Burnbank Fell

About Burnbank Fell

Sitting at the northwestern edge of the Western Fells, Burnbank Fell offers a straightforward climb from Loweswater. The summit is a simple grassy mound, but its position provides a unique perspective looking straight down the length of Loweswater towards the higher peaks of the Buttermere valley.

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Did You Know?

• •It marks the end of the Loweswater Fells ridge, acting as the final high point before the Lake District's mountainous terrain transitions into the coastal plains of West Cumbria.
• •The fell is composed primarily of Skiddaw Slate, resulting in smooth, rounded slopes and a predominantly grassy character that contrasts with the craggy volcanic rocks of the central fells.
• •The name is essentially a set of Old English directions: burna for the stream and banke for the slope. It tells you exactly what to expect—a sharp, sudden climb the moment you step away from the waters of Holme Beck.
• •The northern slopes are home to Holme Wood, a National Trust-managed ancient woodland containing Holme Force, a tiered waterfall that remains one of the area's quieter, hidden gems.
• •Navigating the summit is less about looking for landmarks and more about a dedicated study of the ground beneath you. You’ll spend most of your time staring at your feet, primarily to ensure the notorious Burnbank bogs don't claim a boot. It’s the kind of walk where a clear view of the horizon is a luxury you can rarely afford when the earth is actively trying to swallow you.