NY1531 : Pasture, Setmurthy

Watch Hill [Setmurthy Common]

255m Elevation
158m Prominence
England Country
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NY1531 : Pasture, Setmurthy

Andrew Smith Photo source

Explore routes near Watch Hill [Setmurthy Common]

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

Binsey from Binsey Lodge Direct Out and Back Wainwright

2.4 km ~1h 30m Moderate

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Brae Fell from Longlands Wainwright

8.8 km ~3h Moderate

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Mungrisdale Common and Bowscale Fell from Mosedale Valley Wainwright

13.4 km ~6h Hard

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Bannerdale Crags from Mungrisdale Wainwright

6.9 km ~2h Moderate

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Route planning notes

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

Setmurthy Common Trail

A scenic path that meanders through grassy fields and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, ideal for a refreshing hike.

4.5 km ~1.5 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn 200-299m hill Wainwright Outlying Fell

Elevation

255m

838 ft

Prominence

158m

Coordinates

54.6745, -3.3042

NY159318

OS Map

89

Explorer: OL4N

At the Summit

At the summit, you will find a modest cairn and a trig point, both of which offer excellent spots for a photo op or a cheeky selfie with the hill in the background.

Terrain & Geology

Grassy with occasional rocky outcrops the terrain is generally easy to navigate though some areas can be boggy after heavy rains.

The hill is predominantly composed of volcanic rocks, particularly andesites, which were formed during the Ordovician period. This creates a rugged terrain that is both fascinating and offers a glimpse into geological history.

Views & Scenery

From the top, you can enjoy sweeping views of the Solway Firth, Skiddaw, and the surrounding fells, making it a perfect picnic spot for the view-seekers.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Watch Hill' refers to its historical use as a lookout point, providing vantage over the surrounding areas.

Historical Significance

The area is rich in local history, once being part of a larger network of lookout points used for spotting invaders and signaling neighbours.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a small parking area at the bottom of the trail, near the Setmurthy Common entrance. It's free and has space for about 10 vehicles.

Public Transport

The nearest bus service is available from Cockermouth, which is approximately 5 miles away, running regularly on weekdays.

Nearby Facilities

There are no facilities on the hill, but Cockermouth has several cafes, public toilets, and small shops to stock up on snacks before your trek.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Be cautious of sudden weather changes; the area's climate can be quite unpredictable. Also, watch your step as the terrain may be slippery in wet conditions.

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 Watch Hill [Setmurthy Common]?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Watch Hill [Setmurthy Common] through the maps

Are there other walkers around Watch Hill [Setmurthy Common]?

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 Watch Hill [Setmurthy Common] search or of course create your own walk for Watch Hill [Setmurthy Common]

Can I organise a walk to Watch Hill [Setmurthy Common]?

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 Watch Hill [Setmurthy Common].

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 Watch Hill [Setmurthy Common]?

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 Watch Hill [Setmurthy Common] 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: NY159318

View on OpenStreetMap

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Nearby Hills

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Grasmoor

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High Stile [Grey Crag - High Stile]

806m

 Skiddaw

Skiddaw

930m
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