OS grid NY159318 Prominence 157 m Parent peak Lord's Seat | Elevation 254 m Topo map OS Landranger 90 Parent range Lake District | |
 | ||
Listing Marilyn, The Outlying Fells of Lakeland Similar Top o'Selside, Grayrigg Forest, Sighty Crag, Dent, Lambrigg Fell | ||
Watch Hill is a small hill lying on the north-western fringe of the Lake District in England. The name Setmurthy Common is sometimes used (including by Alfred Wainwright in his book The Outlying Fells of Lakeland) to refer to the area including the highest point, with "Watch Hill" describing the area to the west of the summit. It should not be confused with another Watch Hill some 19 km to the south-west, near Whitehaven, which is only 172 m (564 ft) high. The name "The Hay" is also used when referring to the area west of the summit.
Map of Watch Hill, Cockermouth, UK
Despite its low height (just 833 feet) it is a Marilyn (a hill with topographic prominence of at least 150m) because of the large height separation from its neighbours. This 'detachedness' means that it is an excellent viewpoint. Skiddaw, Blencathra, the Lord's Seat group and Grisedale Pike are all seen, and there is a first-class view of the Cockermouth area and the Solway Coast AONB.
The hill is a popular climb with Cockermouth folk, along with its lower neighbour Slate Fell.
Wainwright recommends an ascent from the west and a return on the same route. He comments that "It is easily attained with a minimum of effort: a stroll on grass so simple that boots are incongruous footwear for it and bare feet appropriate".