Kinn

About Kinn

Rising steeply above Braithwaite, this grassy shoulder of Grisedale Pike offers an immediate, sharp climb into the North Western Fells. Though often bypassed by walkers aiming for higher summits, its position as a Birkett provides a fine vantage point over the Vale of Keswick and the Skiddaw massif.

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Did You Know?

• •The name is derived from the Old Norse word 'kinn', meaning a 'cheek' or 'slope', which accurately describes its profile as a rounded flank on the eastern ridge of Grisedale Pike.
• •Bill Birkett included this 374-metre summit in his list of Lakeland fells, recognizing it as a distinct top worth visiting for its steep, airy feel above the valley floor.
• •The view from the summit is particularly focused on the 'gap' between the fells, offering a clear sightline down the length of Bassenthwaite Lake toward the isolated hill of Binsey.
• •It marks the start of the classic ascent of Grisedale Pike; while many walkers treat it as a mere waypoint on the climb to Sleet How, its position offers a unique, bird's-eye perspective on the rooftops of Braithwaite village.
• •Its primary function for many hillwalkers is to provide a sharp, immediate shock to the system, ensuring the legs are properly warmed up before the long haul toward the higher North Western summits.