Base Brown facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Base Brown |
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Base Brown from the road to Seathwaite, near the Borrowdale Yews.
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 646 m (2,119 ft) |
| Prominence | 38 m (125 ft) |
| Parent peak | Green Gable |
| Listing | Hewitt, Nuttall, Wainwright |
| Geography | |
 Base Brown
Location in Lake District
Base Brown
Location in Allerdale
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| Location | Cumbria, England |
| Parent range | Lake District, Western Fells |
| OS grid | NY225114 |
| Topo map | OS Landrangers 89, 90, Explorer OL4 |
Base Brown is a cool mountain, or 'fell,' located in England's beautiful Lake District. It stands tall near the top of the Borrowdale Valley. This mountain helps form one side of the Seathwaite Valley. On its western side, you'll find a special type of valley called Gillercomb, which seems to hang high up.
Contents
Exploring Base Brown: A Mountain Overview
Base Brown is part of the Western Fells in the Lake District. These fells form a big horseshoe shape around the long, wild Ennerdale valley. Base Brown is close to two other famous mountains, Great Gable and Green Gable. It's like a neighbor to these bigger peaks.
Where Does the Water Go?
All the water that flows from Base Brown eventually reaches the Borrowdale Valley. From there, it travels through Derwentwater lake and finally makes its way to the sea at a town called Workington.
Slopes and Valleys Around Base Brown
From the top of Green Gable, there's a steep, rough slope that goes down to a flat, damp area called Blackmoor Pols. After this, the ground rises again to form the round, steep sides of Base Brown.
On one side, there are cliffs looking over Styhead Gill. Across this valley is Seathwaite Fell. The other side of Base Brown is also very steep. It drops into the hanging valley of Gillercomb. This is where Sour Milk Gill starts, a stream that tumbles down over several waterfalls. It then joins other streams to form the beginning of the River Derwent.
Cool Features to Spot
- Hanging Stone: Look out for a large, unusual stone that seems to be hanging right on the edge of the cliffs. It looks like it could fall at any moment!
- Seathwaite Slabs: These are flat rock surfaces perfect for people learning to rock climb. They are very close to the village of Seathwaite.
What is Base Brown Made Of?
The cliffs on Base Brown show off rocks that are mostly made of volcanic ash and small rock pieces. These rocks were formed from ancient volcanic eruptions. There are also some smaller areas of a different type of rock called andesite. The very top of the mountain is covered in a layer of soil and rocks left behind by glaciers.
Reaching the Top of Base Brown
The top of Base Brown is grassy with some rocks. A small pile of stones, called a cairn, marks the highest point. Even though there are taller mountains nearby, you can still see some great views!
What Can You See From the Summit?
- Looking north-east down Borrowdale, you can see Skiddaw and the Helvellyn range.
- You get a close-up view of the northern side of the Scafells.
- You can also see parts of Derwentwater lake and Styhead Tarn.
How to Climb Base Brown
Many people walk past Base Brown on their way to places like Sty Head and Esk Hause. The most common way to climb Base Brown itself is from the small village of Seathwaite. You follow the path next to the waterfalls of Sour Milk Gill.
Once you reach the bottom of Gillercomb, you have a choice:
- You can continue up the gill to Blackmoor Pols and then walk easily to the summit.
- Or, you can take a more direct path straight up the northern ridge.
Base Brown can also be the first step if you plan to climb the bigger mountains of Green Gable and Great Gable.
