Thornthwaite via Beckstones Gill up Barf: route map, distance and time
469 m · Lake District N · OS grid NY214267
Barf is a 469 m fell above Bassenthwaite Lake, known for its steep scree face and the whitewashed rock called the Bishop of Barf.
Climb through Whinlatter Forest beside Beckstones Gill to the open col below Lord's Seat, then head east over heather to the top.
Thornthwaite via Beckstones Gill at a glance
| Distance | 2.2 km one way, to the top |
|---|---|
| Ascent | 366 m |
| Time up | 1h 5m by Naismith's rule |
| There and back | 1h 30m, down the same way |
| Grade | Moderate |
| Start | Thornthwaite (Powter How car park) |
| Start grid reference | NY 222 255 |
| Summit grid reference | NY214267 |
Thornthwaite via Beckstones Gill map
The start (green) and the summit (blue). Peakify has no GPX track for this route yet, so follow the description and your map.
Height profile and getting to the start
Near the start
From OpenStreetMap, within 2 km. Check opening times before you rely on them.
How long Thornthwaite via Beckstones Gill takes
| Pace | To the top | There and back |
|---|---|---|
| Brisk 6 km/h, 8 min per 100 m up | 0h 50m | 1h 15m |
| Steady (Naismith) 5 km/h, 10 min per 100 m up | 1h 5m | 1h 30m |
| Relaxed 4 km/h, 12 min per 100 m up | 1h 15m | 1h 50m |
Times leave out stops. Coming down the same way, the table counts the ascent once; steep descents on rough ground can be as slow as the climb.
- Today: sunrise 07:07, sunset 16:45. Start by 14:15 to be down before dark, allowing 1h 30m for the walk and an hour for stops.
- Tomorrow: sunrise 07:09, sunset 16:43. Start by 14:13 to be down before dark, allowing 1h 30m for the walk and an hour for stops.
Barf summit weather for this route
There is no recent summit forecast cached for Barf right now. The main Barf page loads the live forecast when you open it. Open the live Barf forecast.
Before you go, also check: MWIS Lake District forecast · Met Office mountain forecast.
About Barf
Barf is a 469 m fell above Bassenthwaite Lake, known for its steep scree face and the whitewashed rock called the Bishop of Barf. More about Barf, with the live forecast.
On the lists: Wainwright, Birkett.
Extend the walk: tops near the summit
- Lord's Seat (552 m), 1 km west
- Broom Fell (510 m), 1.9 km west
- Whinlatter (517 m), 2.8 km south-west
Challenges that include Barf
More walks from Thornthwaite
Routes in Peakify's guides that start within 500 m of this one, for another day from the same car park.
- Thornthwaite via Barf up Lord's Seat
In an emergency
Call 999, ask for the police and then mountain rescue. Give your location (the start is at NY 222 255, the summit at NY214267), what happened and how many are in your group. If you have no signal for a call, a text to 999 works once you have registered your phone with emergencySMS: text "register" to 999 before you go.
Thornthwaite via Beckstones Gill: questions and answers
How far is Thornthwaite via Beckstones Gill?
Thornthwaite via Beckstones Gill is 2.2 km one way to the summit of Barf, with 366 m of ascent. There and back by the same way is about 4.4 km.
How long does Thornthwaite via Beckstones Gill take?
About 1h 5m to the summit of Barf and 1h 30m there and back by Naismith's rule (5 km/h plus 10 minutes per 100 m of ascent), before stops. A relaxed group takes nearer 1h 50m for the round trip.
Where do you park for Thornthwaite via Beckstones Gill?
Thornthwaite via Beckstones Gill starts from Thornthwaite (Powter How car park). The grid reference is NY 222 255.
Is Thornthwaite via Beckstones Gill suitable for beginners?
Yes, for fit walkers on a clear day. Peakify grades it Moderate: a long climb on a made path, but the top is high, exposed and colder than the start. Turn back if the cloud comes down and you can't navigate.
What time should I start Thornthwaite via Beckstones Gill today?
By 14:15 at the latest. Sunset on Barf today is 16:45, Thornthwaite via Beckstones Gill takes about 1h 30m there and back, and that leaves an hour for stops. Start earlier in winter or if the forecast turns.
Is there a GPX for Thornthwaite via Beckstones Gill?
Not yet. The Peakify iPhone app can plan the route and export a GPX (Peakify Pro).