Dent [Long Barrow]

About Dent [Long Barrow]

Often called Long Barrow, Dent is the traditional curtain-raiser for the famous Coast to Coast walk. It's a small fell on the very edge of the National Park, but the panoramic views from the Cumbrian coast to the high fells are absolutely massive.

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Did You Know?

• •For many walkers, Dent is the very first proper climb on Wainwright's famous Coast to Coast path. After dipping your boots in the Irish Sea at St Bees, this is the fell that gives you the first real taste of the Lake District.
• •This humble hill played a big part in mapping Britain way back in the early 1800s. It was one of the key triangulation stations for the Ordnance Survey, but oddly, you won't find a modern trig pillar at the top today.
• •Don't let its modest height fool you; the summit offers a grandstand view that punches way above its weight. On a clear day, you can see across the sea to the Isle of Man and Scotland, then turn inland to gaze upon giants like Pillar and the Scafells.
• •The fell has had a bit of a makeover in recent years, with new forests planted on its northern slopes. This isn't just for looks; it was a deliberate effort to help combat erosion and keep the fellside in good shape for the future.
• •While it's famous for the Coast to Coast, Dent also gets its own special mention in another of Wainwright's books. He features it in 'The Outlying Fells of Lakeland', pairing it with its neighbour, Flat Fell, for a lovely circular walk from Wath Brow.