Lord's Seat: 552m Height, Walks and Fell Views

Lord's Seat rises above Whinlatter Forest, its open, grassy summit a marked contrast to the conifer-covered slopes below. At 552m, it is the highest of the fells north of Whinlatter Pass, yet its rounded outline draws less attention than nearby Barf. Walkers come for the transition from woodland to open fell, the outlook towards Skiddaw and the chance to link several neighbouring Wainwrights.

A rounded summit above Whinlatter

Lord's Seat stands on the northern side of Whinlatter Pass, west of Bassenthwaite Lake. Its broad upper slopes lack the sharply cut profile of the higher North Western Fells, but the change from forest to open ground gives it a character of its own. Conifer plantations occupy much of the surrounding lower ground, while the summit rises clear of the trees. Grass, heather and patches of wet ground are more characteristic here than extensive scree or exposed rock.

The summit is 552m (1,811ft) above sea level, at grid reference NY204265. This modest height is worth setting in context: Lord's Seat is the highest point in the group of fells north of the pass. Its rounded shape can make that prominence less obvious when seen from below.

Lord's Seat in the North Western Fells

Alfred Wainwright included Lord's Seat in Book Six of his Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells, The North Western Fells. It ranks 147th by height among the 214 Wainwrights. Within that collection, it belongs to the gentler, more wooded northern part of the region, rather than the higher ridges around Grasmoor and Grisedale Pike.

Broom Fell and Barf are particularly close companions, with Whinlatter and Sale Fell also among the neighbouring Wainwrights. The ridge towards Broom Fell gives a sense of the open upland beyond the plantations. Barf offers a different character: its steep eastern face rises above the Bassenthwaite valley, making a stronger impression from the lakeside than Lord's Seat itself. These contrasts help explain the appeal of combining the fells, rather than treating each summit as an isolated destination.

Views and walking character

Skiddaw is a principal feature of the eastern outlook, across the Bassenthwaite valley. In clear conditions, the view also extends towards the Solway Firth and the Scottish hills. The attraction is the breadth of the outlook: wooded slopes close at hand, larger Lakeland fells beyond and lower country opening towards the coast.

Whinlatter Forest provides an established setting for walks onto the surrounding fells, though the open ground above its tracks is a different proposition. Wet conditions can leave the upper slopes boggy, and cloud can obscure the broad summit. A dedicated walking guide and current map are useful for choosing an outing that suits the weather and the amount of ascent wanted.

Where Lord's Seat stands

Summit at grid reference NY204265 · open full map

The real Lord's Seat

Walking Lord's Seat

We make artwork, not route guides — these are the guides we'd point a friend to:

• Lord's Seat | The Hiking Household | Family Walk (thehikinghousehold.com)
• Whinlatter Forest (forestryengland.uk)
• Download GPX File Lord's Seat & Barf from Whinlatter (walkingbritain.co.uk)

Weather on Lord's Seat

Conditions estimated at summit height (552 m) via Open-Meteo. For a walker's forecast, use the Mountain Weather Information Service.

Lord's Seat on your wall

A painting of Lord's Seat can recall the quieter side of the North Western Fells: dark woodland giving way to open grass, with Skiddaw beyond. On the wall, those contrasts offer a familiar connection to days spent above Whinlatter, whether the summit was clear or clouded.

Own “Vibrant Shadows Over Lord's Seat” — our painting of Lord's Seat → or browse all Fells & Mountains artwork

Neighbouring Wainwrights in The North Western Fells

• Broom Fell 510 m
• Barf 469 m
• Whinlatter 517 m
• Sale Fell 359 m

Part of our guide to all 214 Wainwrights — see the full index.