Great Shunner Fell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Great Shunner Fell |
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Great Shunner Fell from the north-east
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 716 m (2,349 ft) |
| Prominence | c. 297 m |
| Parent peak | Cross Fell |
| Listing | Marilyn, Hewitt, Nuttall |
| Geography | |
 Great Shunner Fell
Location in Yorkshire Dales
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| Parent range | Yorkshire Dales |
| OS grid | SD848972 |
| Topo map | OS Landranger 98 |
Great Shunner Fell is a large mountain in the Yorkshire Dales area of North Yorkshire, England. It is the third highest mountain in the Yorkshire Dales. It is also the highest point in Wensleydale. The mountain stands 716 meters (about 2,349 feet) above sea level.
On a clear day, you can see amazing views from the top. You can look over Wensleydale to the south. You can also see Ribblesdale to the south-west and Swaledale to the north. Beyond these, you can even see parts of Cumbria and County Durham.
The Pennine Way Path
A famous long-distance walking path called the Pennine Way crosses the summit of Great Shunner Fell. This path goes from Hawes to Keld. Many walkers use this route.
Because so many people walked on the path, the ground became very worn. A wide strip of land, about 70 meters (230 feet) wide, lost its plants. To fix this, a special path was built using flagstones. This new path has helped protect the moor since 1996.
Summit Features
At the very top of Great Shunner Fell, there is a cross-shaped wall. This wall acts as a windbreak, protecting people from strong winds. A triangulation pillar is built into the northern arm of this windbreak. A triangulation pillar is a special marker used by mapmakers to measure distances and heights.
Water from the Fell
Great Shunner Fell is an important source of water for local rivers. The Great Sleddale Beck starts on the northern slopes of the mountain. This beck later joins with Birkdale Beck to form the River Swale.
On the southern slopes, the water drains into the River Ure. This river flows through Wensleydale.
Rocks and Special Plants
The main type of rock in this area is limestone. However, you can also find millstone grit rocks on Great Shunner Fell. These rocks stick out from the ground in many places.
In the past, people also dug for coal on the slopes of the mountain.
Great Shunner Fell is a very special place for plants. It is the most southerly place in Great Britain where you can find the yellow marsh saxifrage. This unique plant, called Saxifraga hirculus, is quite rare.
Gallery
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The last few yards to the summit
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The summit plateau of Great Shunner Fell viewed from the south
