Central Fells · Book 3

Thunacar Knott

Thunacar Knott is a Wainwright, one of the 214 Lake District fells in Alfred Wainwright’s Pictorial Guides. At 723 m (2,372 ft) it is the 76th highest of the 214 and the 5th highest in the Central Fells.

Height: 723 m; 2,372 ft
Rank: 76; of 214
In area: 5; of 27
Difficulty: Easy

Thunacar Knott in the Central Fells of the Lake District — Photo: Mick Knapton via Wikimedia Commons

About Thunacar Knott

A modest, pool-dotted swelling between the Pikes and High Raise. A quiet top that stitches classic Langdale lines together.

With Pavey Ark's cliffs and the Langdale Pikes crowded round it, Thunacar Knott is an unremarkable grassy rise on the moor behind them. Plenty of walkers pass it by. Those working through the Wainwrights make a point of calling in, and the view turns out to be better than the fell looks.

From the New Dungeon Ghyll National Trust car park, climb Stickle Ghyll to Stickle Tarn, go up onto Pavey Ark and follow the intermittent path west across the plateau. The fell lies between Harrison Stickle and High Raise, so it fits easily into any round of the Pikes, and from Pavey Ark or Harrison Stickle it is only a short walk out. From Borrowdale there is a long approach from Stonethwaite up Langstrath and over Stake Pass.

Underfoot it is grass and moorland, with boggy patches, especially in Harrison Combe to the south. There's no scrambling here. The steep, rocky ground on this side of the valley belongs to the Pikes.

Two tops stand close together, with a small tarn nearby. The southern one is a little higher, but the northern top has the more prominent cairn and most walkers treat it as the summit. The view goes all the way round, and it is at its best to the west.

In winter

The plateau between Harrison Stickle and High Raise has few landmarks and boggy patches, and in mist or snow you will need a compass bearing to find the northern cairn. Pavey Ark's cliffs are close by to the east, so be sure of your position before you head that way.

Great Views
Quiet & Remote
Family Walk
Dog Friendly
Summit Tarn

Sources: Wikipedia: Thunacar Knott, Walk Lakes: The Langdale Pikes. Updated 24 September 2026.

Summit

OS grid ref: NY 279 081
Latitude: 54.46346° N
Longitude: 3.11368° W
Area: Central Fells

Walking up Thunacar Knott

The nearest car park on foot is New Dungeon Ghyll, 3.0 km (1.9 miles) from the summit along mapped paths. Directions to the car park

Route from New Dungeon Ghyll

Distance: 3.0 km; 1.9 miles, one way
Ascent: 636 m; Total climb to the summit
Time up: 1 h 36 min; Allow 1 to 2 hours

Height in metres along the path from New Dungeon Ghyll to the summit.

Times use Naismith’s rule, 5 km/h on the flat plus extra time for the climb, with Langmuir’s corrections. It’s a rule of thumb for the way up only, so add stops, weather and the walk back down.

The route follows paths mapped by OpenStreetMap contributors and isn’t a guided line. This car park was picked automatically and hasn’t been checked by hand yet, so compare it with a map. Check the mountain forecast before you go and carry a map and compass.

Thunacar Knott questions

Is Thunacar Knott a Wainwright?

Yes. Thunacar Knott is one of the 214 fells Alfred Wainwright described in his Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells, in Book 3, The Central Fells.

How high is Thunacar Knott?

Thunacar Knott is 723 metres (2,372 feet) high. That makes it the 76th highest of the 214 Wainwrights and the 5th highest in the Central Fells.

Where do you park for Thunacar Knott?

The nearest car park on foot is New Dungeon Ghyll, 3.0 km (1.9 miles) from the summit along mapped paths.

How long does it take to climb Thunacar Knott?

From New Dungeon Ghyll it is 3.0 km with 636 m of ascent. Naismith's rule, with Langmuir's corrections, puts the climb at about 1 h 36 min, so allow 1 to 2 hours to reach the summit at your own pace, plus the walk back down.

How hard is Thunacar Knott?

Upfell rates Thunacar Knott as easy. Check the mountain weather forecast before you set out and carry a map and compass.

Which Wainwrights are near Thunacar Knott?

The closest are Pavey Ark (700 m, 0.6 km E), Harrison Stickle (736 m, 0.8 km S) and Pike o'Stickle (708 m, 0.9 km SW).

What is the grid reference for the summit of Thunacar Knott?

The summit is at OS grid reference NY 279 081, or 54.46346, -3.11368 in latitude and longitude.