Route: Barrow
Area: North Western Lake District
Date of walk: 19th December 2019
Walkers: Andrew
Distance: 4.1 miles
Ascent: 1,300 feet
Weather: Mostly cloudy with sunny patches
In the words of Alfred Wainwright ‘Barrow occupies an enviable position overlooking a scene as fair as any in the kingdom’. I’ve been up here often and, as usual, I parked just outside the village of Braithwaite, near the entrance to the farm known as Braithwaite Lodge. I walked up the drive leading to the lodge, which is a public footpath, and branched right at an ancient yew tree. The ascent of Barrow is directly up its north east ridge and is easy going throughout. There are ever improving views along the way, including Bassenthwaite Lake, Keswick, Derwent Water and too many lakeland fells to name
Although the weather was cloudy there were patches of sunshine which enhanced the wonderful views. When I reached the summit, it was time to decide on the return route. I usually return via Coledale, but opted for a different route today. On reaching Barrow Door I followed a path to my left which descends to Stonycroft Gill. This joins up with a wide track beside the gill. The track is an old mine road, and provides a very quick and easy way down
I soon reached Newlands Valley, where I joined the quiet valley road for a few yards and then branched off to follow a path over the big toe of Barrow. I arrived at a marker post, festively adorned with tinsel, which I’d passed at the start of the walk, and this completed the circuit. From here I retraced my steps past Braithwaite Lodge and back into Braithwaite. During the course of a four mile walk, I didn’t see another walker
This was my 13th time on Barrow. Each visit has been a joy and today’s visit was no exception
For other walks here, visit my Find Walks page and enter the name in the ‘Search site’ box
Click on the icon below for the route map (subscribers to OS Maps can view detailed maps of the route, visualise it in aerial 3D, and download the GPX file. Non-subscribers will see a base map)
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Looking back to Braithwaite from the track to Braithwaite Lodge
I follow the sign on this ancient yew tree and pass through the farmyard
Bench overlooking the Skiddaw massif
A seasonly decorated marker post indicates the start of the climb up the northeast ridge of Barrow
Skiddaw again
Looking back along the path to Braithwaite Lodge and Braithwaite, with Bassenthwaite Lake beyond
Onwards and upwards - it's a false summit ahead
Latrigg, Keswick and the foot of Derwent Water...
Newlands Valley - I hadn't decided at this point, but would return via the valley road below
A down and an up past this cairn
Looking back
Swinside and Derwent Water
A view back down the path, with Bassenthwaite on the left
The final section is a little steeper and rockier, but it's a simple climb nonetheless
Grisedale Pike beyond Stile End
Summit of Barrow, looking towards Causey Pike - there's no cairn
Derwent Water from the summit...
...Skiddaw fells, still in the clouds...
...and Braithwaite and Bassenthwaite
I hadn't yet finally decided on the return route, but all options involve a descent to Barrow Door
In the event, I branched off at Barrow Door and followed a narrow path down to Stonycroft Gill
Looking along Stonycroft Gill and the old mining track which I'll join shortly. This will take me into Newlands Valley
Looking back up the track
Newlands Valley
The path contours around the foot of Barrow and leads down to the valley road, which I follow for a short distance
View across Newlands Valley from the road
I leave the road here, and join a path which climbs over the toe of Barrow
Latrigg in the distance
Catbells and Newlands Valley
Braithwaite Lodge is just around the corner
Braithwaite below. From here I retrace my steps back to the start - and end - of a wonderful walk
