Low Birk Fell

Downs, Moorland in Westmorland Eden

England

Low Birk Fell

Howe Grain Beck, near Bridge End One of the tributaries of Sandwick Beck.
Howe Grain Beck, near Bridge End Credit: Christine Johnstone

Low Birk Fell is a captivating area located in Westmorland, England. Known for its stunning natural beauty, it is situated in the Downs region, encompassing vast stretches of moorland. Spanning over an area of approximately 200 hectares, Low Birk Fell offers a tranquil escape for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

The landscape of Low Birk Fell is characterized by rolling hills, heather-covered moorland, and scattered stands of native trees. The area boasts breathtaking panoramic views, with the nearby Haweswater Reservoir visible in the distance. The unique combination of open spaces and rugged terrain makes it an ideal destination for walking, hiking, and birdwatching.

The moorland of Low Birk Fell is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. Visitors can spot a variety of bird species, including golden plovers, curlews, and red grouse. The heather-clad hills provide a vibrant backdrop during the summer months when the purple flowers are in full bloom.

History enthusiasts will find interest in the area's past, as Low Birk Fell was once utilized for grazing sheep and mining activities. The remnants of old lead mines can still be seen scattered throughout the landscape, serving as a reminder of its industrial heritage.

Access to Low Birk Fell is easily obtained via footpaths and bridleways that crisscross the area. The tranquil atmosphere and unspoiled natural beauty make it a popular destination for those seeking solitude and a connection with the great outdoors.

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Low Birk Fell Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.563947/-2.9143766 or Grid Reference NY4019. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Howe Grain Beck, near Bridge End One of the tributaries of Sandwick Beck.
Howe Grain Beck, near Bridge End
One of the tributaries of Sandwick Beck.
Security at Sandwick Solid gates, high walls and CCTV.
Security at Sandwick
Solid gates, high walls and CCTV.
Sandwick Bay, Ullswater Looking from the east shore to the west.
Sandwick Bay, Ullswater
Looking from the east shore to the west.
Sandwick from Gowbarrow A view across Ullswater from the mighty heights of Gowbarrow fell.

On the opposite shore, Sandwick lies at the junction of Martindale and Boredale separated by the ridge of Beda Fell.

Patches of snow on Rampsgill Head.

Martindale once boasted a public house, the Star Inn, now a farm called Cotehow. Dorothy Wordsworth recalls dining here with her brother on the 29th December 1801. She writes they had porridge with a second course of Christmas pies.

In fact the Wordsworths made several journeys to Martindale, one time arriving by boat at Sandwick Bay and walking from there:

“… a beautiful summer path, at first though a copse by the Lake-side, then through green fields. The Village and brook very pretty, shut out from mountains and lake.”

For sources see my blog <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.fhithich.uk/?p=27506" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.fhithich.uk/?p=27506">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
Sandwick from Gowbarrow
A view across Ullswater from the mighty heights of Gowbarrow fell. On the opposite shore, Sandwick lies at the junction of Martindale and Boredale separated by the ridge of Beda Fell. Patches of snow on Rampsgill Head. Martindale once boasted a public house, the Star Inn, now a farm called Cotehow. Dorothy Wordsworth recalls dining here with her brother on the 29th December 1801. She writes they had porridge with a second course of Christmas pies. In fact the Wordsworths made several journeys to Martindale, one time arriving by boat at Sandwick Bay and walking from there: “… a beautiful summer path, at first though a copse by the Lake-side, then through green fields. The Village and brook very pretty, shut out from mountains and lake.” For sources see my blog LinkExternal link
Low Moss Sheepfold For further info see ‘Heritage Gateway - Results’. 2012. Heritagegateway.org.uk <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://www.heritagegateway.org.uk/Gateway/Results_Single.aspx?uid=2886841&resourceID=801" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://www.heritagegateway.org.uk/Gateway/Results_Single.aspx?uid=2886841&resourceID=801">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> [accessed 12 October 2022]
Low Moss Sheepfold
For further info see ‘Heritage Gateway - Results’. 2012. Heritagegateway.org.uk LinkExternal link [accessed 12 October 2022]
Sleet Fell
Sleet Fell
Ullswater shore west of Sandwick
Ullswater shore west of Sandwick
Path near Hare Shaw It is a stiff climb up this way from Patterdale, but the view over Ullswater to Glenridding makes it worth the while. The vegetation changes here from bracken to heather with more of a moorland feel.
Path near Hare Shaw
It is a stiff climb up this way from Patterdale, but the view over Ullswater to Glenridding makes it worth the while. The vegetation changes here from bracken to heather with more of a moorland feel.
Path up to Place Fell The path seems to climb interminably past crags which are not the top. The one partly showing on the left is The Knight.
Path up to Place Fell
The path seems to climb interminably past crags which are not the top. The one partly showing on the left is The Knight.
Moorland plateau above The Knight Part of the ridge of Place Fell  but below the craggy summit. This is looking towards Penrith with the long line of the North Pennines in the background.
Moorland plateau above The Knight
Part of the ridge of Place Fell but below the craggy summit. This is looking towards Penrith with the long line of the North Pennines in the background.
Ullswater and Little Mell Fell Ullswater and Little Mell Fell viewed from the fell side above Sandwick.
Ullswater and Little Mell Fell
Ullswater and Little Mell Fell viewed from the fell side above Sandwick.
Dead tree near Groove Gill Dead tree near Groove Gill.
Dead tree near Groove Gill
Dead tree near Groove Gill.
Aira Force Aira Force is a waterfall where Aira Beck plunges an impressive 65 feet down a rocky ravine approximately one kilometre before it reaches Ullswater. 

Aira Force lies on land owned by the National Trust. The Trust purchased the 750 acre Gowbarrow Park (on which the force lies) in 1906 and has provided facilities, such as car parking, disabled access, graded paths, and viewing platforms which have contributed towards making Aira Force one of the most famous and most visited waterfalls in the Lake District.

A small arched bridge spans the stream just as the beck goes over the falls giving a spectacular view from the top as the water makes its leap. There is also a second bridge at the foot of the falls.

<span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/aira-force-and-ullswater/" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/aira-force-and-ullswater/">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>   Aira Force and Ullswater Visitor Information (National Trust)
Aira Force
Aira Force is a waterfall where Aira Beck plunges an impressive 65 feet down a rocky ravine approximately one kilometre before it reaches Ullswater. Aira Force lies on land owned by the National Trust. The Trust purchased the 750 acre Gowbarrow Park (on which the force lies) in 1906 and has provided facilities, such as car parking, disabled access, graded paths, and viewing platforms which have contributed towards making Aira Force one of the most famous and most visited waterfalls in the Lake District. A small arched bridge spans the stream just as the beck goes over the falls giving a spectacular view from the top as the water makes its leap. There is also a second bridge at the foot of the falls. LinkExternal link Aira Force and Ullswater Visitor Information (National Trust)
Footbridge above Aira Force This footbridge, spanning the top of Aira Force, provides a dramatic view of the waterfall.
Footbridge above Aira Force
This footbridge, spanning the top of Aira Force, provides a dramatic view of the waterfall.
A5091 towards Ullswater
A5091 towards Ullswater
Path up from Patterdale One of the steeper ascents of Place Fell but it is quite steady.
Path up from Patterdale
One of the steeper ascents of Place Fell but it is quite steady.
Silver Crag A small lump on the side of Place Fell, viewed from higher up the side of Place Fell. Ullswater is below, with Glencoyne Bridge seen on the far side.
Silver Crag
A small lump on the side of Place Fell, viewed from higher up the side of Place Fell. Ullswater is below, with Glencoyne Bridge seen on the far side.
Grazing land above Aira Beck There is a view down to Ullswater. Place Fell is to the left but the foothills of Helvellyn are hidden by low cloud.
Grazing land above Aira Beck
There is a view down to Ullswater. Place Fell is to the left but the foothills of Helvellyn are hidden by low cloud.
Show me another place!

Low Birk Fell is located at Grid Ref: NY4019 (Lat: 54.563947, Lng: -2.9143766)

Administrative County: Cumbria

District: Eden

Police Authority: Cumbria

What 3 Words

///sloping.owner.sized. Near Keswick, Cumbria

Nearby Locations

Low Birk Fell Aira Point

Related Wikis

Aira Force

Aira Force is a waterfall in the English Lake District, in the civil parish of Matterdale and the county of Cumbria. The site of the waterfall is owned...

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Place Fell

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Martindale, Cumbria

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 54.563947,-2.9143766
Kilbert How
Is In: Eden, Cumbria
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 54.5606975/-2.9180686
Low Birk Fell
Is In: Eden, Cumbria
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 54.5630241/-2.9163734
Roscombe Rigg
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 54.5652818/-2.9131428
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 54.5652901/-2.9084727
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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