SD3191 : Arnsbarrow Tarn

Top o' Selside

333m Elevation
187m Prominence
England Country
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SD3191 : Arnsbarrow Tarn

Tom Richardson Photo source

Explore routes near Top o' Selside

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

Coniston to Tarn Hows: Monk Coniston Gardens and Woodland Circuit

8.1 km ~3h Moderate

View route

Tarn Hows Fast Route

4.1 km ~1h Moderate

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Great Carrs Halifax Wreckage from Wrynose Pass

4.6 km ~3h Hard

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Sizergh: Park End Moss and Brigsteer Park Wood Circuit

4.6 km ~3h Moderate

View route

Route planning notes

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

Selside End

A scenic route starting at Selside End, taking you gradually upwards through lush meadows before reaching the rocky summit.

5 km ~2.5 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn 300-399m hill Synge

Elevation

333m

1,094 ft

Prominence

187m

Coordinates

54.3183, -3.0635

SD309919

OS Map

96 97

Explorer: OL6N OL7N

At the Summit

The summit features a modest stone cairn that stands as a proud marker for those who have trekked their way up. On a clear day, you might spot a few sheep taking in the views, too.

Terrain & Geology

The terrain varies from grassy slopes to rocky outcrops providing a bit of a workout for your legs but nothing a decent pair of boots can't handle.

Top o' Selside is predominantly composed of limestone, which creates an interesting rocky landscape interspersed with grassy patches. The presence of limestone also means that there are unique karst features in the area, which can be fascinating for geology enthusiasts.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding fells, including the distant peaks of the Coniston range and the shimmering waters of Coniston Water. On a clear day, the sight is quite spectacular.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Top o' Selside' suggests a geographical marker atop the Selside area, with 'Selside' deriving from Old Norse, referring to a land or area by the 'seal' (likely referring to its aquatic surroundings).

Historical Significance

The area around Top o' Selside has been populated for centuries, with evidence of ancient farming and community settlements, adding layers of cultural depth to your hike.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a small layby for parking at Selside End, where you can leave your vehicle before setting out on your hike.

Public Transport

The nearest bus stop is in the village of Coniston, approximately 5 miles away, with connections from local towns.

Nearby Facilities

While there are no facilities directly on the mountain, Coniston offers a range of cafes, restaurants, and public toilets for hikers looking for a bite to eat or a quick refresh before or after their adventure.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Be mindful of loose rocks on the ascent and descent. Also, during wet weather, some paths can become slippery.

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 Top o' Selside?

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

Are there other walkers around Top o' Selside?

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 Top o' Selside search or of course create your own walk for Top o' Selside

Can I organise a walk to Top o' Selside?

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 Top o' Selside.

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 Top o' Selside?

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 Top o' Selside 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: SD309919

View on OpenStreetMap

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

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