NY4306 : On the lip of Rainsborrow Cove

Yoke

707m Elevation
39m Prominence
England Country
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NY4306 : On the lip of Rainsborrow Cove

Karl and Ali Photo source

Overview

Yoke - A Jewel in the Lake District

Yoke is a delightful summit nestled within the picturesque Lake District, earning itself a place as a favourite among walkers and climbers. Standing at 700 meters high, it may not be the highest peak, but its charm and the views from the top can easily put many taller mountains to shame!

Geology

The mountain's soul is woven from Skiddaw slates, providing a solid foundation for hikers and wildflowers alike. The rocks tell tales of the ancient landscape formed millions of years ago, making every step an encounter with history.

Routes

The most popular route to the top of Yoke is the path from Haweswater, a stunning trek that offers a bit of everything - beautiful scenery, challenging climbs, and a proper hike. If you fancy a tougher challenge, try the circular route taking in Harter Fell. Nothing beats the thrill of conquering two peaks in one go!

Summit Features

Upon reaching the summit, you'll be greeted by a humble cairn. It's not much to brag about but stands valiantly against the elements, silently urging more hikers to come and enjoy its company. The area is also spacious enough for a well-deserved picnic, so bring your sarnies!

Terrain

Expect rocky paths and patches of grass that can transition into boggy areas as you navigate your way up the mountain. A good pair of waterproof boots will hold you in good stead!

Views

As you reach the top, take a moment to absorb the stunning vistas: from the tranquil waters of Haweswater to the far-reaching mountains that stretch across the horizon. Each season offers a different spectacle, whether it’s the floral brilliance of spring or the golden hues of autumn.

Hazards

Just a friendly reminder: always check the weather forecast before setting out. The fickle nature of Lake District weather can lead to some wet surprises. And remember, a stumble in the bogs can lead to muddy trousers, which is not a great conversation starter!

Nearby Summits

For the ambitious, combine your trek with visits to nearby peaks such as Harter Fell, High Street, and Kidsty Pike, each presenting their own set of rewarding views.

Access

Yoke can be easily accessed from the Haweswater Hotel, where you can find ample parking and maybe even grab a cuppa before heading out. Public transport options are limited, but it’s worth the trek from Penrith for a day of adventure.

Facilities

Before or after your climb, the Haweswater Hotel offers delightful refreshments and the all-important toilet facilities, ensuring you’re well looked after.

History

The name 'Yoke' has fascinating roots in the Old Norse word meaning 'glacier'. This mountain has seen many a hiker and has played an integral role in Lake District lore, famously featured in Wainwright's guides, making it a staple in the hiking community.

In conclusion, Yoke is more than just a mountain; it’s an invitation to adventure in the heart of the Lake District. Pack your bags, lace up your boots, and go test the waters (figuratively, of course)!

Explore routes near Yoke

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

Striding Edge, Helvellyn and Catstye Cam

12 km ~6h 30m Hard

View route

Helvellyn via Striding Edge

11.2 km ~6h Hard

View route

Tarn Hows Fast Route

4.1 km ~1h Moderate

View route

Coniston to Tarn Hows: Monk Coniston Gardens and Woodland Circuit

8.1 km ~3h Moderate

View route

Route planning notes

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

Yoke from Haweswater

A scenic route leading from the shores of Haweswater, winding upwards through lush pastures before tackling the final ascent to the summit.

8.5 km ~3.5 hours Moderate

Yoke via Harter Fell

A circular route which combines the ascent of Harter Fell with Yoke, offering varying terrains and stunning views throughout.

12 km ~5 hours Challenging
Browse more walks on the map

Make a day of it, together

Find someone to share the walk with, or organise a day out along a route you like.

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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Simm Hewitt Nuttall Wainwright Birkett Synge Fellranger

Elevation

707m

2,320 ft

Prominence

39m

Coordinates

54.4529, -2.8687

NY437067

OS Map

90

Explorer: OL7N

At the Summit

At the summit, you'll find a modest, but very charming cairn. It's not the tallest of cairns, but it does a grand job at holding the summit's secrets!

Terrain & Geology

Rocky with patches of grass interspersed with some boggy areas typical of the Lake District.

Primarily composed of Skiddaw slates, Yoke showcases typical Lake District geology, characterised by sedimentary rocks. This geology contributes to the picturesque landscape, with the rugged terrain providing excellent paths for hiking.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can enjoy stunning views of Haweswater, the distant hills including the mighty Helvellyn, and on a clear day, even the Morecambe Bay can be spotted glistening in the sunshine.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Yoke' is derived from the Old Norse word 'jökull', meaning 'glacier', possibly referencing the mountain's snowy summits in winter.

Historical Significance

Yoke features in Alfred Wainwright's classic guides, elevating its status among hikers, as it’s been a cherished part of the walking culture in the Lake District.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Parking is available at the Haweswater Hotel, which provides a convenient base for starting your adventure.

Public Transport

The nearest bus service runs to the village of Burnbanks, around 2 miles from the hotel, though you'll likely need to do some walking.

Nearby Facilities

The nearest facilities are located in the Haweswater Hotel, where you can enjoy food and drink, as well as toilets.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Beware of the changeable weather; it can switch from clear to cloudy quicker than you can say 'bring a raincoat!'. Some sections may also be slippery, particularly 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 Yoke?

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

Are there other walkers around Yoke?

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 Yoke search or of course create your own walk for Yoke

Can I organise a walk to Yoke?

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 Yoke.

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 Yoke?

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 Yoke 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

Yoke location map

Grid reference: NY437067

View on OpenStreetMap

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

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