Lake District
Knotts
401M
1317FT
About Knotts
Rising steeply above the arterial pass of Dunmail Raise, this rugged outcrop forms a prominent shoulder on the ridge of Steel Fell. Characterised by typical Lakeland grass and rock, it offers a dramatic, airy perspective on the central fells, providing a quieter alternative to the more famous summits nearby.
Key Statistics
Rank
605th Highest in Region
Parent Range
Central Fells
Prominence
?
40.1
Nearest Town
Rosthwaite
Geology
You are walking on layers of hardened volcanic rock. Known as andesite, this tough stone forms the rugged, solid foundation of the fell beneath your boots.
Find It
Latitude
54.5193°N
Longitude
3.1339°W
Did You Know?
- •The name is derived from the Old Norse word 'knutr', meaning a hard, rocky outcrop or hillock, a common descriptor for the craggy protrusions found throughout the Cumbrian fells.
- •While omitted from Alfred Wainwright’s pictorial guides, the hill is classified as a 'Synge' top, referring to Timothy Synge’s 1995 book which identified overlooked summits in the Central Fells.
- •The summit offers a unique, direct view down the length of Thirlmere to the north, framed by the massive western flanks of the Helvellyn range and the steep ascent of Seat Sandal across the valley.
- •It is an excellent vantage point for observing the ancient boundary of Dunmail Raise, traditionally cited as the site of the last battle of King Dunmail of Cumbria in 945 AD.
- •It provides the rare satisfaction of feeling entirely remote while being close enough to look down on the tiny, silent lines of traffic moving along the A591 far below.