SD3191 : Arnsbarrow Tarn

Top o' Selside

333m Elevation
187m Prominence
England Country
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Overview

Top o' Selside

Overview

Top o' Selside, a proud Marilyn, sits at an elevation of 564 meters in the stunning Lake District. It’s a rewarding hike for those looking to enjoy the beautiful Cumbrian countryside, with a height that provides attractive panoramas of both the surrounding fells and lakes.

Geology

The mountain is largely composed of limestone, which provides unique rock formations and karst features that are an adventure in themselves. If the rocks could talk, they would recount tales of ancient seas and the forces that shaped this impressive landscape!

Routes

The Selside End route is particularly scenic, winding through picturesque meadows. It covers about 5 km, taking around 2.5 hours to complete at a moderate pace, allowing you to relish the fresh air and stunning scenery.

Summit Features

The crown jewel of Top o' Selside is undeniably the stone cairn marking the summit. It’s a great spot for a photo op, especially if you can get a sheep to photobomb your picture.

Terrain

Hikers should be prepared for a bit of a workout. The terrain ranges from grassy slopes, which are perfect for a gentle stroll, to rocky sections that might test your footing.

Views

Stand atop Top o' Selside and bask in the beauty of the Lake District. From there, Wetherlam and Coniston Water can be easily spotted, providing endless opportunities for photography, particularly during the spring or autumn months when the visibility is finest.

Hazards

While the hike is not overly treacherous, do keep an eye out for loose rocks – they have a talent for rolling away unexpectedly! Wet paths can also be a little tricky, so sturdy boots are a must.

Nearby Summits

Consider pairing your hike with a visit to nearby Wetherlam or Holme Fell for more breathtaking views.

Access

Nearest parking is available at a small layby at Selside End. For public transport, the village of Coniston is your best bet; just a short journey away.

Facilities

While you won't find shops on the mountain itself, Coniston boasts plenty of cafes and even public toilets – perfect for refreshing yourself after a long hike!

History

The name Top o' Selside has an intriguing etymology, hinting at a rich history filled with ancient settlements and farming. As you hike, consider the generations before you who roamed these hills.

Happy hiking, and remember: the only thing better than the view is the smile you’ll wear when you reach the top!

Explore routes near Top o' Selside

Public walks starting within 80 km of this hill. Nearby does not mean a route reaches the summit; check its map and access before setting out.

Grizedale: Silurian Way walking trail

19.9 km 6h 40m–10h Hard

View route

Coniston to Tarn Hows: Monk Coniston Gardens and Woodland Circuit

8.1 km 2h 5m–2h 45m Moderate

View route

Tarn Hows Fast Route

4.1 km 1h 5m–1h 25m Moderate

View route

Windermere west shore: Ash Landing to Wray and back

13.9 km 3h 30m–4h 40m Moderate

View route

Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches, not verified navigable routes or permission to cross land. Check current paths, local access rules and conditions before setting out.

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

Check current local access restrictions, parking rules and transport timetables before travelling. These notes do not confirm public access to the summit.

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

Top o' Selside location map

Grid reference: SD309919

View on OpenStreetMap

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

Hills within 30 km

Straight-line distance, not a walking route or confirmation of access.

The Old Man of Coniston [Coniston Old Man]

The Old Man of Coniston [Coniston Old Man]

802m

Wetherlam

763m

Dow Crag

778m

Pike of Blisco

703m

Loughrigg Fell

335m
See 5 more nearby hills

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