Powter How - Barf - Lord's Seat - Whinlatter - Powter How

Joe Jackson

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This walk summits two Lakeland fells, the first being Barf and the second, Lord's Seat. Starting off at Powter How just north of Thornthwate off the A66, the route heads west past The Clerk (a white-painted rock) and parallel to Beckstones Gill. High up on the right is another painted white rock known as The Bishop of Barf. The rock (according to local legend) marks the spot where the Bishop of Derry was killed falling from his horse after drunkenly betting he could ride up the hill. The route steadily climbs up to the summit of Barf, which offers amazing views east to Skiddaw and north along Bassenthwaite Lake.

After enjoying some of the most spectacular views on any walk in the area, the path heads west to the top of Lord's Seat, which is a good viewpoint but nothing compared to the dramatic views from Barf. The descent is a long one, heading down into a very quiet valley by Aiken Beck and past the lovely waterfall of Spout Force. Although you cannot see the waterfall from the route, a quick and almost effortless detour will allow for a beautiful view of it. The next section follows the road up to the top of Whinlatter Pass and through Whinlatter Forest Park, along Comb Beck and back down to the road at Thornthwaite, just near the car park.

England - North England - Cumbria - Lake District - North West