Buckbarrow

Buckbarrow

Buckbarrow rises to 423 metres above the western end of Wastwater. Its recorded summit is a cairn at NY 13570 06125. With only four metres of prominence, it belongs to Seatallan’s slopes rather than forming an independent mountain. Summit record.

The Wainwright top and recorded summit coincide. Buckbarrow belongs to the Western Fells, with Middle Fell and the Scafells visible from its small summit cairn. Wainwright top.

Gill Beck out and back

Gill Beck meets the valley road at NY 129054, west of Greendale. Any approach along this road needs care around traffic. Start location.

Cicerone gives 1.6 km and 325 m ascent from the road to the summit. Doubling that distance gives approximately 3.2 km out and back, excluding the approach from parking. Guidebook route.

Start above Gill Farm with the beck left and wall right. Climb beside the water, then bear right, cross a small gill and reach the ridge. At the rock band, keep left around its end. Continue through the notch, past marshy ground, to the summit on the left. Return southwest along the same path to Gill Beck and the road. Avoid the southern cliff edge and direct scree descent. Ascent and return.

This is a rocky fell walk, not a gentle valley stroll. The approach passes Long Crag and Pike Crag; the summit lies north of Pike Crag. The outlook includes Wastwater, the Scafells and the Wasdale Screes. Terrain and photographs.

Volcanic rock

The summit bedrock is mapped as Birker Fell Andesite Formation, part of the Borrowdale Volcanic Group. Summit geology.

The British Geological Survey describes this formation as chiefly andesite lava flows, with smaller amounts of basalt, dacite and volcaniclastic material. BGS formation description.

Getting there

The published Harrow Head approach describes very limited roadside parking east of the farm. Check signs on arrival, leave entrances clear and have an alternative plan if spaces are unavailable. Parking description.

The National Trust lists toilets at Lake Head car park, farther along Wasdale, rather than at this route’s start. Visitor facilities.

Checked on 6 November 2026, the Wasdale Explorer’s summer season has ended. Its seasonal route links Ravenglass, Gosforth, Nether Wasdale and Greendale. Consult the latest service information before arranging a car-free visit; do not assume a bus will be running. Wasdale Explorer.

Check mapped access land and local signs, and keep dogs controlled around livestock and other visitors. Access guidance.

Planning a safe walk

Allow time for the descent, stops and any road approach. Check the forecast and leave your route and expected return time with someone. Carry suitable footwear, waterproofs, warm layers, food, water, a map and compass, and a headtorch. Keep the party together and turn back if conditions worsen. Winter daylight is short. For an emergency, call 999 or 112 and ask for Police, then Mountain Rescue. Mountain Rescue advice.

Mobile reception is absent in parts of Wasdale. Save travel information beforehand and do not rely on a phone signal for navigation. Local travel advice.