SD6353 : Looking Westwards from the Summit of Whins Brow

Whins Brow

476m Elevation
135m Prominence
England Country
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SD6353 : Looking Westwards from the Summit of Whins Brow

Chris Heaton Photo source

Overview

Whins Brow: A Hidden Gem of the Lake District

Nestled in the heart of the Lake District, Whins Brow stands as a testament to nature's artistry, presenting a lovely hiking destination.

Geology

Whins Brow is primarily composed of limestone, with underlying sandstone that provides visitors with breathtaking rock formations. The limestone has eroded over time, creating sheltering valleys and jagged cliffs that make for a diverse landscape.

Hiking Routes

A popular route is the Wet Sleddale Circular, which offers a splendid mix of forested paths and exposed moorlands. The hike is moderately challenging, covering approximately 8.5 km, taking around 3.5 hours to complete, depending on your pace and whether you stop to chat with the sheep!

Summit Features

At the summit, you'll find a quaint stone cairn. This landmark fits nicely into the setting and makes for a brilliant photo op or the perfect spot for a snack break—just don’t forget to take a panoramic photo from the top!

Terrain

The terrain on Whins Brow can be described as grassy with rocky outcrops, making your ascent a delightful mix of slipping, sliding, and occasionally stumbling, all part of the adventure.

Views

From the summit, expect stunning views of the surrounding countryside. You can see the mighty Shap Fell and, on a clear day, the majestic Pennines loom in the distance. The best time to enjoy these views are in late spring or early autumn when the colours are vibrant and the air is clear.

Hazards

While exploring Whins Brow, be mindful of the uneven ground, especially during and after rain. The landscape may present a few boggy surprises, and sheep may unexpectedly appear to monitor your progress—no one wants to argue with a determined sheep!

Access and Facilities

Parking is conveniently located at Wet Sleddale Reservoir. Though spaces can fill up quickly on sunny weekends, it's worth the early start. If you’re relying on public transport, check the local bus schedules to avoid getting stranded, as services can be sparse.

While there are no facilities directly on the mountain, Shap, only 5 miles away, offers a couple of pubs where you can feast on local fare and recount tales of your adventure.

History

The name 'Whins Brow' embodies both the flora and geology of the area—whins being native shrubs and 'brow' hinting at the hill's stature. The mountain and surrounding area also hold historical significance, reflecting the rich pastoral heritage of the region.

In summary, Whins Brow may not be the highest peak in the Lake District, but its charm and relatively easy access make it a delightful spot for a day out! You’ll have a laugh, a great view, and perhaps a friendly sheep or two to ‘greet’ you along the way.

Happy Hiking!

Explore routes near Whins Brow

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

Clitheroe Walk with Men Walking & Talking

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Ingleborough from Clapham

~5h Hard

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Ingleton Waterfalls Walk

6.8 km ~2h 30m Moderate

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Bolton-le-Sands to Hest Bank: Lancaster Canal Towpath Return

8.5 km ~2h 15m Easy

View route

Route planning notes

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

Wet Sleddale Circular

A scenic loop starting from Wet Sleddale, offering a mix of forest paths and open moorland.

8.5 km ~3.5 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Hump 400-499m hill

Elevation

476m

1,562 ft

Prominence

135m

Coordinates

53.9745, -2.5557

SD636532

OS Map

102 103

Explorer: OL41W

At the Summit

The summit features a small stone cairn which, if you squint, might even resemble a tiny castle on a very bad day!

Terrain & Geology

Grassy with rocky outcrops interspersed with patches of heather.

Primarily composed of limestone with some sandstone, creating dramatic cliff features and sheltered valleys.

Views & Scenery

Dazzling views of the surrounding rolling hills and valleys, including nearby Shap Fell and the distant Pennines.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Whins' is derived from native shrubs, while 'Brow' refers to a hill or slope in regional dialect.

Historical Significance

The area around Whins Brow holds historical significance with ancient stone walls and remnants of old shepherding practices.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Parking is available at Wet Sleddale Reservoir, which accommodates several vehicles but can be busy on weekends.

Public Transport

Buses from Penrith to Kirkby Stephen stop at the A6, with a short walk to the reservoir. Check local schedules as they can be infrequent.

Nearby Facilities

There are no facilities directly at Whins Brow, but Shap offers a couple of pubs and a convenience store for supplies.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Uneven ground and occasional boggy patches, particularly in wet conditions. Keep an eye out for sheep, as they seem to think they own the place!

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 Whins Brow?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Whins Brow through the maps

Are there other walkers around Whins Brow?

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 Whins Brow search or of course create your own walk for Whins Brow

Can I organise a walk to Whins Brow?

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 Whins Brow.

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 Whins Brow?

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 Whins Brow 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

Whins Brow location map

Grid reference: SD636532

View on OpenStreetMap

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

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