NY1118 : On Gavel Fell

Gavel Fell

524m Elevation
74m Prominence
England Country

Good walks are even better shared.

NY1118 : On Gavel Fell

Michael Graham Photo source

Explore routes near Gavel Fell

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

Route planning notes

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

Gavel Fell from the East

A popular route starting from the small village of Gameload, this trail provides a steady ascent up grassy slopes and rocky outcrops with a rewarding summit view.

5 km ~3 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Dodd Dewey Wainwright Birkett Synge Fellranger

Elevation

524m

1,720 ft

Prominence

74m

Coordinates

54.5540, -3.3675

NY116185

OS Map

89

Explorer: OL4S 303

At the Summit

The summit of Gavel Fell features a small stone cairn, perfect for a quick selfie. Keep an eye out for the somewhat cheeky summit marker that bravely faces the elements.

Terrain & Geology

Mixed moorland and rocky terrain with some boggy patches – wellies recommended!

Gavel Fell is primarily formed from volcanic rock formed during the late Ordovician period, resulting in a fascinating and rugged landscape. The terrain includes ancient lavas and tuffs that provide evidence of volcanic activity years gone by.

Views & Scenery

From the top, you can gaze at the majestic peaks of the Southern Lake District, including Scafell Pike and the distant silhouette of Coniston Old Man. On a clear day, you might even spot the Irish Sea!

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Gavel' is believed to derive from the Old Norse term for 'gavel,' meaning 'to raise' or 'to lift,' which could hint at its commanding position over the surrounding landscape.

Historical Significance

Gavel Fell has been a part of the local heritage, often referred to by hikers and outdoor enthusiasts as a great introduction to the more prominent fells in the area.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Parking is available at Gameload, with space for approximately 10 vehicles. It's a quiet spot, so don’t worry too much about feeding the meter.

Public Transport

The nearest bus services pass through Coniston, which is approximately 6 miles away. From here, it's a pleasant hike to Gavel Fell.

Nearby Facilities

In Coniston, you’ll find several cafés, pubs, and toilet facilities, offering a warm cuppa or a hearty meal post-hike.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Beware of sudden weather changes – the Lake District is notorious for catching hikers off guard. Boggy sections can also lead to wet feet if you're not careful.

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 Gavel Fell?

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

Are there other walkers around Gavel 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 Gavel Fell search or of course create your own walk for Gavel Fell

Can I organise a walk to Gavel 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 Gavel 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 Gavel 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 Gavel 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: NY116185

View on OpenStreetMap

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