Barrow (fell)

Barrow
Cumberland
Barrow from the Newlands Valley
Range:	Lake District North Western Fells
Summit:	1,493 feet NY226218 54°35’9"N, 3°11’49"W

Barrow is small fell in Cumberland, within the Lake District which reaches a height of 1,494 feet. It is in the quiet and picturesque Newlands Valley just two and a half miles south-west of Keswick. Although modest in height, Barrow commands a fine all round view, with the vales of Keswick and Newlands being well seen.

The name of the fell originates from the Old English language, meaning a hill or long ridge.

Landscape

Barrow is a slender ridge climbing south west from Braithwaite. At the summit it turns due west across the depression of Barrow Door, diverted by the valley of Stonycroft Gill. Beyond the col are Stile End and Outerside. The valley of Coledale lies to the north west and Newlands Beck forms the eastern boundary.

Ascents

Ascents of the fell are usually started from either the Newlands Valley or Braithwaite, both giving an enjoyable short ramble which can be combined with the adjoining higher fell of Outerside. The climb from Newlands starts at the hamlet of Stair and utilises an old mine road up Stonycroft Gill up to a height of 1,148 feet before veering back east to attain the summit. There are two paths from Braithwaite, one follows the northern ridge of the fell while the other approaches up the valley of Barrow Gill.

Geology

Barrow is composed of the laminated mudstone and siltstone of the Kirkstile Formation, typical of the Skiddaw group. A band of greywacke sandstone runs along the eastern flanks.

Like many of the fells in the Newlands Valley, Barrow has been extensively mined for lead in the past, the spoil heaps are extensive and sweep down to the road at the eastern foot of the hill. The spoil is quite light in colour and is clearly visible from afar. Barrow mine first opened in the 17th century and eventually closed in 1888. The remaining spoil heaps are said to be in a state of continual slight movement and it is possible to hear a small rustle as the spoil slides down the hill. Another noteworthy topographical feature is the ravine of Barrow Gill, which appears on the Braithwaite side of the fell, the Gill is deep and extensive and seems out of proportion to the small stream that it accommodates.

Summit

The view east from the summit to Derwentwater and the vale of Keswick

A small cairn on grass marks the summit, with heather surrounding the top on all sides. The view takes in the surrounding higher North Western Fells, together with the Helvellyn Range across Derwentwater and Skiddaw standing above Keswick.

References

• Wainwright, Alfred: A Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells, Book Six — The North Western Fells (1964)
• Bill Birkett: Complete Lakeland Fells, ISBN 0-00-713629-3