Barrow serves as a perfect introduction to the magic of the Lake District. Although only 455m high, there are good views from the summit of Newlands, Keswick, Braithwaite & Bassenthwaite.
At LabWag we like Barrow because it can be taken either as an easy, short climb (ideal after a long drive, or during a short clear spell on an otherwise rainy day), or the walk can be extended to Stile End, Outerside, or even to Causey Pike & Rowling End.
Barrow has many characteristics of more majectic fells: a couple of false summits, a mixture of terrain (wide grassy slope on the gradual Northern ridge ascent, rocky paths on the other side), good views, and occasional strong winds at the summit.
Approaches are either from Stair (via Stonycroft Gill) or from Braithwaite: the latter offers two ascents - a shallow grassy Northern ridge or via the valley to Barrow Door.