Barf

Barf is a mountain in the Lake District National Park in Cumbria, England, rising to 468 meters with rough terrain and multiple hiking paths to the summit. The slopes feature rocky sections and moorland vegetation that define the climb.

The name Barf has Norse origins reflecting Viking settlement influence across medieval Cumbria. A monument on the hillside preserves the memory of a fatal wager from a later period.

The Bishop of Barf monument marks a local story about a fatal wager involving a horseman, which remains part of the hillside's everyday identity. Visitors passing by often pause to remember this peculiar episode that shaped how people talk about the place.

The mountain is accessible from Keswick via established trails that require moderate hiking experience. Sturdy footwear is essential as paths can be steep and rocky.

The site contains a registered moated archaeological location that appears on England's National Heritage List. This feature often goes unnoticed by hikers despite offering clues to the area's earlier settlement patterns.

Location: Cumbria

Elevation above the sea: 468 m

GPS coordinates: 54.62632,-3.21117

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:48