Capple Barrow

196m Elevation
33m Prominence
England Country

Good walks are even better shared.

Explore routes near Capple Barrow

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

Route planning notes

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Grizedale Forest Trail

A scenic loop starting from the Grizedale Visitor Centre that takes you through the lush forest before ascending to Capple Barrow.

8 km ~3.5 hours Moderate

Coniston Old Man Path

A more direct route from Coniston that offers sweeping views of the surrounding fells but does involve a steep ascent.

6.5 km ~2.5 hours Challenging
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

100-199m hill

Elevation

196m

643 ft

Prominence

33m

Coordinates

54.3539, -2.8916

SD421957

OS Map

96 97

Explorer: OL7N

At the Summit

The summit features a modest cairn and a trig point, providing a perfect spot for that celebratory selfie after the ascent. It's not quite Everest, but it’ll do!

Terrain & Geology

Grassy and rocky with some uneven parts interspersed with heather and occasional boggy patches.

Capple Barrow is primarily composed of volcanic rock from the Borrowdale Volcanics, giving it a rugged appearance and interesting geological formations. The area showcases distinctive features such as ash deposits and ancient lava flows.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, hikers can enjoy panoramic views of the central Lake District, including iconic peaks like Scafell Pike and the shimmering waters of Coniston Water.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Capple Barrow' is believed to derive from 'Capple,' indicating a hollow or depression, with 'Barrow' suggesting an ancient burial mound.

Historical Significance

This region has a rich cultural history, often linked to ancient farming practices and local legends regarding the spirits of the fells.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Grizedale Visitor Centre has ample parking for visitors, with facilities available. Just don't forget to feed the meter!

Public Transport

The nearest bus stop is in Coniston, about 8 km away, but be sure to check timetables for service frequency.

Nearby Facilities

There are cafes located at Grizedale Visitor Centre and in Coniston for a warming cup of tea after your hike, as well as public toilets.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Be cautious of slippery paths, especially after rain. There are also occasional exposure areas along the ridge that could be tricky in high winds.

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 Capple Barrow?

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

Are there other walkers around Capple Barrow?

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 Capple Barrow search or of course create your own walk for Capple Barrow

Can I organise a walk to Capple Barrow?

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 Capple Barrow.

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 Capple Barrow?

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 Capple Barrow 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: SD421957

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