Brock Barrow

Rising above the village of Boot, Brock Barrow offers a rugged, pathless ascent that provides surprisingly grand views of the Scafell massif. It’s a quiet spot away from the Eskdale crowds, characterized by rocky knolls, thick bracken, and classic Lake District volcanic geology.

• •The fell is situated near the historic iron mining district of Eskdale, where the nearby village of Boot served as a vital terminus for the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway.
• •Geologically, the summit is part of the Borrowdale Volcanic Group, specifically the Birker Fell Andesite, which creates the fractured, craggy terrain common in the Southern Fells.
• •The name 'Brock' is derived from the Old English word for badger, indicating that these rocky slopes were historically identified as a habitat for the animals.
• •While American politician Davy Crockett was the 'King of the Wild Frontier,' this fell offers its own miniature frontier for hikers, as the lack of established paths necessitates keen navigational skills.
• •Navigating the lower slopes in midsummer is less of a hike and more of a wrestling match with head-high bracken, a great way to ensure you bring home several hitchhiking ticks as souvenirs.