NJ3027 : The Track on Cook's Cairn

Cook's Cairn

756m Elevation
213m Prominence
Scotland Country
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NJ3027 : The Track on Cook's Cairn

Anne Burgess Photo source

Explore routes near Cook's Cairn

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

Aberlour to Carron Bridge: Speyside Way riverside return

9.9 km ~3h Easy

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Craigellachie to Aberlour: Speyside Railway Path Return

7.7 km ~2h 15m Easy

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Loch Kinord: Muir of Dinnet Woodland Circuit

6.4 km ~2h 30m Moderate

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Potarch to Shooting Greens: Deeside Way return

7.9 km ~2h 45m Moderate

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Route planning notes

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

Rothay Park Route

A scenic ascent starting from Rothay Park, weaving through lush woodlands and gradually leading up to the summit.

6.5 km ~2.5 hours Moderate

Grasmere Trail

This winding trail offers beautiful views of Grasmere Lake and takes you directly to the summit of Cook's Cairn.

5 km ~2 hours Easy
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn Graham Simm Deleted Corbett

Elevation

756m

2,480 ft

Prominence

213m

Coordinates

57.3357, -3.1607

NJ302278

OS Map

37

Explorer: OL62W 420W

At the Summit

The summit features a traditional stone cairn, with stone markers laid out in a circle. Perfect for a photo op or to contemplate the meaning of life, or at least a good biscuit recipe.

Terrain & Geology

Grassy and rocky with some boggy sections that provide a little extra adventure (bring your wellies just in case!).

Cook's Cairn is primarily composed of volcanic rock, with notable basalt formations. The distinct geography has been shaped by glacial activity, leaving a unique topographical signature that's interesting for geology enthusiasts.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can see the spectacular vistas of the Central Lake District, including views of Windermere and the surrounding fells.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Cook's Cairn' likely refers to an old Scottish origin word for a 'cairn' or pile of stones, possibly used as a marker for one of the many grazing paths.

Historical Significance

Cook's Cairn is steeped in local folklore. It is said to be a popular picnic spot for both locals and visitors who enjoy the breathtaking scenery.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Rothay Park car park, with ample space and reasonable rates. It can fill up quickly during peak tourist season, so arrive early.

Public Transport

Regular bus services run from Ambleside to Grasmere, with a short walk to the trailhead.

Nearby Facilities

The Village of Grasmere has several cafes, toilets, and shops where you can stock up on supplies or treat yourself to a slice of the famous Grasmere gingerbread.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Beware of slippery rocks, particularly after rain. Some sections may become muddy and challenging.

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 Cook's Cairn?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Cook's Cairn through the maps

Are there other walkers around Cook's Cairn?

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 Cook's Cairn search or of course create your own walk for Cook's Cairn

Can I organise a walk to Cook's Cairn?

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 Cook's Cairn.

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 Cook's Cairn?

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 Cook's Cairn 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

Cook's Cairn location map

Grid reference: NJ302278

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.

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