Swinside is a 245m (803ft) England hill classified as a Marilyn, one of 2009 Marilyns in England. Check the Swinside weather forecast for wind, rain and visibility before your walk. Even at lower elevations, hill 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 Swinside? Our summit weather forecast shows live conditions at 245m 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 Swinside: 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 245m), and wind gusts (which can be significantly stronger on exposed summits than in the valley below).
Swinside 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 Swinside.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high is Swinside?
Swinside is 245 metres (803 feet) above sea level. It is classified as a Marilyn in Cumberland.
What is the weather like on Swinside?
Swinside stands at 245m, where conditions can still differ from the valley. Wind is typically stronger on the summit, and rain showers can arrive quickly in Cumberland. Check the hillandglen.com forecast for live summit wind, temperature and rain risk.
Is Swinside suitable for beginners?
At 245m, Swinside is one of the more accessible hills 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 Marilyn?
A Marilyn is any hill in the British Isles with a prominence of at least 150 metres, regardless of height. There are over 2,000 Marilyns ranging from sea-level islands to the highest mountains. The name is a pun on Munro — "any hill with a good drop".
When is the best time to climb Swinside?
The best months for climbing Swinside are typically May to September, when days are longest and weather is generally drier. Summer offers the most stable conditions and longest daylight hours. Autumn can also be excellent with clearer skies and golden light.
Free summit weather forecasts for over 20,000 British and Irish hills. Designed for hikers, runners, and climbers who need accurate mountain conditions — not just city weather.
