Carrock Fell

Carrock Fell

Carrock Fell rises to 662.3 metres in the Northern Fells. Its large summit cairn stands at NY 34169 33639, within a landscape of exposed rock and prehistoric remains. The fell is a Wainwright, Hewitt and Nuttall. Summit record.

Great Calva and Skiddaw lie to the southwest of the summit. Carrock Fell appears in Book Five, The Northern Fells, of Alfred Wainwright’s pictorial guides. Fell profile.

Carrock Fell and High Pike circuit

Allow about five hours for this 11.4 km circuit, with 530 metres of ascent.

From NY353337 near Stone Ends Farm, climb the diagonal scree path into Further Gill Sike. Follow the beck upwards, then cross the eastern top to the summit cairn. Continue west past Round Knott and Miton Hill. At the main track turn right, then left uphill to High Pike.

Retrace to the main track and turn sharply left, descending northeast. At NY324354 turn right past Driggeth Mine. At NY341351 keep right beside Carrock Beck. Reach the lane at NY349351, turn right, use the footbridge beside the ford and follow the verge back to the start. Full route.

The initial climb is steep and loose; Rake Trod needs careful footwork. Beyond Carrock Fell, the path towards Miton Hill can be boggy. This is a fell walk for people comfortable on rough ground, rather than an easy ramble. Terrain notes.

Geology

Carrock Fell’s igneous rocks belong to the Ordovician Carrock Fell Complex. Its several intrusions include gabbro, quartz-gabbro, microgabbro and microgranite, formed from magma emplaced within the crust. BGS geological record.

The summit enclosure

The summit ridge carries a large stone enclosure, protected as a Scheduled Monument along with two round cairns and a medieval shieling. Its tumbled rampart is part of the archaeological site. Leave stones where they lie and do not alter walls or build cairns. Monument record.

The enclosure’s date remains uncertain. The archaeological survey describes a likely Iron Age hillfort but also considers a possible Neolithic origin. Survey summary.

Access and preparation

The route starts beside the road north of Mosedale. Use the roadside spaces around NY353337, north of Further Gill Sike. Follow current parking signs and keep gates, road edges and passing places clear. For a car-free visit, plan how to reach the actual start as well as your journey home; check current timetables before relying on a service. Carry your food and drinking water, and check refreshment opening hours before travelling.

Use a detailed map alongside this outline. Check the mountain forecast, allow enough daylight for the whole circuit and leave your route with someone. Avoid steep ground in storms or high winds. Snow and ice require winter skills and equipment. Walking safety.