Wainwright summit*: GR: NY11752 20349 1781′ True height: GR: NY11718 20316 1785′ 544m
Summary: On social media I have seen many walkers question why this fell was not featured as one of the fells in the Pictorial Guides. The fact is that Wainwright did consider Carling Knott for inclusion in the Pictorial Guides as it was listed on his original notes. However, most likely due to it’s close proximity to Blake Fell and its limited direct routes of ascent it didn’t make it into the Pictorial Guides. He only gives it a passing mention in the Blake Fell chapter and unusually manages to squeeze it in to the “View” indicator on Blake Fell 8 as well as the view indicators for Low Fell and Mellbreak, an accolade which is normally reserved for other main fells. There are several cairns on the summit plateau of Carling Knott, two which are marked as tumuli on the older maps and may date back to the Bronze Age. The name Carling may come from the Old Norse word for “old woman”. Knott is common in the area and refers to a rocky top.
Topographical features: When Wainwright listed the fell he was taking the height and location of the summit from the triangulation station on the 6″ O.S. map. This is a small cairn approximately 12m south of the most north easterly of the two tumuli. This is the Wainwright summit. It can be seen at 9.30 in this YouTube film The true summit is recognised as the large tumuli which has been reformed into a well crafted wind shelter, 40m to the south west of the Wainwright summit.
Points of interest: There are good views to the east including the Grasmoor range of fells from the summit. The ancient cairns are worth locating.
Tarns: none on the high area of the fell.
Waterfalls: Holme Force in Holme wood is worth a look.
Adjoining Fells: Blake Fell
Nearest facilities: Car parking at Maggies Bridge where spaces are limited.
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