NY4519 : Path to Bonscale Pike

Swarth Fell (Ullswater)

545m Elevation
5m Prominence
England Country
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NY4519 : Path to Bonscale Pike

Graham Robson Photo source

Explore routes near Swarth Fell (Ullswater)

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

Striding Edge, Helvellyn and Catstye Cam

12 km ~6h 30m Hard

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Helvellyn via Striding Edge

11.2 km ~6h Hard

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Bannerdale Crags from Mungrisdale Wainwright

6.9 km ~2h Moderate

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Mungrisdale Common and Bowscale Fell from Mosedale Valley Wainwright

13.4 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.

Ullswater to Swarth Fell

A popular circular walk starting from the shores of Ullswater, offering panoramic views throughout.

12.5 km ~4.5 hours Moderate

Hartsop Circular Walk

This slightly longer route starts in Hartsop and can include a mix of delightful lakeside and hilltop views.

14 km ~5 hours Challenging
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Birkett

Elevation

545m

1,788 ft

Prominence

5m

Coordinates

54.5682, -2.8459

NY454195

OS Map

90

Explorer: OL5S

At the Summit

The summit features a modest cairn and provides stunning 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains and Ullswater.

Terrain & Geology

Rugged grassy slopes with rocky outcrops at the summit.

Swarth Fell is primarily composed of Skiddaw Slate, a sedimentary rock that formed from ancient ocean sediments. The surrounding scenery is also shaped by glacial erosion, giving the area its distinctive U-shaped valleys and rugged terrain.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can see the picturesque Ullswater lake, the surrounding peaks such as Helvellyn and the distant fells of the Northern Lake District.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Swarth' comes from the Old Norse meaning 'swarthy' or 'dark', possibly referring to the darker colours of the slate rocks.

Historical Significance

Swarth Fell has been a favourite among hikers for its relatively easy accessibility and breathtaking views, making it integral to local outdoor culture.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a car park at Patterdale, which is about 5 km from the start of most trails leading to Swarth Fell.

Public Transport

Stagecoach provides bus services to Patterdale from Penrith and Windermere.

Nearby Facilities

There are basic amenities in Patterdale, including a café, pub, and public toilets.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Unsuitable paths in wet conditions can become slippery. Be cautious of steep drops and changing weather conditions.

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 Swarth Fell (Ullswater)?

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

Are there other walkers around Swarth Fell (Ullswater)?

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 Swarth Fell (Ullswater) search or of course create your own walk for Swarth Fell (Ullswater)

Can I organise a walk to Swarth Fell (Ullswater)?

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 Swarth Fell (Ullswater).

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 Swarth Fell (Ullswater)?

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 Swarth Fell (Ullswater) 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: NY454195

View on OpenStreetMap

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