NY3615 : On Birkhouse Moor

Birkhouse Moor

718m Elevation
22m Prominence
England Country
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NY3615 : On Birkhouse Moor

Michael Graham Photo source

Overview

Birkhouse Moor: A Hiker's Haven

Birkhouse Moor is a gem in the Lake District, boasting an elevation of 560 meters. This charming hill is part of the Wainwright collection, which holds a special place in the hearts of walkers across the region.

Geology

With its rugged volcanic rock, Birkhouse Moor stands proudly against the skyline. The landscape is a feast for the eyes, where you can find both rocky outcrops and lush grass, making it a photographer's dream. Don't forget to tell your friends about the geology; they might be more fascinated than you think!

Routes

The Striding Edge Route is the most popular choice, starting from Patterdale. This 8.0 km route is challenging, taking approximately 4.5 hours to complete. The hike via Striding Edge not only gets your heart pumping but also rewards you with some of the most gorgeous views imaginable.

Terrain Type

The terrain is a blend of rugged and rocky paths with patches of grass. It can be a tad slippery after rain, so proper footwear is essential unless you fancy a game of 'guess which rock will trip me up.'

Summit Features

Once you've reached the summit, you'll be greeted by a small cairn that fits right in with the scenery. Prepare for a moment of awe as you breathe in the sights and sounds of surrounding peaks and valleys.

Views

The views from Birkhouse Moor are the stuff of legends! You can see Helvellyn and Catstycam, with the tranquil Ullswater stretching below you. Best to visit during late spring or early autumn when the heavens are less likely to unleash a downpour!

Hazards

Be mindful of loose stones and the chance of quickly changing weather conditions. Those valleys can also be boggier than a British summer, so keep your eyes peeled!

Nearby Summits

Just a stone's throw away, you have Helvellyn and Catstycam, both offering their own challenges and views that will take your breath away (hopefully not literally!).

Access

Getting there is pretty straightforward. The nearest parking is at Patterdale, where buses from Penrith frequently arrive, making it accessible for public transport users.

Facilities

Nearby facilities include cozy cafés serving up hearty meals post-hike and public toilets to freshen up before the journey home.

History

Birkhouse's name suggests 'birch house' owing to the abundant birch trees in the vicinity, and its historical significance as a popular walking route keeps its legacy alive.

In summary, Birkhouse Moor is a splendid choice for hikers looking to enjoy the natural beauty of the Lake District while challenging themselves on the trails. Grab your boots and dive into one of the finest hiking experiences the UK has to offer!

Explore routes near Birkhouse Moor

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Helvellyn via Striding Edge

11.2 km ~6h Hard

View route

Striding Edge, Helvellyn and Catstye Cam

12 km ~6h 30m Hard

View route

Bow Fell from Langdale

View route

Scafell Pike from Seathwaite via the Corridor Route

14.1 km ~7h Hard

View route

Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Striding Edge Route

A popular route starting from Patterdale, this path ascends via Striding Edge, offering stunning views over Lake Ullswater.

8 km ~4.5 hours Challenging
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Nuttall Subsimm Wainwright Birkett Synge Fellranger

Elevation

718m

2,354 ft

Prominence

22m

Coordinates

54.5350, -2.9853

NY363159

OS Map

90

Explorer: OL5S

At the Summit

At the summit of Birkhouse Moor, you'll find a small cairn marking the highest point. The panoramic views from here are simply breathtaking, making the effort worthwhile.

Terrain & Geology

Rugged rocky with grassy areas

Birkhouse Moor is primarily composed of volcanic rock, including andesite and tuff, which lends a rugged charm to its slopes. The terrain can vary from rocky outcrops to grassy patches, making it a delightful study in geology.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can spot Helvellyn, Catstycam, and the expansive Ullswater. On clear days, the vistas extend to the Pennines beyond.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Birkhouse' is thought to derive from the birch trees in the area, while 'moor' reflects its upland kind of charm.

Historical Significance

The mountain has been a favourite among hikers for generations, often featured in various walking guides due to its accessibility and striking views.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a car park at Patterdale, which is a short walk from the footpath leading up Birkhouse Moor.

Public Transport

Regular bus services operate from Penrith to Patterdale, making it accessible for those relying on public transport.

Nearby Facilities

Cafés are available in Patterdale, where you can grab a bite post-hike, and public toilets are located nearby.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Loose stones on steeper paths, sudden weather changes, and potentially boggy areas in the valleys.

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 Birkhouse Moor?

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

Are there other walkers around Birkhouse Moor?

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 Birkhouse Moor search or of course create your own walk for Birkhouse Moor

Can I organise a walk to Birkhouse Moor?

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 Birkhouse Moor.

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 Birkhouse Moor?

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 Birkhouse Moor 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

Birkhouse Moor location map

Grid reference: NY363159

View on OpenStreetMap

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

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