NY2700 : Swirl How Cairn

Great Carrs

785m Elevation
23m Prominence
England Country
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NY2700 : Swirl How Cairn

Darren Haddock Photo source

Explore routes near Great Carrs

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

Tarn Hows Fast Route

4.1 km ~1h Moderate

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Scafell Pike via Brown Tonge 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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Helvellyn via Striding Edge

11.2 km ~6h Hard

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Route planning notes

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

Great Carrs from Swirl Howe

A pleasant but steady climb with scenic views along the way.

8.5 km ~3.5 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Nuttall Subsimm Wainwright Birkett Synge Fellranger

Elevation

785m

2,575 ft

Prominence

23m

Coordinates

54.3988, -3.1247

NY270009

OS Map

89 90

Explorer: OL6N

At the Summit

The summit boasts a large cairn and offers stunning 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Terrain & Geology

Rugged with exposed rock sections grassy slopes and the occasional boggy patch to keep your boots on their toes.

Great Carrs is primarily composed of volcanic rock, specifically tuff and lapilli - a great place for rock collectors and geologists alike to get their hands dirty.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, one can see the majestic Scafell Pike, the beautiful Coniston Water, and a plethora of rolling hills and lakes that the Lake District is famous for.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Carrs' is derived from the Old Norse word for ‘rocky hill’, a fitting description for this rugged peak.

Historical Significance

Great Carrs was once a vantage point for sheep farmers and is steeped in the agricultural history of the Lake District.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is parking available at the Brown Howe car park, located off the A593, with spaces for several vehicles.

Public Transport

The nearest bus stop is at the village of Coniston, which is about 5 km away and has services from nearby towns.

Nearby Facilities

Coniston has several amenities, including cafes, pubs, and public toilets, perfect for quenching your thirst post-hike.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Be aware of sudden weather changes which are common in the Lake District; slippery rocks and mud during wet conditions; and ensure you have adequate navigation skills due to the rugged terrain.

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 Great Carrs?

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

Are there other walkers around Great Carrs?

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 Great Carrs search or of course create your own walk for Great Carrs

Can I organise a walk to Great Carrs?

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 Great Carrs.

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 Great Carrs?

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 Great Carrs 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: NY270009

View on OpenStreetMap

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

Nearby Hills

Wetherlam

763m

 The Old Man of Coniston [Coniston Old Man]

The Old Man of Coniston [Coniston Old Man]

802m

Pike of Blisco

703m

Dow Crag

778m

Crinkle Crags - Long Top [Second Crinkle]

859m
See 5 more nearby hills