Hindscarth

Hindscarth is a mountain summit in the Lake District's North Western Fells, rising to 727 meters between the valleys of Buttermere and Newlands. The peak features steep slopes and a prominent rocky top with wide views across the surrounding landscape.

German miners opened the Goldscope mine on the mountain's northern slope in 1564, extracting copper and lead from deep below. Flooding in the late 1800s eventually made mining uneconomical and the operations ceased.

The name combines two Old Norse words: hind for deer and skarth for pass, reflecting ancient routes used by red deer through this region. Such names today remind visitors of the animals that have shaped this mountain for centuries.

Multiple walking routes lead to the summit, with the most direct starting from the Newlands Church parking area and following the Scope End ridge. The path can be slippery when wet, so sturdy walking boots and caution in bad weather are important.

The summit features two cairns: a smaller untidy pile of rocks at the highest point and a larger structure marked on maps as a shelter. This larger stone building serves more as a landmark today than as actual protection from the elements.

Elevation above the sea: 727 m

GPS coordinates: 54.53786,-3.21375

Latest update: December 14, 2025 12:27