Terrain Overview
Walk Overview
The first day of our week long stay in Ambleside coincided with a period of hot sunny
weather which was scheduled to break by the latter end of the week. After unpacking
at the cottage we headed out towards Keswick to take advantage of the good weather
and extended daylight to climb Barf. There are two routes that can be used ... the direct
route which is really suited for climbers not walkers due to the steep scree slopes OR
the path that runs parallel with Beckstones Gill which, whilst steep, is safe and free
from serious exposure. We took the latter
A view of Barf from the road at Powter How. The "Bishop of Barf" (the white painted
rock formation) can be clearly seen from the start. To get to the start point of the climb,
head out of Keswick on the A66 towards Workington and take the Thorthwaite turn off
on the left just before reaching Bassenthwaite Lake.
Upon reaching the Swan Guest House look for a small area that is used as a
free car park on the left
The parking area opposite the Guest House
The start of the walk could not be more clearly signposted. Take this path that
is right next to the parking area
Starting out on the path that cuts through the Beckstones Plantation
Within about two to three hundred yards take the wooden stile that gives access
to a path that travels steeply parallel with Beckstones Gill
Initially quite benign, but brace yourself for a very steep climb
Here we go !!
As Sue can testify it's REALLY steep
At a point approximately two thirds the way up, this small protruding rock outcrop
needs to be negotiated. Nothing too serious but does need a little care in ascending
and fortunately today the rock was dry
A little rock handling is required but nothing too serious
Looking across to the "adventurous" alternative path that runs in parallel
The path continues to meander through the Plantation
Thankfully the path levels off as we approach the point at which a right
turn is made to cross Beckstones Gill
The stile crossing point and the path beyond that follows the ridgeline to the summit
At the top of Beckstones Gill
The path leading to the summit
Once out of the Plantation the views really start to open up over Bassenthwaite Lake
Looking across to the Skiddaw massif
The path meanders round to the summit
On the summit of Barf. Click here for a 360 view
Looking down at Bassenthwaite Lake
Looking North towards Binsey
Looking West towards Lords Seat
Looking towards Ullock Pike
Looking South towards the densely populated Thornthwaite Forest
Team shot on the summit of Barf. Happy holidays !!
