Brant Fell
Hiking Highlight
This Highlight is in a protected area
Please check local regulations for: Lake District National Park
Brant Fell is a small, craggy and easily accessible hill above the town of Bowness-on-Windermere. Like Orrest Head and School Knott, it is a viewpoint that is easily reached from the cafes and pubs below, making it a great micro-adventure if you only have an hour or two to spare.
A crown of rock boasting beautiful Windermere views
The sight of the summit’s rocky crown will be familiar to anyone who has walked the Dales Way long-distance trail, which starts at Ilkley in Yorkshire and finishes just a stone’s throw away in Bowness. The official route passes just to the north of Brant Fell on a footpath that eventually joins Brantfell Road on its way into the town centre. From this footpath, the fell’s boulder-strewn summit is just a short diversion to the south, past Brantfell Farm and then steeply up to the top.
Brant Fell is a great objective for family ambles, as it combines accessibility, glorious views and isn’t too much of a commitment. There’s plenty of clambering and easy scrambling fun to be had on the summit’s rock outcrops, a great natural playground for young children. Bear in mind that the ascent can be muddy after periods of rainfall.
Few viewpoints reward with such extensive views for so little effort as the top of Brant Fell. Windermere, England’s longest lake, stretches away to the north and south. In the distance rise the mountains of the Coniston group and beyond them the Scafells, the nation’s highest mountains.
Tips
The hike up to Brant Fell is quite easy, though some of the paths may be a bit muddy, especially when it's been raining for a while. The views from the summit are just spectacular.
May 25, 2015
The ascent to Brant Fell is comparatively easy, with some of the trails being muddy and slippery depending on the weather. Part of the way leads over green sheep meadows, so that could be a little more unpleasant after prolonged rain. But the views of Windermere and the surrounding area are just breathtaking.
July 8, 2015
A simple climb over wonderful park-like landscapes, above then a view over the Windermere. Many interesting rock formations, a paradise for agile children with fun climbing on rocks. But take care!
August 27, 2016
fabulous views no matter what the weather. 2 ways to get to the top - steep or gradual. Approx. 1.5 kms on a gradual climb and well worth it.
June 12, 2022
Brilliant views of the South and North end of the lake. Easy walk up, might be breezy up top.
June 13, 2022
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