NY1311 : Crags, Silver Cove

Caw Fell

697m Elevation
22m Prominence
England Country
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NY1311 : Crags, Silver Cove

Michael Graham Photo source

Overview

Caw Fell: A Hiker's Delight

Nestled in the heart of the Lake District, Caw Fell stands proudly at an elevation of 651 meters. This charming hill, classified as a Hewitt, offers not only stunning views but also a terrain that promises an enjoyable hiking experience.

Geology

Caw Fell is primarily composed of ancient volcanic rock from the Borrowdale Volcanic Group. Its rugged features tell a story of fiery geological activity that shaped the stunning landscape we see today. Expect rocky outcrops and impressive crags, perfect for those who love a bit of geology on their adventures!

The Route

The most popular route to the summit starts from the northern forestry road. This path is well-trodden, making it easy to follow. Spanning around 8.5 km round trip, it takes an average of 3.5 hours to navigate, but don't rush; take the time to soak in the beauties around!

Summit Features

At the peak, you will find a sturdy stone cairn, a typical feature in the area, allowing for that perfect summation selfie. Just be careful not to confuse the cairn with a rock garden; they may both invite you, but one’s the true destination!

Terrain Type

Expect to find grassy paths interspersed with rocky sections as you ascend. The terrain does offer a bit of a workout but isn’t overly punishing, making it suitable for most hikers.

Views

Once you reach the top, the views are nothing short of spectacular. Look out to the Isle of Man on a clear day and enjoy sweeping panoramas of the surrounding fells. The best seasons for this wonder are typically late spring through early autumn, particularly at dawn or dusk when nature puts on her finest show.

Hazards

As always, be wary of rapid weather changes in the Lake District. Loose stones and wet ground can be tricky, so sturdy footwear is a must!

Nearby Summits

If you’re keen for more trekking, nearby summits like Great Gable and Pillar are just a stone's throw away, providing stunning additional challenges.

Access

Getting to Caw Fell is straightforward. There's ample parking available at the end of the forest road, and nearby towns like Cockermouth offer all necessary amenities. For those reliant on public transport, travel via bus or train to nearby Wastwater is an option, allowing for a seamless hiking experience.

Facilities

Emerging from the wilds onto civilization? Wastwater's café awaits with hot drinks and delicious treats to refuel after your hike. Plus, public toilets are available for that essential post-hike comfort.

History

Caw Fell’s name reflects its steep ruggedness, derived from Old Norse. Its significance to the Lake District is a nod to its role in humbly welcoming adventurers seeking the beauty that only this region can offer.

Now you know a bit about Caw Fell, so why not lace up those boots and see it for yourself? Just remember: the mountain isn’t going anywhere, so take your time and enjoy the journey!

Explore routes near Caw Fell

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

Steeple, Scoat Fell and Haycock from Ennerdale

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Scafell Pike via Brown Tongue 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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Whinlatter dark skies walk

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Route planning notes

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

Caw Fell from the North

A popular route starting from the track at the end of the forestry road, following a gradual incline until the summit is reached.

8.5 km ~3.5 hours Moderate
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Make a day of it, together

Find someone to share the walk with, or organise a day out along a route you like.

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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Nuttall Subsimm Wainwright Birkett Synge Fellranger

Elevation

697m

2,287 ft

Prominence

22m

Coordinates

54.4869, -3.3413

NY132109

OS Map

89

Explorer: OL4S 303

At the Summit

The summit of Caw Fell features a stone cairn that provides a great vantage point for photos, assuming the wind isn’t too cheeky!

Terrain & Geology

Grassy with rocky outcrops making for a satisfying walk but not too challenging for most walkers.

Caw Fell consists primarily of Borrowdale Volcanic Group rocks, which are mainly andesite and basalt. The dramatic crags and slopes are a testament to the volcanic origins of the region, offering a glimpse into the geological past.

Views & Scenery

The stunning vistas include views over to the Isle of Man, Scafell Pike, and the surrounding fells, ensuring your camera doesn't get a moment's rest.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Caw' is derived from the Old Norse word ‘kǫtr’ meaning ‘steep hill’, which is rather fitting!

Historical Significance

The fell holds historical significance due to its connection to early tourism in the Lake District, as well as being a key feature in local walker’s guides.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There’s a convenient parking area at the end of the forest road off the B5306, approximately 5 km from the village of Wastwater. It's free and easy to access.

Public Transport

The nearest train station is in Ravenglass, followed by a taxi or bus up to Wastwater. Buses run regularly from major towns including Keswick.

Nearby Facilities

While there are no facilities directly on the mountain, Wastwater has a café where walkers can enjoy a hot drink and maybe a slice of cake post-adventure. Public toilets can also be found at Wastwater.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Be mindful of the weather, as conditions can change swiftly. Loose rocks and slippery paths can be encountered, especially after rainfall.

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 Caw Fell?

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

Are there other walkers around Caw Fell?

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 Caw Fell search or of course create your own walk for Caw Fell

Can I organise a walk to Caw Fell?

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 Caw Fell.

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 Caw Fell?

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 Caw Fell 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: NY132109

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Nearby Hills

Pillar

Pillar

892m

High Stile [Grey Crag - High Stile]

806m

Grasmoor

852m

Fleetwith Pike

649m

 Great Gable

Great Gable

899m
See 5 more nearby hills