Barrow

Barrow rises straight out of Braithwaite, a slim ridge of grass and heather running south-west from the village to a top of 455m. It is small, but it stands clear of its neighbours, so the view goes all the way round.

From Braithwaite, walk 100m along the Newlands road from the bridge by the village shop and take the signed bridleway up the drive to Braithwaite Lodge. Go through the farmyard and out onto the fell, where a path follows the north-east ridge. It is steep grass at first, with a small dip partway, and heather closes in near the top. A second path from the village climbs the valley of Barrow Gill, a deep ravine that looks far too big for its little stream. From the Newlands side, start at Stair and follow the old mine road up Stonycroft Gill to about 350m, then turn back east to the top. Parking in Braithwaite is mostly on the street, with a small informal area near the bottom of the Whinlatter road.

There is no scrambling on any of these. The rocky path down the far side to the col of Barrow Door is the roughest part, and from there it is a short climb on to Stile End and Outerside, which is how most people extend the walk.

A small cairn on grass, ringed by heather, marks the top. Skiddaw stands above Keswick, the Helvellyn range lies across Derwentwater, and the higher North Western Fells crowd the west.

Lead was mined here from the 17th century until 1888. The pale spoil heaps of Barrow mine spill down the eastern slope to the road and show up from miles away. They are said to creep downhill very slowly, and on a quiet day you may hear them trickle.