Introduction
Barf is really just a craggy outcropping at the end of the north-eastern ridge of Lord's Seat, but it is very distinctive from the valley below (from where Lord's Seat) is hidden, and the summit is just distinct enough to support Bart's claim to be a separate fell.
A long narrow ridge runs north-east from the summit of Lord's Seat. Towards the end of this ridge a rocky outcropping sits just off to the right of the ridge, with a dip of around 100ft between the ridge and the summit of this outcropping - Barf. The fell has a clearly defined southern slope, overlooking Beckstones Gill. To the west and north it really merges into Lord's Seat. To the east is a dramatic craggy slope running down to Bassenthwaite, but only the southern part of this can really be claimed by Barf. The northern part, which is visually indistinguishable, really belongs to Lord's Seat.
Statistics
Grid Reference of Summit: NY 214 267
Height: 1,536ft
Map
Routes of Ascent
The steep crags limit access to Barf. The fell can be approached from the valley of Beckstones Gill, then along a path that comes up the south-western slopes of the summit. The only barrier on this path is a small rock face that has to be climbed, but there is an easy walkers route that cuts across it, and I've successfully passed this barrier in both directions.
Wainwright includes a difficult path up the south-eastern corner of the fell, but I've never tried that one! Finally the ridge to Lord's Seat is easy.
Walks
We have a walk that ascends Barf via Beckstone Gill before heading on to Lord's Seat.
The Summit
The summit of Barf is an undulating mix of heather and exposed rock, of quite a large area with crags to the east.
Streams and Tarns
To the south Barf is bordered by Beckstones Gill which runs down a steep sided valley with the craggy slopes of Barf to the north and the wooded slopes of Ullister Hill to the south.
To the north an unnamed beck might be taken as the boundary, although it really lies a bit too far north and properly belongs to Lord's Seat.
To the east another unnamed beck runs between Barf and Powterhew Wood, which sits on another small hill cutting the fell off from Bassenthwaite.
Other Features
Barf's most famous feature is its north-eastern ridge, which overlooks the former Swan Hotel. Just below the start of the crags is The Bishop, a white-painted stone that is clearly visible from the main A 66 below. Lower down in the woods is The Clerk, a more humble stone.