Lake District
Ancrow Brow
542M
1778FT
About Ancrow Brow
Ancrow Brow is a quiet, grassy summit situated on the eastern edge of the Lake District near Shap. Part of the expansive Bannisdale Horseshoe, it offers a remote walking experience away from the crowds, with expansive views across the lonely valleys of Crookdale and Bannisdale.
Key Statistics
Rank
344th Highest in Region
Parent Range
Far Eastern Fells
Prominence
?
14.6m
Nearest Town
Sadgill
Geology
Ancrow Brow sits on layers of fine siltstone and mudstone, thinly laminated deep‑water mudstone, and alternating sandstone and clay‑rich rocks, giving the hill its smooth, rocky character.
Classifications
Find It
Latitude
54.4420°N
Longitude
2.7724°W
Did You Know?
- •It forms part of the 'Bannisdale Horseshoe,' an 11-mile circuit that Alfred Wainwright characterized as a journey of solitude through terrain rarely visited by the average tourist.
- •Standing at 541.8 meters, it serves as a significant high point on the long ridge dividing the Crookdale and Bannisdale valleys in the Far Eastern Fells.
- •The name 'Ancrow' likely stems from the Old Norse 'krō,' meaning a nook or secluded corner of land, often associated with ancient sheep enclosures.
- •The surrounding fells were once central to the Westmorland slate industry, and eagle-eyed hikers can still spot the remains of small, hand-worked 'trial' quarries in the nearby combes.
- •The walk along this ridge is a classic test of your 'bog-trotting' skills, where a misplaced step can quickly turn a dry hike into a messy, ankle-deep lesson in Cumbrian hydrology.