Best natural monuments around Barton feature a landscape characterized by fells, summits, and waterfalls, offering diverse natural exploration. This region provides opportunities to experience significant geological formations and expansive views. The area is known for its prominent natural landmarks, which include accessible summits and notable waterfalls. It serves as a destination for those seeking to engage with natural environments.
Last updated: July 1, 2026
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Popular around Barton
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Loadpot Hill, at 671 metres, and its trig point occupy an expansive, flat-topped fell between Arthur's Pike and Wether Hill. It has commanding but distant 360-degree views of the surrounding fells from its barren, flat top that you know must be a nightmare during high winds in winter. The trig point is not the actual summit; the summit is nearby but unmarked.
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Thornthwaite Crag is just the coolest Wainwright. At 784 m / 2,572 ft, it is a prominent summit in its own right, but with its massive 14-foot (4.3-metre) high stone beacon, it serves as a navigation hub connecting several major valleys and ridges. It is unmistakable for miles around and makes a good aiming point for runners and hikers alike.
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The trig-pointed summit of High Street is a broad, flat plateau rather than a dramatic, sharp peak or cliff edge as is common in the Lake District. It is a super good place for a rest break, as there are nearby stone walls for a windbreak. While barren, it has good views of the surrounding fells.
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Kidsty Pike's small summit cairn sits on a rocky outcrop overlooking a dramatic drop down into Riggingdale Valley. This 780-metre (2,631 ft) peak provides a sharp, rocky, and dramatic Wainwright that is in close proximity to The Knott, Rampsgill Head, High Rise, and High Street, all fellow Wainwrights.
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Angletarn Pikes has two peaks, the north and south, which are separated by a small boggy depression. The shark-finned rocky north top is the highest and the actual Wainwright, but the south provides the best views over Angle Tarn. The latter being one of the most famous and scenic tarns in the Lake District.
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This is the highest point of the Coast to Coast path
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Amazing views at the top on a good day, throughly enjoyed the run to top, Stoney paths
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Among the most popular natural monuments are Gowbarrow Fell summit, which offers stunning views of Ullswater, and Aira Force, a spectacular 65-foot waterfall. Visitors also highly rate Kidsty Pike for its wild landscape views over Haweswater Reservoir.
Yes, Aira Force is particularly family-friendly. It features well-maintained trails that follow the Aira Beck upstream, leading to the impressive waterfall, and is accessible via the Ullswater Steamer from Glenridding.
The natural monuments offer diverse and expansive views. From Gowbarrow Fell summit, you can enjoy awesome vistas of Ullswater to the south and the Mell Fells and Blencathra to the north. Kidsty Pike provides a spectacular view over a wild, beautiful landscape, while Thornthwaite Crag Beacon overlooks four valleys in the Lake District National Park.
The area around Barton offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can explore numerous hiking trails, such as those found in the Hiking around Barton guide. There are also options for gravel biking, with routes like the 'Caldew Trail' detailed in the Gravel biking around Barton guide, and road cycling routes, including scenic loops around Ullswater, available in the Road Cycling Routes around Barton guide.
Yes, the region features several unique formations. Thornthwaite Crag Beacon is recognizable for its 14-foot (4.2 m) high columnar cairn, the highest in the region. Kidsty Pike is known for its classic peaked profile, making it a distinct fell despite being a subsidiary peak.
Visitors frequently praise the stunning views, especially from summits like Gowbarrow Fell, which offers brilliant vistas down to Ullswater. The dramatic spectacle of Aira Force waterfall is also a major highlight, with many recommending descending the steps for the best view. The sense of wild beauty and the opportunity for peaceful breaks are also highly valued.
Absolutely. Gowbarrow Fell summit can be easily combined with a hike to Aira Force, as the famous waterfall tumbles down a ravine on its southwestern flanks. Trails follow the Aira Beck upstream, allowing for a scenic combined experience.
Many of the natural monuments double as excellent viewpoints. Gowbarrow Fell summit, Kidsty Pike, Thornthwaite Crag Beacon, and Loadpot Hill Trig Point are all classified as viewpoints, offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding fells, valleys, and lakes.
Thornthwaite Crag Beacon is located on Thornthwaite Crag, a Wainwright fell reaching 2,572 feet (784 m). The true summit is a natural rock formation slightly north of the beacon itself.
Yes, several natural monuments in the area are recognized Wainwright Fells. These include Gowbarrow Fell, Kidsty Pike, Thornthwaite Crag, and Loadpot Hill, all offering rewarding experiences for fell walkers.
The natural monuments offer a range of difficulties. While many summits like Gowbarrow Fell and Kidsty Pike are considered intermediate to challenging, Aira Force has more accessible trails suitable for families and those looking for an easier walk.


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