Barrow is a 455m (1493ft) fell in Cumberland classified as a Wainwright, one of 214 Lake District fells. Check the Barrow weather forecast for wind, rain and visibility before your walk. Even at lower elevations, fell weather can differ significantly from the valley.
Geology: The bedrock here is Buttermere Formation — Mudstone — a fine-grained sedimentary rock formed from compressed mud and clay. Age: Tremadoc Series.
Planning to walk Barrow? Our summit weather forecast shows live conditions at 455m including wind speed, wind chill, temperature, freezing level, cloud base and rain risk. The forecast updates hourly using data from 7 weather models blended into the HILLANDGLEN ensemble — accuracy-weighted so the best-performing models have the most influence.
Key conditions to check before climbing Barrow: wind chill (the real temperature you'll feel on exposed ridges), freezing level (whether ice and snow are likely on the summit), cloud base (whether you'll have visibility at 455m), and wind gusts (which can be significantly stronger on fell tops than in the valley below).
Barrow weather can change quickly. Valley conditions often differ from the summit — our forecast applies lapse rate adjustments to give you the actual temperature and wind at the top, not the nearest town. Check the 14-day outlook to find the best day to walk Barrow.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high is Barrow?
Barrow is 455 metres (1493 feet) above sea level. It is classified as a Wainwright in the Lake District.
What is the weather like on Barrow?
Barrow stands at 455m, where conditions can still differ from the valley. Wind is typically stronger on the summit, and rain showers can arrive quickly in the Lake District. Check the hillandglen.com forecast for live summit wind, temperature and rain risk.
Is Barrow suitable for beginners?
At 455m, Barrow is one of the more accessible Lake District fells and is popular with walkers of all abilities. However, weather can change quickly — always check the forecast and carry waterproofs. Good footwear with grip is recommended as paths can be muddy or rocky.
What is a Wainwright?
A Wainwright is one of the 214 fells in the English Lake District described by Alfred Wainwright in his seven-volume Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells, published between 1955 and 1966. Completing all 214 is a popular walking challenge.
When is the best time to walk Barrow?
The best months for walking Barrow are typically May to September, when days are longest and weather is generally drier. Summer offers the best visibility and warmest conditions. Autumn (October-November) brings beautiful colours but shorter days. Autumn can also be excellent with clearer skies and golden light.
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