NY2422 : Swinside from Cat Bells

Swinside

245m Elevation
152m Prominence
England Country

Good walks are even better shared.

NY2422 : Swinside from Cat Bells

Karl and Ali Photo source

Explore routes near Swinside

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.

Swinside Circular Route

A popular circular route that provides a complete tour around the mountain, offering stunning views from various vantage points.

5.2 km ~2.5 hours Moderate

Eastern Ascent

A straightforward ascent from the eastern side, relatively gentle but still rewarding with great views.

3 km ~1.5 hours Easy
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Make a day of it, together

Find someone to share the walk with, or organise a day out along a route you like.

Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn 200-299m hill

Elevation

245m

803 ft

Prominence

152m

Coordinates

54.5915, -3.1725

NY243224

OS Map

89 90

Explorer: OL4S

At the Summit

The summit features a well-constructed cairn, providing a perfect spot for a photo opportunity and a well-deserved rest. There's also a panoramic view indicator for those who want to play 'I Spy' with the landscape.

Terrain & Geology

Grassy with rocky outcrops

Swinside is primarily composed of volcanic rock, which gives it a unique rugged appearance. The mountain features layers of andesite and tuff, remnants of ancient volcanic activity, contributing to its stunning landscape.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you'll catch sight of the majestic Skiddaw, the enchanting Derwentwater, and the rolling hills of the Lake District – truly a feast for the eyes!

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Swinside' is believed to have Norse origins, meaning 'the side of the Swin' – referencing the nearby River Derwent.

Historical Significance

Swinside has been a popular hiking destination for locals and visitors alike, gaining fame for its picturesque routes and family-friendly trails.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is limited parking available at the Swinside Inn, which is just a short walk from the foot of the paths leading to the summit.

Public Transport

The nearest bus stop is located in the village of Portinscale, from which you can walk to Swinside in about 30 minutes.

Nearby Facilities

The Swinside Inn offers food and drinks, and public toilets can be found in Keswick. Additionally, there are facilities at Derwentwater shore.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Loose rocks can be a tripping hazard, especially on steeper sections. It can also get slippery when wet, so wear appropriate footwear.

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 Swinside?

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

Are there other walkers around Swinside?

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 Swinside search or of course create your own walk for Swinside

Can I organise a walk to Swinside?

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 Swinside.

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 Swinside?

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 Swinside 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