Thunacar Knott

Thunacar Knott

Thunacar Knott is a Wainwright in the Central Fells, close to Harrison Stickle and Pavey Ark. A small tarn lies between its two tops. Fell profile.

Two summit tops

The 723-metre summit, at NY 27975 07992, is a rock three metres north-northeast of the southern cairn. Wainwright’s top is the large cairn on a mound 155 metres north-northwest, at NY 27913 08136. Visit both to distinguish the surveyed summit from the Wainwright top. Summit record.

On a clear day, the northern top looks towards Bowfell, Great End, Great Gable and Glaramara. Summit photographs.

From Stickle Ghyll, returning the same way

Start at Stickle Ghyll car park beside New Dungeon Ghyll. Join the uphill path behind the car park and cross the lower footbridge onto the stream’s east bank. Climb the pitched path and rocky steps, then use the large stepping stones to regain the west bank below Stickle Tarn. Note this crossing for the descent. Lower approach.

From the dam’s west end, climb the path to the col between Harrison Stickle and Pavey Ark, passing below Harrison Stickle’s eastern buttress. Continue up the open slopes to Thunacar Knott’s southern cairn. Visit the summit rock, then continue past the small tarn to the northern Wainwright cairn. Upper approach.

Return past the tarn and southern top, retracing your approach to the col. Descend the same path below Harrison Stickle to the west end of Stickle Tarn’s dam. This route does not use Jack’s Rake. Return line.

Follow the west bank downhill to the stepping stones. Cross back onto the east bank, descend to the lower footbridge, then cross it and follow the path back to your starting car park. Lower descent.

Bedrock

The summit bedrock belongs to the Seathwaite Fell Sandstone Formation, within the Ordovician Borrowdale Volcanic Group. Local geology.

Its sandstone and siltstone contain volcanic debris, with layers of tuff, breccia and conglomerate. The formation also contains andesite intrusions. BGS rock description.

Access and preparation

Stickle Ghyll National Trust car park is pay and display, with public toilets. Use postcode LA22 9JU and check current charges. The 516 bus from Ambleside stops at New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel; check the return timetable before setting out. Visitor information.

Expect steep stone steps and short rocky clambers beside Stickle Ghyll. Wet or icy rock can be slippery. Trail terrain.

Carry a map and compass: the paths across the high ground can be indistinct, especially in mist. Route-finding advice.

Check the mountain forecast and allow daylight for the return. Leave your route and expected finish time with someone, and carry waterproofs, warm layers and drinking water. Turn back if conditions exceed your ability. Heavy rain can make the stream crossing unsafe; snow and ice demand winter skills and equipment. Walking safety and mountain rescue advice.