Swirl How Group Walks | Join a Walk
Join group walks, find walking companions and friends, or organise your own!
Don't walk alone! Find friendly walkers to explore Swirl How together. Join scheduled group walks or start your own.
Elevation
802m
2,633 ft
Prominence
119m
Coordinates
54.3953, -3.1215
NY272005
OS Map
89 90
Explorer: OL6N
The summit of Swirl How is marked by a large, prominent cairn and offers a small trig point. It's the perfect spot to catch your breath and snap a few selfies, preferably without any unflattering wind in your face.
Swirl How is primarily composed of volcanic rock, particularly andesite and basalt, which showcase the violent geological activity that formed the area millions of years ago. The steep crags and rugged landscape are a testament to the region's fascinating volcanic history.
From the summit, you can see the iconic peaks of the Lake District, including the Old Man of Coniston and the expansive waters of Coniston Water below. On a clear day, the panorama is simply breathtaking.
The name 'Swirl' is thought to refer to the swirling winds often experienced at its summit, while 'How' refers to 'hill' in Old Norse. Basically, it means windy hill, which is spot on.
Swirl How and its neighbouring peaks have been a part of the Lake District’s rich cultural heritage and literary history, often featured in the works of famous poets and writers, including William Wordsworth.
This popular route starts from Windermere and meanders through rolling hills, with a steep ascent towards Brim Fell before reaching the summit of Swirl How. Expect stunning views along the way.
A classic approach from Langdale that takes you through some breathtaking scenery. The route features a significant height gain but is well worth the effort for the views.
The nearest parking is at the Walna Scar Road car park, which can accommodate several vehicles but fills up quickly during peak season.
Regular buses run from Ambleside to Coniston, making it easy to reach the starting points for various routes.
Coniston offers various cafés and pubs, as well as toilet facilities. Always good to refuel a bit before or after your hike.
Join friendly walkers exploring Swirl How and surrounding area
More walks starting close to this area
Create a walk and let others join you. It's free and easy!
Some common questions about the hills answered
Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Swirl How through the maps
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 Swirl How search or of course create your own walk for Swirl How
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 Swirl How.
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.
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 Swirl How here
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
Grid Ref: NY272005
Wetherlam
763m
![The Old Man of Coniston [Coniston Old Man]](https://cdn.walkmates.com/gallery-images/0c140e91269b49abbee339fc41828d25.jpg)
The Old Man of Coniston [Coniston Old Man]
802m
Dow Crag
778m
Pike of Blisco
703m
Crinkle Crags - Long Top [Second Crinkle]
859m
+ 5 more nearby hills
Find more walking companions in the area
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!