Birkhouse Moor

Birkhouse Moor

Birkhouse Moor is a 717.6-metre Wainwright in the Eastern Fells. Fell record.

It forms the broad eastern end of Helvellyn’s ridge above Glenridding and Grisedale. Wainwright treated it as a separate fell, although it connects to Helvellyn by Striding Edge. Mires Beck cuts into its eastern slopes through Little Cove. Landscape.

Finding the summit

The highest point and Wainwright top are at NY 36342 15974, marked by loose stones near the ridge wall. The larger cairn at NY 36524 16393 marks the lower north top, not the summit. Summit photographs and locations.

Helvellyn, Striding Edge and Catstycam dominate the western outlook. The climb also opens views back towards Glenridding and Ullswater. Photographic views.

From Glenridding via Mires Beck

From the village car park, take Greenside Road uphill on the north side of Glenridding Beck, passing the Traveller’s Rest. Where the road bends right, continue towards Gillside and cross Rattlebeck Bridge. Follow the signs for Helvellyn via Mires Beck. Village approach.

Pass through the fell gate and turn left into Little Cove. Cross the ford only if conditions allow, then climb the stone-pitched path beside Mires Beck. At the head of the cove, follow the path west beside the wall. It later swings away from the wall before reaching Birkhouse Moor’s summit ridge. Ascent guide.

Turn back at the summit. Retrace the path to Little Cove, descend beside Mires Beck and recross the ford. Return through the gate to Gillside, cross Rattlebeck Bridge and follow Greenside Road back to the car park. Return via Mires Beck.

This is a steep fell walk in good summer conditions. Striding Edge is a separate, exposed scrambling extension and is not part of this route. Terrain beyond the summit.

Geology

The summit bedrock is the Ordovician Helvellyn Tuff Formation, part of the Borrowdale Volcanic Group. Summit geology. BGS describes this volcanic deposit as dacitic lapilli-tuff with layers of tuff. Its mapped extent includes the ground east from Striding Edge towards Glenridding. BGS definition.

Access and facilities

Glenridding’s central car park is charged, with public toilets adjacent and shops and cafés nearby. Check current parking terms and facility opening before travelling. Visitor information.

For public transport, check current services to Glenridding and plan the return journey before setting out.

Preparation and safety

Carry a map and compass you can use in cloud, suitable footwear, waterproofs, warm layers, food and water. Check the mountain forecast, tell someone your route and leave enough daylight for the descent. Wet pitched stones can be slippery, and rain can make the ford unsafe. Avoid exposed ground in storms or strong winds. Snow and ice require winter skills and equipment. Walking safety.