Wool Knott
Good walks are even better shared.
SD2789 : The Cumbria Way near Wool Knott
Adrian Taylor Photo source
Overview
Wool Knott: A Lake District Gem
Nestled within the stunning landscape of the Lake District, Wool Knott stands at a commendable 377 meters, boasting not just great views but a wonderful walking experience.
Geology
Wool Knott’s solid foundation of slate and granite not only presents an overall robust appearance but also nurtures a unique ecosystem that flourishes in varied weather conditions. After all, it’s the rocky birthright of the Lake District!
Routes
The Wool Knott Circular Route is the most popular pathway around this friendly summit, covering approximately 6 km and taking about 2.5 hours. With moderate difficulty, it welcomes both seasoned hikers and leisurely strollers alike. Keep your eyes peeled for the cheeky sheep that might join you along the way!
Summit Features
Upon reaching the summit, adventurers are greeted by a charming stone cairn, a true hallmark of British hiking. It’s the ideal backdrop for your ‘I made it!’ photos. Just be sure not to confuse it with a pile of stones meant for a game of jenga!
Terrain
The terrain here is predominantly grassy, with a few rocky outcrops that keep things interesting. Just remember, it can be a bit squishy after heavy rain – so perhaps postpone any attempts at dance moves until things dry up!
Views
The summit rewards those who trek up its slopes with breathtaking vistas of Crummock Water and Buttermere. And during the spring and early summer, you’ll find that the landscape turns into a riot of colour, making your journey all the more worthwhile. Consider rising early for the best shots of misty mornings—Instagram will thank you later!
Hazards
While Wool Knott is generally safe, slippery paths can catch the unsuspecting off guard, especially after rain. And with the Lake District weather being as fickle as a cat in a room full of rocking chairs, always prepare for the unexpected.
Access
For those driving, head to the Sheepfold car park off the A66—a convenient spot that may fill up quickly, so arrive early! If you’re relying on public transport, look for the bus routes that service the area from Keswick.
Facilities
Once you've tackled Wool Knott, a trip to Keswick for refreshments is a must. With an array of cafes and shops, it’s the perfect pit stop to refuel—a cup of tea or a slice of cake goes a long way after a good hike!
History
In terms of history, Wool Knott’s name pays homage to its wild past. The peak has been a beloved destination for generations, offering hikers a chance to escape into the natural beauty of the Lake District without the intimidating heights of larger fells.
Wool Knott is a delightful destination for walkers of all ages. It’s a spot where laughter echoes, views amaze, and sheep presumably plot world domination under the watchful eyes of hikers. Happy walking!
Explore routes near Wool Knott
Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.
Coniston to Tarn Hows: Monk Coniston Gardens and Woodland Circuit
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Tarn Hows Fast Route
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Great Carrs Halifax Wreckage from Wrynose Pass
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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.
Wool Knott Circular Route
A pleasant circular route that takes you around Wool Knott, offering different perspectives of the peak and the surrounding landscapes.
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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SD2789 : The Cumbria Way near Wool Knott
Adrian Taylor
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SD2789 : The Cumbria Way near Wool Knott
Adrian Taylor
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SD2789 : The Cumbria Way near Wool Knott
Adrian Taylor
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SD2789 : Slate quarry on Wool Knott
Adrian Taylor
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SD2789 : Unmarked footpath to Beacon Tarn
Rob Noble
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SD2789 : Summit Cairn, Wool Knott
Michael Graham
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SD2789 : Summit Cairn, Wool Knott
Michael Graham
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SD2789 : On Wool Knott
Michael Graham
Hill facts and local notes
Classifications
Elevation
223m
732 ft
Prominence
55m
Coordinates
54.2970, -3.1190
SD272896
OS Map
96 97
Explorer: OL6N OL6S
At the Summit
The summit boasts a small stone cairn, which is a traditional visual waypoint for hikers. There's also a fantastic panoramic view waiting at the top, perfect for that obligatory summit selfie!
Terrain & Geology
Wool Knott is primarily composed of slate and granite, typical of the Lake District, giving it a sturdy yet rugged appearance. This geology contributes not only to its scenic beauty but also to the array of walking paths across its slopes.
Views & Scenery
From the summit, you can see the stunning Crummock Water and Buttermere, along with a wonderful panorama of the surrounding peaks, including Grasmoor and the distant fells.
History & Heritage
Name Origin
The name 'Wool Knott' is thought to derive from the Old English ‘wulfa’ meaning 'wolf', and 'cnott', which means ‘hill’ or ‘mound’, suggesting a historical significance linked to wildlife in the area.
Historical Significance
Wool Knott has been a popular walking destination for many decades, appreciated for its accessibility and rewarding views. Its modest height makes it perfect for family outings.
Getting There & Facilities
Parking
The nearest parking is at the Sheepfold car park, located off the A66 road. There's a small fee, and spaces can fill up quickly during weekends.
Public Transport
The nearest bus service operates from Keswick, running regularly to the Penrith area and stopping near the A66 junction.
Nearby Facilities
There are no facilities directly on or near Wool Knott; however, Keswick provides numerous cafes and public toilets for those in need of a refreshment stop.
Safety Information
Known Hazards
- Be wary of slippery paths, particularly after rain. The weather can change rapidly in the Lake District, so it's wise to check forecasts and prepare accordingly.
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 Wool Knott?
Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Wool Knott through the maps
Are there other walkers around Wool Knott?
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 Wool Knott search or of course create your own walk for Wool Knott
Can I organise a walk to Wool Knott?
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 Wool Knott.
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 Wool Knott?
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 Wool Knott 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: SD272896
View on OpenStreetMapOpens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.
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