SD2874 : Bracken covered bank, Birkrigg Common

Birkrigg Common

136m Elevation
71m Prominence
England Country
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SD2874 : Bracken covered bank, Birkrigg Common

JThomas Photo source

Explore routes near Birkrigg Common

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

Tarn Hows Fast Route

4.1 km ~1h Moderate

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Scafell Pike via Brown Tonge and Hollow Stones

8.1 km ~4h Hard

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Scafell Pike from Seathwaite via the Corridor Route

14.1 km ~7h Hard

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Ingleton Waterfalls Walk

6.8 km ~2h 30m Moderate

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Route planning notes

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

Birkrigg Common Circular

A popular circular route that starts from the car park and takes you around the common, providing access to the summit and stunning views of Morecambe Bay.

5.5 km ~2 hours Easy
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

100-199m hill

Elevation

136m

446 ft

Prominence

71m

Coordinates

54.1588, -3.0989

SD283742

OS Map

96 97

Explorer: OL6S

At the Summit

The summit features a trig point, which offers a good spot for a selfie, and a small stone cairn that is perfect for your morning snack!

Terrain & Geology

Mix of grassy fields and rocky outcrops with well-defined paths.

Birkrigg Common is primarily composed of limestone, a type of sedimentary rock known for its distinctive karst formations. The area features exposed rock faces and interesting geological features including limestone pavements and fissures.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can see the stunning vista of Morecambe Bay, the distant hills of the Lake District, and on a clear day, even the Isle of Man.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Birkrigg' is derived from the Old Norse words 'birk', meaning birch, and 'rigg', which refers to a ridge.

Historical Significance

Birkrigg Common has historical significance due to its many ancient burial mounds and stone circles that indicate human activity in the area dating back thousands of years.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a designated car park at the end of the road leading to Birkrigg Common, just off the B5277. Parking is free but fills up quickly on sunny days.

Public Transport

The nearest bus stop is in Ulverston, from where it's about a 30-minute walk to the common. Buses run regularly, but check the local timetables as they can be a bit sporadic.

Nearby Facilities

Ulverston has several cafes, pubs, and convenient shops for supplies. Toilets can be found in the town centre or at some nearby parks.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Watch out for uneven ground, particularly around the limestone features. Also, be mindful of livestock in the fields.

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 Birkrigg Common?

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

Are there other walkers around Birkrigg Common?

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 Birkrigg Common search or of course create your own walk for Birkrigg Common

Can I organise a walk to Birkrigg Common?

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 Birkrigg Common.

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 Birkrigg Common?

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 Birkrigg Common 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

View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.

Grid reference: SD283742

View on OpenStreetMap

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

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