Walk 2581 - printer friendly version

Lord's Seat & Barf from Whinlatter Walk

Author - Mike Bexley

Length - 8.5 miles / 13.8 km

Ascent - 2200 feet / 667 metres

Grade - moderate

Start - OS grid reference NY206245
Lat 54.609395 + Long -3.2308322
Postcode CA12 5TW (approx. location only)

The usual approach to Lord's Seat and Barf is through Thornthwaite Forest from The Whinlatter Pass, I have approached the same summits from the west thus creating a longer walk. During the walk do remember to keep a look out for Red Squirrels and Buzzards.

The start for this lake District circular walk is the large car park and visitors centre on the Whinlatter Pass (Grid ref. NY206245). From the car park exit, proceed left down hill then right up the narrow road leading to the small Revelin Moss Car park turning right at the first forest track.

Walk up this track then turn right to continue along another forest track that runs parallel to the main road. The cars can be heard but not seen until you reach the same road after about two kilometres. Continue in the same direction on the road, passing Swinside Houses on your left. Go right at the road junction and right again at the farm track leading to Darling How (Grid ref. 183258).

Opposite Darling How Farm there is a track leading down to the top of Spout Force Waterfalls. However views are restricted due to the dense tree growth but the short diversion is worthwhile if you are not rushed for time.

Continue through the gate along the forest track with the forest on you left. Ahead views open up of Broom Fell and Lord's Seat. The forest finishes and the track has a low wall on the left. Behind that wall is a feint path. Follow this path over to the corner of the forest (Grid ref. 192265). Keep close to the outer wall and fence of the forest turning right at the corner through a small beck and, still keeping close to the boundary on the right, over two stiles to the next corner (Grid ref. 197264).

Continue climbing up the steep grassy hill, swinging over towards Lord's Seat on you left. You will no doubt join the path coming down left from the summit. The views are so good that you will soon forget the effort required as you stand on the top (Grid ref, 204266) but there are better views to come.

Take the clear path ahead down to the right of the Mound to the summit of Barf. From here on a good day you can see the southern hills of Scotland and the Solway Firth as well as many of the Lakeland Fells. Bassenthwaite Lake dominates the foreground and depending on the time of the year you may be able to watch Osprey catching fish.

Descend Barf via the steep, clear path south of the summit dropping down to a small waterfall (Grid ref 212265) and go over the stile. The next section can be confusing especially the descent through this forest maze! After crossing over the stile turn left. Ignore the path on the right and continue to another path junction with a post numbered ' 8 '. Keep walking ahead. The path contours the hillside with views of Keswick and the River Derwent on your left. At the next junction turn right. On reaching post number '10', take the steep path going down to the left. Then just prior to the clear area on your left and before the gate descend the steep path to the forest road below. Turn right on this road back to your start.

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