The 12 Most Amazing Peaks around Skelton

The area around Skelton, within the Northern Fells of the Lake District, offers several distinctive mountain peaks. Among them are Carrock Fell Summit, known for its unique views and geological features; Bowscale Fell Summit, part of the Blencathra group; and Souther Fell, which provides exceptional views of Blencathra's 'Saddleback' summit and is associated with a ghostly legend.

You'll encounter several unique natural features. Carrock Fell Summit is one of the few places in Britain where gabbro rock is found, whose magnetic qualities can affect compasses. During your ascent of Bowscale Fell Summit, you can visit Bowscale Tarn. Bannerdale Crags are notable for their dramatic crags that sharply descend into the Bannerdale Beck valley.

Yes, there are. Carrock Fell Summit was once the site of a Neolithic hill fort, adding a layer of ancient history to your visit. Additionally, Souther Fell is associated with a ghostly legend from 1745, where independent witnesses claimed to see a spectral army marching across its summit ridge on Midsummer's Eve.

The peaks offer diverse and stunning views. From Carrock Fell Summit, you get unique vistas towards the Eden Valley and the Pennines. Souther Fell provides arguably the finest view of Blencathra's famous 'Saddleback' summit. Even Little Mell Fell, despite its modest height, offers superb views of the surrounding area, including glimpses of Ullswater on a clear day.

While many peaks involve intermediate climbs, some areas offer family-friendly aspects. Carrock Beck, near Carrock Fell Summit, is a popular picnic spot during the summer, suitable for families. Generally, the grassy flanks of fells like Souther Fell can offer more gentle ascents for those with children, though supervision is always recommended.

The summer months are ideal for visiting, especially for activities like picnicking by Carrock Beck. However, the Lake District fells can be enjoyed year-round, with each season offering a different experience. Be prepared for strong winds at summits like Carrock Fell Summit, regardless of the season, and check weather conditions before any ascent.

Beyond hiking the peaks themselves, the area around Skelton offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can explore numerous routes for gravel biking, such as the 'Caldew Trail – Bridleway Around Blencathra loop'. There are also dedicated MTB trails, including routes like 'High Pike Summit – Great Lingy Hut loop'. For road cyclists, options like the 'Blencathra Trailhead – Castlerigg Stone Circle loop' are available. You can find more details on these activities in the Gravel biking around Skelton, MTB Trails around Skelton, and Road Cycling Routes around Skelton guides.

While many peaks are rated intermediate, Little Mell Fell offers a relatively short, steep climb to its summit, providing superb views without requiring an extensive hike. It's considered easy enough to summit in the dark for stargazing. The grassy north and western flanks of Souther Fell also offer more accessible routes compared to some of the more rugged fells.

The terrain varies, from the grassy north and western flanks of Souther Fell to the dramatic crags of Bannerdale Crags. Many of the peaks, such as Carrock Fell Summit and Bowscale Fell Summit, are rated as intermediate, with some sections potentially challenging. The descent from Bowscale Fell towards Mungrisdale, for instance, can be steep and slippery in places, requiring sure-footedness.

Visitors frequently praise the unique and expansive views, such as those from Carrock Fell Summit towards the Eden Valley, or the exceptional perspective of Blencathra from Souther Fell. The sense of accomplishment from reaching Wainwright summits and the less crowded nature of some fells, like Bowscale Fell Summit, are also highly valued. The geological and historical significance of sites like Carrock Fell adds to the appeal.

Yes, Bannerdale Crags is often visited in conjunction with its parent peak, Blencathra, offering a more extensive hiking experience. Its central location also makes it a good viewing point for the rest of the Blencathra group, allowing for scenic ridge walks to neighboring fells like Bowscale Fell Summit.