Lake District
Baystones [Wansfell]
487M
1597FT
About Baystones [Wansfell]
While most walkers stop at Wansfell Pike for the classic Windermere view, the true summit lies a short, often boggy stroll northeast at Baystones. It offers a much quieter perspective on the Ill Bell ridge and the Far Eastern fells than its busy neighbor.
Key Statistics
Rank
447th Highest in Region
Parent Range
Far Eastern Fells
Prominence
?
147.7m
Nearest Town
Troutbeck
Geology
The lower layers are volcanic ash rock called dacitic lapilli‑tuff. Above them lies a sandstone made from volcanic fragments.
Classifications
Find It
Latitude
54.4382°N
Longitude
2.9218°W
Did You Know?
- •The name Wansfell likely derives from the Old Norse 'Vondr', meaning a wand or switch, though some local folklore historically linked the fell to the Norse god Woden.
- •Baystones is the definitive high point of the Wansfell massif at 487 metres, making it the official Wainwright summit despite being frequently ignored by those visiting the lower Wansfell Pike.
- •The fell is composed of Silurian siltstones and sandstones from the Windermere Supergroup, which results in a smoother, more rounded topography compared to the craggy volcanic rocks of the Scafells.
- •A popular ascent from Ambleside involves climbing the 'Thousand Foot'—a steep, relentless stone staircase that begins near the impressive 70-foot drop of Stock Ghyll Force waterfall.
- •The short stretch of ground between the popular Pike and the actual summit at Baystones is a notorious peat trap, where hikers often learn the hard way that 'green' doesn't always mean 'solid ground'.