This short, but rewarding, walk up Barrow from Braithwaite has excellent views. It offers a great vantage point for understanding the layout of Coledale Round as well as good views north towards Blencathra and Skiddaw.
1,494 ft. As it becomes more and more difficult to ‘get at’ Catbells, due to its popularity and lack of nearby parking, the appeal of Barrow grows. They are similar in many ways, in particular both make for an excellent family walk. Both climbs are not too steep, each is not high and there is no danger at all of becoming lost. On Barrow there is an option to go further (as there is on Catbells) with the undulating ridge to Outerside. It is a pleasant if simple walk which does not stray from the clutches of Braithwaite.
Barrow from Braithwaite was my eldest daughter’s first fell (albeit in a back pack) and I have always held it with some affection. However on my subsequent climbs I was particularly enamoured by the green swath of path which rises gently up from the farm outside Braithwaite. It could be done barefoot. In addition, the summit is a fine place to loiter, principally due to the proximity right in the mouth of the Coledale Horseshoe. Children can dream of the higher fells whilst the adults look longingly at what has past and what has to come.
Continuing to at least Stile End if not all the way to Outerside makes the walk much more interesting with little effort. There is even some rocky outcrops to safely scramble on.
This is a simple walk in terms of finding your way. However, it is worth taking your map to the summit of and spread it out. It is an excellent place to orientate the map and start identifying all the different mountains in view. Very rewarding and one of the great, practical advantage of paper maps.
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