School Knott

Rising gently just east of Windermere station, this accessible Outlying Fell provides an effortless introduction to the district. The summit’s rocky outcrop overlooks four distinct reaches of Windermere lake, framed by the Coniston and central fells. To the south-east lies Schoolknott Tarn, a quiet spot nestled on the grassy approach.

• •The name 'School' relates to the hill's proximity to the old Windermere Grammar School, while 'Knott' is a Cumbrian dialect term derived from the Old Norse knutr, meaning a small, craggy hill.
• •Alfred Wainwright featured this hill in The Outlying Fells of Lakeland, noting that despite its popularity and superb views, the summit lacked a traditional cairn, being marked instead by a natural rocky platform.
• •The summit provides a specific vantage point where the winding shape of Windermere is cut into four distinct sections by the landscape, with the jagged skyline of the Langdale Pikes visible to the northwest.
• •Walkers often include the neighbouring summit of Grandsire in a circular route from Windermere station, passing Schoolknott Tarn, an artificial pool originally dammed to supply water to local estates.
• •It is the ideal destination for those who want to claim they have 'conquered a Wainwright' before the morning train back to Manchester has even departed.