This walk is a brilliant choice for those looking for a relatively short but rewarding fell walk with fantastic views. Starting from the popular village of Braithwaite, a clear path leads up the grassy slopes of Barrow, an excellent viewpoint in its own right. For those with more energy, the route continues to the slightly higher summit of Stile End, completing a wonderful circuit that's great for active families and dogs.
The Walk at a Glance
2 - 3 Hours
Circular Route
3.3 Miles / 5.3 km
Steep sections
Moderate
Good paths
Great for Dogs
Active dogs will love it
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Start in Braithwaite Village
Park considerately in Braithwaite village (CA12 5TD). Begin the walk by taking the farm road towards Braithwaite Lodge. Pass through the gate and follow the clear bridleway through the lodge grounds.
2. The Ascent of Barrow
Just beyond the lodge, a path forks off to the right, clearly signposted for Barrow. The path is wide and grassy, climbing steadily up the fellside. It's a straightforward ascent with ever-improving views back towards Skiddaw.
3. Summit of Barrow
After a final steeper section, you'll reach the summit of Barrow. The views are superb, stretching across Derwentwater to Keswick and south into the heart of the Borrowdale valley. For a shorter walk, you can simply retrace your steps from here.
4. On to Stile End
To continue the circular walk, follow the path that drops down from Barrow's summit and then climbs steeply towards Stile End. This is the most challenging part of the walk but it's relatively short. The view from Stile End summit gives a wonderful perspective on the Coledale Round.
5. The Descent
From the top of Stile End, a clear, wide path descends steadily back down towards Braithwaite, offering wonderful views of the village and the Skiddaw range all the way down. The path leads you back to the farm road near Braithwaite Lodge for the short walk back to your car.
Visitor Information & Tips
- Parking: On-street parking in Braithwaite is very limited. On weekends and during holidays, the village school often opens its car park for a small fee (£5 donation).
- Refreshments: Braithwaite has two excellent pubs, The Coledale Inn and The Royal Oak, both of which are dog-friendly and serve great food. There is also a village shop.
- Footwear: Good walking boots are recommended as the paths are grassy and can be slippery when wet.
- Navigation: While the paths are generally clear, it's always wise to carry a map and compass (and know how to use them), especially as many other paths branch off towards bigger fells.
More to Explore Nearby
The Coledale Round
Braithwaite is the classic starting point for one of the best high-level ridge walks in the Lakes, the Coledale Round, which takes in Grisedale Pike, Crag Hill, and Sail.
Whinlatter Forest Park
Just above the village is England's only true mountain forest. Whinlatter offers fantastic walking trails, mountain biking routes, a Go Ape treetop adventure, and a visitor centre with a cafe.
Bassenthwaite Lake
A short drive away is the beautiful Bassenthwaite Lake. You can visit the Dubwath wetland nature reserve or see the famous ospreys from the viewpoints at Dodd Wood.