NY1925 : On Brown How

Whinlatter [Brown How - Whinlatter]

517m Elevation
16m Prominence
England Country
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NY1925 : On Brown How

Michael Graham Photo source

Overview

Whinlatter [Brown How - Whinlatter]

Nestled in the heart of the Lake District, Whinlatter is not just any hill; it's a Marilyn, standing tall at 550 meters. This peak offers a delightful mix of adventure and scenery that will have hikers coming back for seconds, or thirds, if they’re patient enough to tackle the circuit!

Geology

Whinlatter's rocky composition reveals its volcanic origins, with layers of ancient lava flows and ash deposits telling tales from the early Carboniferous period. This geological history has sculpted the area into the stunning landscape we enjoy today, making each step an echo of the earth's fiery past.

Routes

You'll find numerous routes weaving their way through this magical landscape. The Whinlatter Forest Park Loop is perfect for families and casual walkers, providing access to the sights without heading for the hills. For a more taxing workout, the Grisedale Pike & Whinlatter Circuit is a beloved choice, combining challenging ascents with scenic rewards.

Summit Features

At the summit, a sturdy cairn crowns the hill, a classic touch to any mountain top. Hikers can snap a selfie while enjoying the sweeping views of the nearby fells and valleys below. Remember, it's all about bragging rights!

Terrain

Expect a medley of rocky outcrops and soft grassy patches. The terrain can be uneven at times, so sturdy boots are your best companions here.

Views and Best Seasons

From the summit, take in the sights of Skiddaw and the Solway Firth. Spring and early autumn are prime times for photos, as wildflowers and fall foliage create a painter's palette of colours.

Hazards

Stay alert! Slippery paths and the occasional falling branch can keep you on your toes. Always put safety first and choose your footwear wisely.

Nearby Summits

Adventure seekers can easily extend their trip to nearby Grisedale Pike or Barrow, perfect for adding more peaks to your list!

Access and Facilities

Access to Whinlatter is straightforward, with parking available at the Whinlatter Forest Visitor Centre. Public transport options connect you to the nearby town of Keswick, ensuring that everyone can join in on the fun. The Visitor Centre not only houses toilets and a café with heavenly cakes (seriously, save room for dessert!), but also offers essential info on the surrounding area.

History

The name 'Whinlatter' is steeped in local lore, linking to gorse and ancient climbing routes. It's a place imbued with history, once crucial for forestry and wildlife conservation. Today, it remains a beloved spot for hikers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Whether you're chasing views or just after a breath of fresh air, Whinlatter is a splendid destination for all. Just remember, the best views come after the hardest climbs, so keep that in mind as you lace up your hiking boots!

Happy hiking!

Explore routes near Whinlatter [Brown How - Whinlatter]

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

Whinlatter dark skies walk

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Whinlatter dark skies walk

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Binsey from Binsey Lodge Direct Out and Back Wainwright

2.4 km ~1h 30m Moderate

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Steeple, Scoat Fell and Haycock from Ennerdale

View route

Route planning notes

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

Whinlatter Forest Park Loop

A scenic route through the forest leading to the summit, ideal for walkers of all levels.

5 km ~2 hours Moderate

Grisedale Pike & Whinlatter Circuit

Combines the ascent of Grisedale Pike with a traverse of Whinlatter, offering stunning views across the Lakeland fells.

10 km ~4.5 hours Challenging
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Wainwright Birkett Synge Fellranger

Elevation

517m

1,696 ft

Prominence

16m

Coordinates

54.6149, -3.2540

NY191251

OS Map

89 90

Explorer: OL4S

At the Summit

The summit features a stone cairn and a wooden signpost marking the height, along with breathtaking panoramic views.

Terrain & Geology

A mix of rocky outcrops and grassy slopes with areas of forested paths leading up to the summit.

The area comprises volcanic rocks, primarily lava flows and ash deposits, formed during the early Carboniferous period, which contribute to the ruggedness of the terrain.

Views & Scenery

During clear weather, you can see as far as the northern fells like Skiddaw, and the Solway Firth stretching to the west.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Whinlatter' derives from 'whin', an old term for gorse, and 'latter', meaning a place to climb or ascent.

Historical Significance

Historically, Whinlatter has been important for forestry and local wildlife conservation, playing a key role in the Lake District's natural heritage.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Whinlatter Forest Visitor Centre has ample parking and an information point for hikers.

Public Transport

Stagecoach bus services run regularly from Keswick to the Whinlatter area.

Nearby Facilities

The Visitor Centre offers toilets, a café serving delicious cakes, and a gift shop ensuring you leave with a little something for the folks back home.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Proper footwear is essential due to steep and potentially slippery paths. Watch out for falling branches, especially in windy 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 Whinlatter [Brown How - Whinlatter]?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Whinlatter [Brown How - Whinlatter] through the maps

Are there other walkers around Whinlatter [Brown How - Whinlatter]?

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 Whinlatter [Brown How - Whinlatter] search or of course create your own walk for Whinlatter [Brown How - Whinlatter]

Can I organise a walk to Whinlatter [Brown How - Whinlatter]?

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 Whinlatter [Brown How - Whinlatter].

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 Whinlatter [Brown How - Whinlatter]?

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 Whinlatter [Brown How - Whinlatter] 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

Whinlatter [Brown How - Whinlatter] location map

Grid reference: NY191251

View on OpenStreetMap

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

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Fleetwith Pike

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