Barrow

Barrow above Braithwaite

Barrow is the 455-metre Wainwright immediately above Braithwaite, at the eastern end of the North Western Fells. Its grassy ridge offers a compact fell walk with a broad view of the mountains around Keswick. Derwentwater, Skiddaw and the entrance to Newlands are close enough to give the landscape a clear shape, while the higher Coledale fells form a much larger backdrop.

The appeal is not simply that Barrow is lower than its neighbours. From a village start, the walk passes through working farmland and onto open fell within a relatively short distance. It can be a worthwhile outing on its own, or the first summit in a longer day over Stile End and Outerside. Those extensions need their own route plan: Barrow is not part of a short, direct circuit over Cat Bells.

Ridge, summit and surrounding valleys

The ridge climbs south-west from Braithwaite, then falls into the saddle of Barrow Door. Stile End rises beyond the saddle, with Outerside farther west. Barrow Gill cuts into the northern side of the fell, while Stonycroft Gill lies beyond its southern slopes. The different valleys explain why seemingly close neighbouring summits do not always make simple connections.

A small cairn marks the summit area. The highest ground is an unmarked point about five metres north-north-east of it, rather than a trig pillar. The fell is a Wainwright and Birkett; its prominence of about 70 metres does not meet the 150-metre requirement for a Marilyn.

In clear weather the summit gives a useful overview of the local landscape. Look across the Keswick valley towards Skiddaw and Blencathra, over Derwentwater towards the eastern fells, and inland towards the ridges surrounding Coledale. Heather and grass surround the top, but wet ground and short rocky sections interrupt the otherwise open walking.

A complete walk from Braithwaite

One compact circuit starts in Braithwaite, climbs past the Coledale Inn towards Barrow Door, turns onto Barrow's western shoulder and crosses the summit. The return follows the north-eastern ridge towards Braithwaite Lodge and the village. This particular circuit is about five kilometres, with roughly two hours as a guide in good conditions. Breaks, pace and wet or wintry ground can make it appreciably longer.

Walking the circuit in the opposite direction gives the direct ridge ascent first. An out-and-back along that ridge is another option. On the upper ridge, a dip before the final rise can make an intermediate high point look like the summit.

For a longer outing, descend from Barrow to Barrow Door and include Stile End. Continuing to Outerside adds further climbing and distance. Check the complete return to Braithwaite before committing to an extension, especially when cloud, short daylight or tired legs make the higher fells less inviting. None of these short options requires a visit to the old mine workings.

Rocks beneath the grass

Barrow belongs to the Skiddaw Group landscape. Its bedrock includes the Kirk Stile Formation, with fine layers of mudstone and siltstone. These sediments accumulated in an ancient marine basin during the Ordovician period. Later deformation folded and fractured the rocks.

That distinction helps explain the close relationship between the fell and its mining history. Mineral-bearing veins cut through the older rocks, and the pale waste on the eastern flank is a reminder that this apparently rural setting was also an industrial workplace.

Barrow Mine and the Newlands landscape

Barrow Mine, also known as Uzzicar Mine, worked lead-bearing veins on the side of the fell near Low Uzzicar. Documentary evidence reaches back to the seventeenth century, and several later companies attempted to make the workings profitable. The nineteenth-century operation included underground levels, a shaft and water-powered machinery.

The spoil fans remain conspicuous below the fell. They are historic remains, not an invitation to explore underground or scramble across unstable waste. Keep to the established walking paths and respect barriers and notices around old workings. The mine belongs to Barrow's story, but is distinct from Force Crag Mine farther up Coledale.

Planning a visit

Braithwaite is the practical village base. Parking is limited; do not block residents, farm entrances or narrow lanes. The school offers parking only at weekends and during school holidays, subject to its current signs and arrangements. Keswick's lakeside car parks are not a short walk from the start of this circuit.

The Stagecoach X5 serves Braithwaite, making a bus-based outing possible from the surrounding towns. Check the current timetable and return journey before setting out. Shops and pubs are available in the village, with a wider choice of services in Keswick; there are no facilities on the summit.

The normal ridge paths are walking routes rather than technical scrambles, but this remains open fell terrain. Wet grass, loose stones and muddy hollows can be slippery. In mist, identify the correct descending ridge rather than following a convenient-looking path. Keep dogs under close control around livestock, and leave gates as found.