The North Western Fells

Barf

468m | 1535ft

Barf is a fell in the north-western Lake District in Cumbria, UK. It stands on the south-western shore of Bassenthwaite Lake. Barf is well known for a whitewashed pillar of rock on the lower slopes, the so-called "Bishop's Rock" or "Bishop of Barf". The name is thought to be a derivative of "burgh".

Popular Routes

Barf via The Bishop
Distance: 4.5km
Difficulty: Moderate
This route starts at the base of the fell near the Swan Hotel and follows a steep path up to the summit of Barf, passing the famous white-painted rock known as 'The Bishop'.
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Barf and Lord's Seat Circular
Distance: 8km
Difficulty: Moderate
A circular walk that takes you over Barf and continues to Lord's Seat, offering stunning views of Bassenthwaite Lake and the surrounding fells.
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Barf from Powter How
Distance: 5km
Difficulty: Challenging
This route starts from Powter How and involves a steep ascent through woodland before reaching the open fellside and the summit of Barf.
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Parking

Powter How Car Park
A small car park suitable for accessing the Barf and Lord's Seat walks.
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Swan Hotel Car Park
Parking available for patrons of the hotel, but can be used by walkers with permission.
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Public Transport

Buses run from Keswick to Cockermouth, with stops near the A66, but check schedules for the closest drop-off points.
Limited public transport options directly to the start of the routes.

Closest Towns

Keswick
A popular market town in the Lake District, offering a range of accommodation, shops, and outdoor activity providers.
Cockermouth
A historic town with a variety of shops, cafes, and attractions, located to the west of the fells.

Pubs & Restaurants

The Swan Hotel
A traditional pub offering meals and refreshments, ideal for post-walk relaxation.
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The Pheasant Inn
A charming inn with a restaurant and bar, offering local ales and hearty meals.
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Good to know

Weather in the Lake District can change rapidly; always check forecasts before setting out.
The path up Barf via The Bishop is steep and can be slippery when wet; caution is advised.
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including red squirrels and a range of bird species.