NY2630 : Summit Cairn Bakestall
Strenuous; steep grass and exposed fell

Bakestall

674m Elevation
11m Prominence
England Country
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Overview

Bakestall’s highest ground reaches 673.5 metres, with a separate cairn marking its Wainwright top.

Bakestall

Bakestall stands on Skiddaw’s northern flank above Whitewater Dash and the cliffs of Dead Crags.

Finding the summit

The highest point is 673.5 metres at NY 26631 30738, on ground about 15 metres southwest of the southern cairn. The larger Wainwright cairn stands about 100 metres north at NY 26634 30855. Visit both if you want the highest ground as well as the Wainwright top. Summit data.

From the northern cairn, the Uldale Fells spread out towards Knott and Carrock Fell. Blencathra and Lonscale Fell can be seen to the southeast from the higher top. Bakestall is included in Wainwright’s Book Five, The Northern Fells. Fell profile.

Peter House Farm via Birkett Edge

From Peter House Farm, take the Whitewater Dash track. Turn right before the gate above the falls, climbing Birkett Edge beside the wall and fence. Visit both summit points. Return to the fence, descend Birkett Edge, then turn left on the track back to Peter House Farm. Route and return.

Birkett Edge is steep and sometimes boggy. Keep back from Dead Crags, especially in cloud, and use a detailed map. Birkett Edge and descent guidance.

Geology

The bedrock is the Kirk Stile Formation, part of the Skiddaw Group. Its dark-grey mudstones and siltstones are sedimentary rocks, commonly arranged in thin layers. Formation details.

Access and preparation

Limited roadside parking is available at Peter House Farm, NY 249 323. Keep entrances clear. Starting-point information.

For a car-free visit, plan the connection to Peter House Farm as well as the journey to the area. Check current services and your last return before setting out.

Carry drinking water, food, a map and suitable clothing. Check the mountain forecast and avoid steep, exposed ground in storms or strong winds. Allow enough daylight for the descent and leave your route with someone. Snow and ice require winter equipment and skills. National Park walking advice.

Explore routes near Bakestall

Public walks starting within 80 km of this hill. Nearby does not mean a route reaches the summit; check its map and access before setting out.

Brae Fell from Longlands Wainwright

8.8 km 2h 15m–3h Moderate

View route

Binsey from Binsey Lodge Direct Out and Back Wainwright

2.4 km 40 min–50 min Moderate

View route

Mungrisdale Common and Bowscale Fell from Mosedale Valley Wainwright

13.4 km 4h 30m–6h 45m Hard

View route

Derwentwater Walk: full lakeside circuit from Keswick

15.9 km 4h–5h 20m Moderate

View route

Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches, not verified navigable routes or permission to cross land. Check current paths, local access rules and conditions before setting out.

Peter House Farm via Birkett Edge

Follow the track to Whitewater Dash, climb Birkett Edge beside the fence and visit both summit points. Retrace the entire route to Peter House Farm.

Strenuous fell walk
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Wainwright Birkett Synge Fellranger

Elevation

674m

2,210 ft

Prominence

11m

Coordinates

54.6664, -3.1391

NY266307

OS Map

89 90

Explorer: OL4N OL4S

At the Summit

Highest ground at NY 26631 30738 lies 15 metres southwest of the southern cairn. The separate Wainwright cairn is about 100 metres north, at NY 26634 30855.

Terrain & Geology

A broad approach track followed by steep grassy paths beside a wall and fence; wet sections can be boggy.

Kirk Stile Formation of the Skiddaw Group: thinly layered dark-grey mudstone and siltstone of sedimentary origin.

Views & Scenery

The northern cairn looks across the Uldale Fells towards Knott and Carrock Fell. Blencathra and Lonscale Fell are visible from the higher top.

History & Heritage

Historical Significance

Bakestall appears in Book Five, The Northern Fells, of Alfred Wainwright’s pictorial guides.

Getting There & Facilities

Check current local access restrictions, parking rules and transport timetables before travelling. These notes do not confirm public access to the summit.

Parking

Peter House Farm, NY 249 323: limited roadside spaces. Keep entrances clear.

Public Transport

Plan the connection to Peter House Farm separately and check current timetables and the last return service before travelling.

Nearby Facilities

Carry food and drinking water; do not rely on finding facilities at the fellside start.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Keep well back from Dead Crags, especially in poor visibility.
  • Steep grass and wet ground need care on the descent.
  • Avoid exposed ground in strong winds or storms.

Seasonal Hazards

Snow and ice make the steep slopes more serious. Winter conditions require appropriate equipment, skills and enough daylight for the return.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Bakestall?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Bakestall through the maps

Are there other walkers around Bakestall?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Bakestall search or of course create your own walk for Bakestall

Can I organise a walk to Bakestall?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Bakestall.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Bakestall?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Bakestall here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

Bakestall location map

Grid reference: NY266307

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.

Hills within 30 km

Straight-line distance, not a walking route or confirmation of access.

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See 5 more nearby hills

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