Sail

Sail

Sail Group Walks | Join a Walk

773m Elevation
32m Prominence
England Country

Join group walks, find walking companions and friends, or organise your own!

Classifications

Sim Hewitt Nuttall Wainwright Birkett Sy Fellranger

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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.

Popular Routes

Sail Beck Trail

Moderate

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

Coledale Horseshoe

Challenging

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

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

Find Walking Companions

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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