Lake District
Combe Door Top
676M
2218FT
About Combe Door Top
Perched on the rugged northern shoulder of the Glaramara ridge, this rocky top overlooks the impressive hanging valley of The Combe. It offers a wild character typical of the Borrowdale volcanics, providing a grandstand view straight down the length of Borrowdale towards the shimmering waters of Derwentwater and Skiddaw beyond.
Key Statistics
Rank
179th Highest in Region
Parent Range
Southern Fells
Prominence
?
17m
Nearest Town
Seatoller
Geology
You are walking on hardened layers of ancient volcanic ash and sandy debris. These rocks formed as material from prehistoric eruptions settled and compressed into this rugged ground.
Classifications
Find It
OS Grid Reference
NY253108
Latitude
54.4878°N
Longitude
3.1542°W
Did You Know?
- •The 'Combe' in the name derives from the Old English 'cumb', referring to the deep, bowl-shaped valley below, while 'Door' signifies the narrow opening or pass through the crags at the head of the hollow.
- •Though often overlooked in favour of the higher ground to the south, it was categorised as a distinct summit by Tim Synge, who valued its position as a fine viewpoint over the lower Borrowdale fells.
- •Looking north, the summit offers a classic perspective of the 'Jaws of Borrowdale', where the fell-sides of King's How and Castle Crag constrict the valley into a narrow, wooded gateway.
- •The approach from Rosthwaite via the 'nose' of the ridge is a steep, pathless pull through heather and crag, rewarding those who prefer a more visceral, unmanicured experience than the main highway provides.
- •It is the ideal spot to sit and watch the crowds on the main Glaramara path; you get the same view they do, but without the soundtrack of their conversation.