Troutbeck Tongue
Good walks are even better shared.
NY4206 : Summit of The Tongue
Shaun Ferguson Photo source
Overview
Troutbeck Tongue
Troutbeck Tongue, a classic Wainwright hill, rises gracefully above the picturesque village of Troutbeck in the Lake District. With an elevation of 720 meters, it offers a satisfying ascent and a well-deserved panorama at the summit.
Geology
The mountain is primarily composed of ancient volcanic rocks, namely andesite. This geological formation tells the tale of a time when fire and molten rock shaped the landscape, leaving behind a rugged terrain that we enjoy today. It is common to stumble upon fascinating rock formations along your trek.
Route Details
The most popular route begins in Troutbeck village. At approximately 4.5 km in length, it takes about 2.5 hours to complete, making it a moderate hike that is accessible for many walkers, though not necessarily for those expecting a leisurely stroll.
Summit Features
The summit is marked by a sturdy cairn, perfect for that quintessential summit photo and a great place to take a breather. Don’t forget to pat yourself on the back for your efforts!
Terrain Type
Expect a mixture of grassy slopes and rocky outcrops. The path can get steep near the top, so good footwear is a must. If the weather has been rainy, be prepared for some squelchy patches along the way – it’s all part of the adventure!
Views
On reaching the summit, one is greeted with stunning views over the surrounding fells, including the magnificent Helvellyn and the scenic Ullswater. Early morning or late afternoon is the best time to enjoy these vistas, especially during the late spring when the landscape is bursting with colour.
Hazards
As beautiful as it is, the summit does come with some hazards, including steep drops. The paths are often wet and can be slippery, so a cautious tread is wise.
Nearby Summits
For those seeking further adventure, nearby Wansfell Pike and St. Sunday Crag offer additional scenic hiking opportunities and stunning viewpoints.
Access
Parking can be found in Troutbeck village, albeit limited, so arriving early is advisable. The nearest public transport links are from Windermere, with buses servicing the village regularly.
Facilities
A quaint café in Troutbeck serves refreshments after your hike, along with public toilets to freshen up before the journey home.
History
The name 'Troutbeck Tongue' literally translates to a narrow strip of land, beautifully fitting for this ridge that protrudes into the landscape. Long celebrated in hiking literature and a favourite for generations, this mountain embodies the charm of the Lake District.
Enjoy your hike to Troutbeck Tongue—take in the sights, breathe the fresh air, and don't forget to treat yourself afterward. After all, you’ve earned it!
Explore routes near Troutbeck Tongue
Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.
Striding Edge, Helvellyn and Catstye Cam
View route
Helvellyn via Striding Edge
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Tarn Hows Fast Route
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Bow Fell from Langdale
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Route planning notes
These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.
Troutbeck to Troutbeck Tongue
A picturesque walk from Troutbeck village up to the summit, following well-marked trails.
Make a day of it, together
Find someone to share the walk with, or organise a day out along a route you like.
Photo Gallery
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NY4206 : Summit of The Tongue
Shaun Ferguson
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NY4206 : The Tongue
Peter McDermott
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NY4206 : On The Tongue
Michael Graham
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NY4206 : Summit Cairn, Troutbeck Tongue
Michael Graham
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NY4206 : From Troutbeck Tongue
Michael Graham
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NY4206 : Morning sun strikes The Tongue
Karl and Ali
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NY4206 : On Troutbeck Tongue
Michael Graham
Hill facts and local notes
Classifications
Elevation
364m
1,194 ft
Prominence
74m
Coordinates
54.4500, -2.8923
NY422064
OS Map
90
Explorer: OL7N
At the Summit
The summit is adorned with a well-constructed stone cairn, offering a perfect spot for that all-important selfie.
Terrain & Geology
Troutbeck Tongue is primarily composed of volcanic rock, specifically andesite, which creates its rugged terrain. The geological formations here provide insight into the area's dramatic volcanic history.
Views & Scenery
Incredible views of the surrounding fells including Helvellyn, the Fairfield Horseshoe, and the beautiful Ullswater Lake.
History & Heritage
Name Origin
The name 'Tongue' originates from Old Norse, meaning a 'narrow strip of land.' It aptly describes this distinctive ridge.
Historical Significance
Troutbeck Tongue has been a favourite among walkers for generations, featured in Alfred Wainwright's iconic guides to the Lake District.
Getting There & Facilities
Parking
There is parking available in Troutbeck village, but space is limited. Arrive early to secure a spot.
Public Transport
The nearest bus stop is in Troutbeck, accessible from Windermere, which is well-connected by rail and coach services.
Nearby Facilities
The nearby village of Troutbeck has a small café offering refreshments along with public toilets.
Safety Information
Known Hazards
- Steep drops near the summit; wet and slippery paths can be expected, especially after rain.
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 Troutbeck Tongue?
Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Troutbeck Tongue through the maps
Are there other walkers around Troutbeck Tongue?
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 Troutbeck Tongue search or of course create your own walk for Troutbeck Tongue
Can I organise a walk to Troutbeck Tongue?
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 Troutbeck Tongue.
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 Troutbeck Tongue?
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 Troutbeck Tongue 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
Community Discussion
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Location
Grid reference: NY422064
View on OpenStreetMapOpens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.
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