Glaramara in Borrowdale

• Best views of the Borrowdale valley
• A rugged climb typifying the terrain of the Lake District
• The name reflects the beauty of the scene

I have always been attracted to Glaramara; in part due to the beauty of the name but also due to the fact it is so easily accessible from the road at Borrowdale. The name is from Old Norse and literally translated comes out as ” The mountain with the Shieling (mountain hut) by a ravine”. It is a proper rugged mountain that displays good views to the bigger hills to the south but it is the view back north that captivates. The view of Derwentwater and Skiddaw is as good as any in the Lakes and becomes better as the ridge gets higher. The ridge itself is full of interest, not sharp but rugged until it breaks out on to a large plateau below the final summit pull. The walk deteriorates in the last mile but the summit stones (from where the name Glaramara come from) is a good spot. It is the cairn to the north east of the 3 points which marks the high point. To return the same way or even down Comb Gill is a little bit of a waste, my suggestion is to carry on SSW to Allen Crags 1 and a half miles distant.

I have a personal affection for Glaramara as I chose it for ‘my Wainwright hill’ in 2004 to celebrate the great writer’s 50th anniversary of his first published book.

Recommend. The ridge beyond Glaramara is classic Lakes – follow it as far as possible towards Allen Crags and it is perfectly possible to carry on to Esk Hause and then reverse back down to Seathwaite.

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© Crown copyright 2010 Ordnance Survey. Image produced from the Ordnance Survey Get-a-map service. Image reproduced with kind permission of Ordnance Survey and Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland.

OS Map:	O/S 1/25,000. OL6 Lake District South West Area
Start Point:	138251 Track is signposted Thorneythwaite Farm and then left after 50 yards. Parking may have to be on the road or walk from Seatoller
Terrain:	2,300' of ascent to the 2,560' summit. A good pull up to and along the ridge on a good path. At the top of the ridge the walking is a lot easier.The descent down Comb Gill is a little rougher on the boots.
Eating & Drinking:	The Langstrath Inn at Stonethwaite is the most convenient watering hole but Borrowdale Hotel has great views and a pricey cup of tea but my own favourite is the Yew Tree Inn at Seatoller.
Similar Walks Nearby:	Styhead & Sprinkling Tarn Derwentwater via Walla Crag Exploring Upper Borrowdale
Places to Stay: