Rosthwaite Fell

About Rosthwaite Fell

Rosthwaite Fell is one of the smaller peaks in the Southern Fells area of the Lake District, with an elevation of 612 m (2,008 ft) and a prominence of around 15 m (49 ft). Its parent peak is Dovenest Top and it is listed as one of Wainwright’s 214 Lakeland fells.

Like Glaramara, to which it is connected by the col of Combe Door, Rosthwaite Fell is an upland marked with rocky tors and minor summits. The highest point is known as Rosthwaite Cam; but a subsidiary top, Bessyboot (550 m / 1,804 ft) is the one regarded as the summit by Wainwright in his guide. This lies around 800 m (2,625 ft) north of the main summit. The two are separated by a small mountain lake called Tarn at Leaves.

A degree of scrambling is required to reach the summit rocks of Rosthwaite Cam. There are appealing views of the surrounding fells from here.

Rosthwaite Fell is also a designated SSSI for its unique geological interest.

Climbing Rosthwaite Fell

Because Rosthwaite Fell is craggy and steep on three of its sides and there is no simple route of ascent, it tends to be quieter than its neighbouring peaks. Ascents usually begin from Stonethwaite, using Stanger Gill as a guide partway, from where it is an easy walk to the summit of Bessyboot. Alternatively, begin from the Borrowdale road between Seatoller and Rosthwaite, following Combe Gill as it rises before heading up the steep eastern flank to reach the summit of Rosthwaite Cam.

Rosthwaite Fell can also be approached indirectly from Glaramara along a marshy, undulating ridge which takes in several subsidiary tops en route.