NY2700 : East ridge of Swirl How

Swirl How

802m Elevation
119m Prominence
England Country
Find walking friends Explore routes

Good walks are even better shared.

NY2700 : East ridge of Swirl How

Trevor Littlewood Photo source

Overview

Swirl How: A Hiker's Delight

Nestled in the heart of the Lake District, Swirl How stands proudly with an elevation of 802 meters, offering stunning vistas for those brave enough to take the trek.

Geology

Swirl How showcases some of the unique geological features of the region. Its formation from volcanic rock means that hikers can marvel at the remnants of ancient eruptions as they traverse its rugged terrain. The rocky paths and steep crags are remnants of forces that shaped this enchanting landscape.

Routes

Several routes lead up to Swirl How, each serving up its own helping of beautiful scenery. The route from Windermere is particularly popular, winding its way through countryside and leading upwards towards Brim Fell before reaching Swirl How. Alternatively, those starting from Langdale will enjoy a more challenging trek, laden with vast landscapes and rich flora along the way.

Summit Features

At the summit, visitors are greeted with a sizeable cairn and a trig point—both perfect for snapping that all-important summit selfie or catching your breath. The 360-degree views from up here are excellent, ideal for those who've earned their lunch with a good hike.

Terrain

Expect rocky paths and occasional grassy patches on your ascent. Watch your step as you navigate the somewhat challenging terrain. A trip down can have its 'Whoops!' moments—choose your steps wisely to avoid becoming a viral sensation!

Views

The views from the peak are nothing short of breathtaking. With the Old Man of Coniston standing nearby and Coniston Water gleaming below, there’s ample opportunity for those Insta-worthy shots. Remember, spring and autumn provide the best visibility and weather conditions.

Hazards

As with all mountain hikes, be mindful of your surroundings. The steep drops require attention, particularly during wet weather when paths may become slippery. Be weather-wise: the infamous Lake District mists can roll in faster than you can say, 'Where did the path go?'

Access

Conveniently, there is ample parking at Walna Scar Road. For those reliant on public transport, there are regular buses running from Ambleside to Coniston that will drop you near the trailheads.

Facilities

Nearby Coniston boasts a variety of cafés and pubs for you to recharge after your adventure—perfect for indulging in a well-deserved slice of cake!

History

The name 'Swirl How' indicates the windy nature of its summit, while its old Norse derivation points to its geological heritage. Over the years, it has inspired countless hikers and writers, embedding itself firmly in the cultural fabric of the Lake District.

In conclusion, if you’re after stunning views, a good workout, and a slice of adventure, Swirl How should be firmly on your hiking radar.

Happy hiking!

Explore routes near Swirl How

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

Great Carrs Halifax Wreckage from Wrynose Pass

4.6 km ~3h Hard

View route

Tarn Hows Fast Route

4.1 km ~1h Moderate

View route

Coniston to Tarn Hows: Monk Coniston Gardens and Woodland Circuit

8.1 km ~3h Moderate

View route

Bow Fell from Langdale

View route

Route planning notes

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

Windermere to Swirl How via Brim Fell

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.

9 km ~4.5 hours Moderate

Langdale to Swirl How

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.

7.5 km ~4 hours Challenging
Browse more walks on the map

Make a day of it, together

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

Find walking friends Plan a walk here
Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Hump Simm Hewitt Nuttall Wainwright Birkett Synge Fellranger

Elevation

802m

2,633 ft

Prominence

119m

Coordinates

54.3953, -3.1215

NY272005

OS Map

89 90

Explorer: OL6N

At the Summit

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.

Terrain & Geology

Rocky with grassy patches and some scree. Be cautious of your footing especially on the descent as you don't want to become a popular meme for slipping on the rocks.

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.

Views & Scenery

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.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

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.

Historical Significance

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.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

The nearest parking is at the Walna Scar Road car park, which can accommodate several vehicles but fills up quickly during peak season.

Public Transport

Regular buses run from Ambleside to Coniston, making it easy to reach the starting points for various routes.

Nearby Facilities

Coniston offers various cafés and pubs, as well as toilet facilities. Always good to refuel a bit before or after your hike.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Steep drops on the approach to the summit. Take care in wet conditions as paths can become slippery. The weather can change unexpectedly, so be prepared with appropriate gear.

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 Swirl How?

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

Are there other walkers around Swirl How?

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

Can I organise a walk to 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.

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 Swirl How?

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

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

Swirl How location map

Grid reference: NY272005

View on OpenStreetMap

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

Nearby Hills

Wetherlam

763m

 The Old Man of Coniston [Coniston Old Man]

The Old Man of Coniston [Coniston Old Man]

802m

Dow Crag

778m

Pike of Blisco

703m

Crinkle Crags - Long Top [Second Crinkle]

859m
See 5 more nearby hills