SD1385 : You'd expect to be able to see the top from here...
Moderate hillwalk; navigation and stamina needed

Black Combe

600m Elevation
362m Prominence
England Country
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SD1385 : You'd expect to be able to see the top from here...

Richard Law Photo source

Overview

Black Combe

Black Combe is a 600.2 m fell near the coast in the south-western Lake District. Its open position gives extensive views over the Irish Sea, Duddon Estuary and Lakeland mountains; the Isle of Man may be visible when clear.

The highest recorded ground is beside the west side of the summit shelter, 8 m west of the trig point. The primary record also notes equally high ground 20 m south-southwest. Black Combe South Top is a separate summit and is not included automatically in this walk.

Whicham and Whitbeck circuit

Start at the small church car park at St Mary’s, Whicham, SD134827. Follow the path by the Old School, lane and Moor Gill route, climbing via Townend Knotts. Descend north from the summit via Charley Fold and Butcher’s Breast, rather than taking the north-east path towards White Combe. Cross Hallfoss Beck and head south past Fell Cottage to Whitbeck. The return climbs onto the hillside, traverses south across Townend Gill and follows the mapped paths through bracken and woodland above the A595 to the church.

UKHillwalking gives 13.6 km, 674 m ascent and 4–6 hours for the complete circuit. Boggy sections, stream crossings and several return-path junctions require care. Carry a map and compass; summit mist can make the wrong descent easy to choose. Strong wind, wet ground and winter conditions can increase the difficulty.

Landscape and access

BGS describes Black Combe as part of an Ordovician Skiddaw Group inlier, chiefly mudstone and siltstone with alteration and cleavage. This is older than the Silurian rocks previously attributed to the hill.

The official west-coast pylon-works notice, updated 14 October 2026, said none of its paths was then closed. Further closures of Whicham / Silecroft footpaths 430001, 430004 and 430015 were still expected before mid-February 2027; the order runs to 14 April 2027. Check the current notice and on-site signs before walking, especially when planning a station connection. This is not a claim that the summit circuit is closed, nor a promise of future unrestricted access.

Silecroft is a nearby railway station. Its approach to Whicham is additional to the circuit’s 13.6 km, so plan both connections and check return trains. Respect church parking arrangements and the honesty box described by the route author. Current café and toilet facilities at the start were not verified; bring supplies.

Sources checked: 18 October 2026.

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Route planning notes

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

Black Combe circuit from Whicham via Whitbeck

Start and finish at St Mary’s Church, Whicham, SD134827. Take the path by the Old School, turn left onto the lane and right onto the Moor Gill path. Climb via Townend Knotts to Black Combe. Leave the summit north, avoiding the north-east path towards White Combe; continue via Charley Fold and Butcher’s Breast to Hallfoss Beck. Follow the southward path past Fell Cottage to Whitbeck, then turn uphill and traverse south above the fields. Cross Townend Gill, follow the fence-side path, cross the diagonal track and descend through bracken to the path above the A595. Follow the mapped path through woodland back to Whicham church. UKHillwalking gives 13.6 km, 674 m ascent and 4–6 hours for this complete circuit. Check current local closure notices.

13.6 km Moderate hillwalk; navigation and stamina needed
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn Simm Dewey Wainwright Outlying Fell Birkett Synge Fellranger

Elevation

600m

1,969 ft

Prominence

362m

Coordinates

54.2577, -3.3287

SD135854

OS Map

96

Explorer: OL6S

At the Summit

The highest recorded ground is on the west side of the shelter, 8 m west of the trig point, at SD1354485486. Ground 20 m south-southwest at SD1353485471 is recorded as equal in height.

Terrain & Geology

Grassy with rocky outcrops and short steep sections. The paths can be a bit muddy after rain so don’t forget your boots!

Black Combe is an inlier of the Ordovician Skiddaw Group. British Geological Survey describes a succession dominated by mudstones and siltstones, locally altered and cleaved, with some sandstone and igneous intrusions in the wider inlier. It is not a predominantly Silurian hill.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you'll catch sprawling views of the Irish Sea, the Duddon Estuary, and the distant peaks of the Lake District. On clear days, the Isle of Man can be seen.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

The UKHillwalking circuit starts at the small car park by St Mary’s Church, Whicham, SD134827, described with an honesty box. Respect current signs and church use; do not obstruct gates or roads.

Public Transport

Silecroft station on the Cumbrian Coast Line is a nearby rail option, confirmed by National Rail. Reaching Whicham church adds an approach outside the 13.6 km circuit; plan it and check current trains, return times and local path restrictions.

Nearby Facilities

No current café or toilets at the Whicham church route start were verified. Bring food and drink; check facilities and opening hours separately in surrounding settlements.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • The exposed summit can be windy and misty. Take care choosing the northern descent; the obvious north-east path leads towards White Combe instead.
  • Boggy sections near Whitbeck and stream crossings can be difficult in wet conditions. The southern hillside return has several junctions and needs deliberate navigation.
  • Check the current Whicham / Silecroft pylon-works notices. On 14 October 2026 LDNP reported no paths currently closed under that order, but further local closures were expected before mid-February 2027. Obey barriers and do not improvise a route through works.

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 Black Combe?

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

Are there other walkers around Black Combe?

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 Black Combe search or of course create your own walk for Black Combe

Can I organise a walk to Black Combe?

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 Black Combe.

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 Black Combe?

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 Black Combe here

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

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Location

View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.

Grid reference: SD135854

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