Rowantree Knotts

About Rowantree Knotts

Tucked away in the Far Eastern Fells above the Hartsop valley, this modest Synge summit offers a quiet alternative to the high-traffic High Street range. Its terrain is characterized by rocky outcrops and fell grass, providing a grandstand view of the steep-sided Pasture Beck and the dark face of Gray Crag.

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Did You Know?

• •The name is a literal description of the local flora and geology; 'Rowantree' refers to the mountain ash hardy enough to survive on exposed slopes, while 'Knotts' stems from the Old Norse 'knutr', meaning a rocky hill or mound.
• •The summit is classified as a Synge, a list created by Tim Synge in his 1994 guide. These hills require at least 20 metres of prominence, often highlighting interesting spurs and shoulders that the more famous Wainwright guides overlooked.
• •From this vantage point, you get one of the best profiles of the Gray Crag ridge across the valley, as well as a clear view down the length of Ullswater towards the distant northern fells.
• •Most walkers pass beneath these knotts while following the track alongside Pasture Beck towards the high pass of Threshthwaite Mouth, leaving the summit remarkably peaceful even on busy bank holidays.
• •The summit cairn is modest at best, usually consisting of a few stones that the local Herdwick sheep haven't yet managed to knock over while scratching their backs.