resulting in constantly changing light illuminating the superb views over Newlands Valley, Derwent Water, Bassenthwaite Lake and much more besides
There are two or three false summits along the way, but eventually the true summit came into view. By now we were exposed to the full force of the wind and the final push to the summit was extremely arduous. We could hardly stand at the highest point so without ado started the descent to Barrow Door. On reaching this significant junction, where paths lead off in several directions, we turned sharp right to follow the path back into Braithwaite. It was a relief to be sheltered from the wind along this section. The path back to Braithwaite must be one of the simplest descents off a fell in all of lakeland. It’s mostly a grassy path set at a gentle gradient and leads straight back to the start with no navigation issues
Despite the gale force wind at the top, we were glad to have returned to this wonderful little fell – the views had been superb every step of the way
For other walks here, visit my Find Walks page and enter the name in the ‘Search site’ box
Click on the icon below for the route map (subscribers to OS Maps can view detailed maps of the route, visualise it in aerial 3D, and download the GPX file. Non-subscribers will see a base map)
Scroll down – or click on any photo to enlarge it and you can then view as a slideshow
The start of the walk as we follow the lane out of Braithwaite
Coledale Beck on our left
We follow the drive to Braithwaite Lodge, with Barrow behind the trees
We follow the sign through the farmyard at Braithwaite Lodge
Looking back to Braithwaite Lodge and Braithwaite
Grisedale Pike on our right
The start of the climb up the grassy slopes of Barrow
Looking back to Braithwaite, with Skiddaw right of picture
Onwards and upwards
Looking across Swinside to Keswick and Derwent Water
Barrow ahead, strong winds made progress quite difficult at times
The Skiddaw massif, with Blencathra far right
Catbells on the far side of Newlands Valley
Braithwaite below, clustered around Braithwaite How, with Bassenthwaite Lake beyond
Views of Derwent Water and Newlands Valley...
Ever improving retrospective views as we gain height
A down and an up as we pass by a col
Lovely light in Newlands Valley
We arrive on the small summit ridge. Gale force winds made progress tortuous here and we could hardly stand up
Summit of Barrow, with Causey Pike on the left. There is no cairn or other distinguishing feature. We didn't linger here and continued ahead to start the descent
We head towards Barrow Door. We had planned to include Outerside, right of picture, but in view of the gale we decided to give it a miss
Barrow Door below, we turn sharp right here
The start of the easy descent back into Braithwaite. It was a relief to be sheltered from the wind at last
Views of Skiddaw ahead, Braithwaite is in the centre of the picture
This is one of the easiest descents from a fell in Lakeland
A last glance up to Barrow, top left, as we arrive back in Braithwaite
