Birkett Hill

Hill, Mountain in Westmorland Eden

England

Birkett Hill

Footpath in groove en route for Nine Standards Rigg The path, seen looking to the west - downhill - is one of the main routes to the summit of Nine Standards Rigg and is a variant of the &#039;Coast to Coast&#039; long distance path. — Footpath in groove en route for Nine Standards Rigg Credit: Trevor Littlewood

Birkett Hill is a prominent hill located in the county of Westmorland, in the northwestern region of England. Rising to an elevation of approximately 1,520 feet (463 meters), this hill is considered one of the notable peaks in the region and provides stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Situated within the picturesque Lake District National Park, Birkett Hill is known for its rugged and rocky terrain, characterized by steep slopes and craggy outcrops. The hill is predominantly covered by grass and heather, creating a beautiful landscape that changes colors with the seasons.

Birkett Hill is a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts, offering a range of walking routes and trails to explore its slopes. The ascent to the summit can be challenging but rewarding, with breathtaking vistas of the nearby fells, valleys, and lakes, including the famous Lake Windermere.

The hill is also home to a diverse array of wildlife, including birds such as peregrine falcons, golden eagles, and kestrels, as well as various species of mammals and insects. The surrounding area provides a habitat for rare plant species, adding to the ecological significance of Birkett Hill.

In addition to its natural beauty, Birkett Hill holds historical importance, with evidence of ancient settlements and archaeological sites found in its vicinity. The hill is a testament to the rich cultural and natural heritage of the Westmorland region, attracting visitors from far and wide.

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Birkett Hill Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.45714/-2.3207541 or Grid Reference NY7906. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Footpath in groove en route for Nine Standards Rigg

The path, seen looking to the west - downhill - is one of the main routes to the summit of Nine Standards Rigg and is a variant of the 'Coast to Coast' long distance path.

Trevor Littlewood

Summit area of Tailbridge Hill, with summit cairn

A few minor limestone rocks protrude from the grassy covering of Tailbridge Hill and there are exposures of limestone pavement elsewhere on it. The distant hills are those of the west side of the Mallerstang valley.

Trevor Littlewood

From Tailbridge Hill

Eden Valley under the mist

David Brown

Little Longrigg Scar

David Brown

Limestone edge on Birkett Hill

David Brown

Birkett Hill

Birkett Hill as seen from the farm/estate road that is also the route of the Coast to Coast Walk.

Trevor Littlewood

Road on Hartley Fell

This estate and/or farm road climbs from the village of Hartley, close to Kirkby Stephen, towards Nine Standards Rigg; it also acts as the route for the Coast to Coast Walk.

Trevor Littlewood

Little Longrigg Scar

Little Longrigg Scar is an outcropping band of limestone; it's west-facing and about 3 km from Kirkby Stephen.

Trevor Littlewood

Track to Hartley Fell

The public bridleway passes through a bog. This is part of Wainwright's Coast to Coast route. In the background is the north-eastern Birkett Hill (405m - slightly higher than the other).

Ian Taylor

Track to Hartley Fell

This public bridleway is part of Wainwright's Coast to Coast route. In the background is the south-western Birkett Hill (383m - slightly lower than the other).

Ian Taylor

Ruined barn, Reigill

In the background on the right is Tailbridge Hill.

Ian Taylor

Dry stream bed, Reigill

A continuation of Faraday Gill, looking downstream.

Ian Taylor

The view SSW from Long Rigg

The view from the highest point of Long Rigg, looking SSW towards Wild Boar Fell.

Gordon Hatton

Little Longrigg Scar

Exposed limestone on this steep edge overlooking Hartley. The view is towards the distant bulk of Wild Boar Fell.

Gordon Hatton

Traces of old industry at Little Longrigg

The eye is drawn to the middle distance where there is evidence of some workings on the slopes of Birkett Hill. In the foreground is the crescent shaped outline of an old turf and stone dam, almost certainly used in the 18thC for the purpose of hushing on nearby slopes in the search for galena [lead ore].

Gordon Hatton

Site of Hartley smelt mill

This was once the site of a lead smelting mill, although evidence is now hard to find. Records show a single hearth mill here between 1714 & 1777, after which it may have fallen into disuse. Apart from a small area of flattened ground and a few protruding stones, there is little to see, although some of the stones in the wall to the right are dressed and others show signs of heating. This was small scale lead production almost a century earlier than the bigger mills such as Old Gang, Surrender and Grinton over in Swaledale.

Gordon Hatton

Limestone outcrops by Birkett Hill

For those of us used to the relatively flat bedded limestones of the Yorkshire Dales, these outcrops come as something of a surprise as they are steeply angled and in close proximity to both shales and sandstones. The reason must be the nearby northern extension to the Dent fault which runs along the western margins of the central Pennines.

Gordon Hatton