Lake District
Whoap
511M
1677FT
About Whoap
Tucked away in the quiet Western Fells, this rounded, grassy Birkett offers a sense of isolation rarely found in the central Lake District. Usually crossed while walking between Lank Rigg and Iron Crag, its broad summit provides an uncrowded vantage point overlooking the wild, remote upper reaches of the River Calder.
Key Statistics
Rank
397th Highest in Region
Parent Range
Western Fells
Prominence
?
21m
Nearest Town
Ennerdale and Kinniside
Geology
You’re walking over ancient layers of hardened mud and sand, paired with a solid foundation of crystalline granite.
Find It
OS Grid Reference
NY099128
Latitude
54.5032°N
Longitude
3.3924°W
Did You Know?
- •The name likely derives from the Old Norse 'hóp', signifying a secluded valley or a piece of enclosed land, referring to the high hollow carved by the River Calder at the fell's base.
- •The summit offers a clear perspective on the transition from the high fells to the Cumbrian coast, with the silver structures of Sellafield visible against the Irish Sea, often backed by the distant silhouette of the Isle of Man.
- •While it was not included in Alfred Wainwright’s primary seven volumes, the fell is a recognized summit for those following the Birkett and Synge guides, positioned on the high ridge that connects the Ennerdale and Calder valleys.
- •Navigating the broad slopes of Whoap requires a high tolerance for damp feet, as the terrain between here and Lank Rigg is frequently more mire than mountain for much of the year.