Barrow (Braithwaite)

Difficulty Rating

Family Walk

Danger Rating

10%

Time

About 2 hours

Distance

About 5km (3 miles)

Info

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Walk Overview

Walk Description

Points of interest

Reviews

Overview of Barrow Walk:

At a height of only 455m, Barrow commands superb views over Bassenthwaite Lake, Braithwaite, Derwentwater and Keswick.   Although uphill all the way, the walk to the summit of Barrow can easily be enjoyed as a family outing.

Braithwaite and Bassenthwaite Lake, Near Keswick, Lake District
Submitted:30Aug10Date Updated:

Recommended Map:  Explorer OL4

Difficulty Rating: 
40% Complete (warning)

Family Walk

Danger Rating: 

20% Complete (warning)
Time to complete: About 2 hoursDistance: About 5km (3 miles) Car Parking/Walk Start: On street car parking in the village of Braithwaite, near Keswick.
Refreshments: Several pubs in Braithwaite. Wheelchair and Push Chair Suitability: Not suitable. Public Transport: X5 – Penrith/Workington; X58 – Maryport/Keswick or 77/77A Keswick/Lorton
View of Derwentwater and Keswick from Barrow

Barrow Walk Description:

The walk starts from the village centre of Braithwaite, just outside of Keswick.  Walk past the Royal Oak on the road to Whinlatter (B5292).  Take a left over the narrow bridge when you see the road sign “Youth Centre, Coledale”.

Bear left at the Braithwaite Methodist Church onto a surfaced footpath up to the Coledale Inn.  At the Coledale Inn bear left and follow the tarmac road around a bend as it heads up past houses (which are on your right).

Ignore the footpath on your left and stay on the tarmac road.  Continue up to a kissing gate where the tarmac road ends.  Go through the gate and continue on upwards on a gravelled surfaced lane.

Royal Oak, Braithwaite, Cumbria
Heading towards Barrow Door

The view soon opens up behind you, with a Bassenthwaite Lake and Skiddaw being the main items of interest.  Grisedale Pike is to the right of you as you head up the fell side.

Keep heading uphill onto the open fell; you need to aim for “Barrow Door” which is the centre of the V shape in between Barrow and Stile End.

Once there you need to take the path on the left and continue up to the summit of Barrow.  You are then rewarded with inspiring views over Derwentwater and Keswick.  It’s a great place for a picnic on a nice day but it can be exposed if there is any wind.

Map of Barrow, Braithwaite, Cumbria

Descend in a north-easterly direction towards Skiddaw.  At the bottom of the fell bear left towards the dry stone wall.  Proceed on directly through the farm yard and down the long farm drive back to Braithwaite.

Take a left at the bottom of the farm drive, onto a busy minor road, to the village centre.

Points of Interest:

Braithwaite is within a short drive of the Whinlatter Forest Centre, which offers many family activities, such as “Go Ape” zip wires and an adventure playground.  In summer you can see a live TV link to the local osprey nest.

Looking back from Barrow Door towards Skiddaw
Descending with Skiddaw in view

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User Review
2.88 (17 votes)

0 = worst; 1 = disappointing; 2 = average; 3 = a really good walk; 4 = I recommend this walk; 5 = one of the best walks I’ve done

Whilst we try our very best to ensure the accuracy of this information, we accept no liability for anyone getting lost or injured.  You should always consult your ordnance survey map for exact details and wear appropriate clothing for the weather conditions.

Distance

About 5km (3 miles)

Difficulty Rating

Family Walk

Danger Rating

10%

Time

About 2 hours

OS Map

OL4