NY1920 : From Sail

Sail

773m Elevation
32m Prominence
England Country
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NY1920 : From Sail

Michael Graham Photo source

Overview

Sail: The Gentle Giant of the Lake District

Nestled in the heart of the Lake District, Sail is a delightful Marilyn with an elevation of 239 meters. Don't let its modest height fool you; Sail offers stunning vistas and a charming hiking experience.

Geology

The mountain is predominantly made up of volcanic rocks cherished by geologists. The Borrowdale Volcanic Group, formed from ancient volcanism, provides a rugged landscape worth exploring. Keep an eye out for old lava flows and interesting rock formations!

Routes

Two primary routes attract hikers to Sail. The Sail Beck Trail is a pleasant 9 km hike that takes approximately 3.5 hours to complete. It's a moderate trail suitable for most fitness levels. For those with a taste for adventure, the Coledale Horseshoe offers a more challenging 12.5 km circuit that includes Sail and its magnificent neighbouring peaks, taking around 5 hours to conquer.

Terrain

Be prepared for a mix of terrain – from rocky paths to grassy slopes, you may encounter some mud along the way (so waterproof boots are advised!).

Views

Upon reaching the summit, you will be greeted with breathtaking panoramic views, including the majestic Scafell range and the tranquil Derwentwater.

Hazards

While Sail is a friendly mountain, it's wise to pay attention to sudden weather changes and avoid the steep drops near the summit.

Access

Parking is a breeze at the Braithwaite Village car park, and public transport from Keswick makes it accessible for everyone. After your hike, why not pop into a local café for a well-deserved slice of cake?

Conclusion

Whether you're taking on Sail for a leisurely day hike or seeking its heights as part of a greater adventure, you'll find a welcoming community, stunning views, and a touch of Scottish charm at every twist and turn. Don’t forget your camera – the views are picturesque enough to make even the most seasoned hiker jealous!

Final Thoughts

So lace up those boots and prepare to have a whale of a time on Sail. Just remember, if you see a sheep looking back at you as if to say, 'Well, how do you do?', it's not being rude – it's just curious about your choices!

Happy hiking!

Explore routes near Sail

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

Whinlatter dark skies walk

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Whinlatter dark skies walk

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Scafell Pike from Seathwaite via the Corridor Route

14.1 km ~7h Hard

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Steeple, Scoat Fell and Haycock from Ennerdale

View route

Route planning notes

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

Sail Beck Trail

A popular route starting from the village of Braithwaite. It winds through the picturesque countryside before ascending via the beck, offering stunning views along the way.

9 km ~3.5 hours Moderate

Coledale Horseshoe

A rewarding circuit that includes Sail along with several neighbouring peaks. It combines stunning vistas and a variety of terrains, perfect for those seeking a full day out.

12.5 km ~5 hours Challenging
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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

Simm Hewitt Nuttall Wainwright Birkett Synge Fellranger

Elevation

773m

2,536 ft

Prominence

32m

Coordinates

54.5713, -3.2418

NY198202

OS Map

89 90

Explorer: OL4S

At the Summit

At the summit of Sail, you will find a splendid stone cairn that marks the highest point, along with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.

Terrain & Geology

Mixed; rocky paths and grassy inclines with occasional muddy patches.

Sail is primarily composed of volcanic rock from the Borrowdale Volcanic Group, a testament to the dramatic geological history of the Lake District. The rugged terrain holds a variety of igneous formations, appealing to both geologists and outdoor enthusiasts.

Views & Scenery

On a clear day, the views reach as far as the Scafell range and Derwentwater, with rolling hills and distant peaks providing a feast for sore eyes.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Sail' is derived from Old Norse, thought to mean 'slope' or 'sail' as it resembles a sail in profile when seen from certain angles.

Historical Significance

Sail has long been a favourite of both local and visiting mountaineers, contributing to the rich tapestry of outdoor culture in this picturesque region.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Braithwaite Village car park (free), conveniently located at the starting point of several routes including the Sail Beck Trail.

Public Transport

Regular bus services operate between Keswick and Braithwaite, making it accessible for those relying on public transport.

Nearby Facilities

Cafes and public toilets can be found in Keswick, with additional facilities in Braithwaite village for a quick pit stop before you hit the trail.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Potential risks include steep drops near the summit, sudden weather changes, and the ever-present opportunity for a muddy fall (a rite of passage for many hikers!).

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 Sail?

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

Are there other walkers around Sail?

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 Sail search or of course create your own walk for Sail

Can I organise a walk to Sail?

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 Sail.

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 Sail?

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 Sail 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

Sail location map

Grid reference: NY198202

View on OpenStreetMap

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

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