Shipman Knotts: 587m Height, Walks and Kentmere Views

Shipman Knotts stands between Kentmere and Longsleddale, a rough, rocky fell at the southern end of the ridge descending from Kentmere Pike. At 587m, it is lower than the principal summits of the Kentmere horseshoe, but its crags and broken ground give it a character of its own. For walkers, it offers both a worthwhile shorter outing and a natural companion to Kentmere Pike.

A rocky fell between two valleys

Shipman Knotts occupies the southern end of the high ground separating Kentmere from Longsleddale. Its ridge continues north towards Kentmere Pike, while its southern slopes fall towards the lower ground crossed by the old track between Kentmere and Sadgill. This position makes it part of the framework of both valleys, rather than an isolated summit.

Rock outcrops, small crags and uneven grassy ground define the fell. It is not a smooth, rounded top: the broken surface gives the summit area more variety than its modest height might suggest. Dry-stone walls also form part of the landscape, a reminder that these slopes belong to a working pastoral landscape as well as to the familiar walking country of the Far Eastern Fells.

Summit height and views

The summit reaches 587m, or 1,926ft, at grid reference NY472062. Shipman Knotts ranks 133rd by height among the 214 Wainwrights. Those figures put it below the neighbouring heights of Kentmere Pike and Harter Fell, but height alone does not account for its appeal. Its position near the southern edge of the higher fells brings the relationship between ridge and valley into focus.

Looking west, the fells on the opposite side of Kentmere include the distinctive Ill Bell ridge. Longsleddale lies to the east, with its enclosing slopes providing a different perspective from the more enclosed upper reaches of the Kentmere valley. Kentmere Pike rises to the north, so this is not an uninterrupted panorama in every direction. Much of the interest lies in the neighbouring ridges and the two valleys below.

Shipman Knotts in the Far Eastern Fells

Alfred Wainwright included Shipman Knotts in The Far Eastern Fells, the second book of his Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells. Its immediate ridge connection is with Kentmere Pike. Harter Fell lies farther north, while Tarn Crag above Longsleddale and Branstree belong to the wider surrounding group.

For walkers, Shipman Knotts is often linked with Kentmere Pike or included in variations of the Kentmere horseshoe. Kentmere and Sadgill are established starting areas for walks on the fell. It also rewards attention as a destination in its own right: the craggy ground and views across neighbouring valleys offer plenty to notice without making a full circuit of the higher ridges.

Where Shipman Knotts stands

Summit at grid reference NY472062 · open full map

The real Shipman Knotts

Walking Shipman Knotts

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

• Shipman Knotts (ramblingman.org.uk)
• Shipman Knotts (walklakes.co.uk)
• Shipman Knotts and Kentmere Pike Circular - Cumbria (alltrails.com)

Weather on Shipman Knotts

Conditions estimated at summit height (587 m) via Open-Meteo. For a walker's forecast, use the Mountain Weather Information Service.

Shipman Knotts on your wall

A painting of Shipman Knotts can recall the quieter details of a day between Kentmere and Longsleddale: broken crags, a wall crossing rough grass, the next ridge beyond. On a wall at home, those familiar shapes give a lasting place to a well-loved walk.

Own “Shipman Knotts Frosty Morning Light” — our painting of Shipman Knotts → or browse all Fells & Mountains artwork

Neighbouring Wainwrights in The Far Eastern Fells

• Kentmere Pike 730 m
• Tarn Crag (Longsleddale) 664 m
• Harter Fell (Mardale) 779 m
• Branstree 712 m

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