Bag 3 Wainwrights in One Day: The Whinlatter Round

Why the Whinlatter Round is a Hidden Gem for Peak Baggers

If you’re looking for a satisfying multi-summit day that avoids the crowds of Catbells and Helvellyn, this low-key but rewarding ridge route in the North-Western Fells might just be your ideal escape.

Starting from Whinlatter Forest Park, this loop bags Whinlatter Top, Barf, and Lord’s Seat — three Wainwrights that are often overlooked but offer brilliant views across Bassenthwaite Lake, the Skiddaw massif, and even out toward the Solway Firth. It’s a gentler day out in terms of elevation, but the varied terrain (including steep sections through forest and rocky outcrops) keeps it interesting from start to finish.

Route Snapshot

• Wainwrights Ticked Off:
  
  Whinlatter Top (525m)
  
  Barf (468m)
  
  Lord’s Seat (552m)
  
  
• Distance: 8–10 km
  
  
• Total Ascent: Approx. 550m
  
  
• Time Required: 3.5–4.5 hours
  
  
• Start/End Point: Whinlatter Visitor Centre (car park available)
  
  
• Difficulty: Moderate (steep sections, minor navigation required)
  
  
• Best Map: OS Explorer OL4 – North-Western Fells
  
  

Summit-by-Summit Breakdown

Whinlatter Top (525m)

The first summit of the day, and the quietest. Whinlatter Top isn’t the highest point in the area, but it gives lovely views toward Grisedale Pike and the forest below.

Why it’s worth a stop:

• Offers a peaceful start to the loop
  
  
• Good views across to Skiddaw and Blencathra
  
  
• Rarely busy even in summer
  
  

Barf (468m)

A small fell with a big attitude. Barf’s summit is perched dramatically above the northern end of Bassenthwaite, with fantastic views over the lake. The climb is steep and direct—especially if you follow the legendary “Bishop’s Path”—but manageable with care.

What makes it memorable:

• Steep, fun ascent with a bit of hands-on
  
  
• Home to the “Bishop of Barf” white rock
  
  
• One of the best lake-view summits for minimal effort
  
  

Lord’s Seat (552m)

The highest fell of the round and a perfect finale. Its grassy summit is broad and windswept, offering views back toward Whinlatter and into the more rugged interior of the Western Fells.

Why it’s a great finish:

• Central position makes for 360-degree views
  
  
• Easy connection back into Whinlatter Forest
  
  
• A satisfying final summit that feels a world away from the hustle of Keswick
  
  

Full Route Description: Whinlatter Forest Loop

1. Start from Whinlatter Forest Park (main car park) and follow the trails west toward the top of Whinlatter Fell, using forest paths that gradually climb.
   
   
2. Continue across open moorland and make your way to Barf, descending slightly before a short, steep climb to the summit.
   
   
3. From Barf, contour east toward Lord’s Seat, the high point of the loop.
   
   
4. Descend south-east back toward the forest using bridleways or forest tracks, rejoining your start point at the Visitor Centre.
   
   

Alternative: Do the route in reverse to save Barf’s scramble for the end.

Navigation and Safety

• Some paths are not signposted, especially between summits — bring a map or GPX track.
  
  
• The ascent to Barf is steep, with loose rock — care needed in wet weather.
  
  
• Whinlatter is a managed forest — check for occasional trail closures due to forestry work.
  
  

What to Bring

• OS Explorer Map OL4
  
  
• Waterproof jacket and spare layers (weather can still shift quickly)
  
  
• Snacks and water (no on-route resupply)
  
  
• GPS or app with offline maps
  
  
• Walking poles optional, but helpful for the descent from Lord’s Seat
  
  

Nearby Refreshments

• Whinlatter Forest Café – right at the Visitor Centre, good for pre- or post-walk coffee
  
  
• The Pheasant Inn – just east of Bassenthwaite Lake, ideal for a post-hike pint
  
  
• The Lakes Distillery – nearby, if you’re feeling fancy
  
  

Final Thoughts

The Whinlatter Round is a quiet classic — a half-day loop with forest trails, ridge walking, and lake views. It’s proof that not every Wainwright day has to be dramatic or exhausting. This one’s all about variety, manageable climbs, and breathing room.

Ideal for a relaxed outing, a solo mission, or even a first introduction to Lakeland ridge walking.

As always, don’t forget to track your Wainwrights in the Peaky Baggers app — an easy way to log summits, store photos, and map your next peak-bagging loop.

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Photo by Rachel Harvey on Unsplash