Watch Hill (Cockermouth) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Watch Hill |
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Watch Hill, from the entrance to Greenlands Farm
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 254 m (833 ft) |
| Prominence | 157 m (515 ft) |
| Parent peak | Lord's Seat |
| Listing | Marilyn, Outlying Wainwright |
| Geography | |
 Watch Hill
Location in Lake District
Watch Hill
Location in Allerdale
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| Location | Lake District, England |
| OS grid | NY159318 |
| Topo map | OS Landranger 90 |
Watch Hill is a small hill located in the north-western part of the Lake District in England. Even though it's not very tall, it offers amazing views because it stands out from other hills nearby. Sometimes, people call the area around its highest point "Setmurthy Common." This name was even used by a famous walker and writer, Alfred Wainwright, in his book The Outlying Fells of Lakeland.
It's good to know that there's another hill also called Watch Hill, about 19 kilometers (12 miles) to the south-west, near Whitehaven. That one is much smaller, only 172 meters (564 feet) high. The area to the west of Watch Hill's top is sometimes also called "The Hay."
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What Makes Watch Hill Special?
Watch Hill might only be 254 meters (833 feet) tall, but it's known as a Marilyn. This special name is given to hills that rise at least 150 meters (492 feet) above the land around them. Because Watch Hill is quite separate from other taller hills, it means you get fantastic, clear views from its top.
Amazing Views from the Top
From the summit of Watch Hill, you can see many famous mountains in the Lake District. These include Skiddaw, Blencathra, the Lord's Seat group, and Grisedale Pike. You also get a wonderful look at the town of Cockermouth and the beautiful Solway Coast AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty).
Visiting Watch Hill
Watch Hill is a popular spot for people from Cockermouth to climb. It's often explored along with its smaller neighbor, Slate Fell.
An Easy Climb
Alfred Wainwright, the famous fell-walker, suggested a simple way to climb Watch Hill. He recommended starting from the west side and returning the same way. He even wrote that it's "easily attained with a minimum of effort: a stroll on grass so simple that boots are incongruous footwear for it and bare feet appropriate." This means it's a very easy and pleasant walk, perfect for a relaxed day out.
