Western Fells facts for kids
The Western Fells are a cool group of mountains and hills in the Lake District in England. They are found in a triangle-shaped area between two beautiful valleys, Buttermere and Wasdale. The most famous mountain in this group is Great Gable. These fells are known for their tall, rocky ridges and lots of exposed stone.
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How the Lake District Mountains are Grouped
The Lake District is a special National Park in northwest England. It has many lakes and a complex range of hills. These hills are called fells by local people. They range from small hills to the highest ground in England.
Many writers have tried to list all the fells. They often divide the area into smaller parts. This helps to describe them better.
The most famous writer about the fells was Alfred Wainwright. His book series, Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells, is very popular. It has sold over 2 million copies since 1952. Wainwright divided the fells into seven main areas. Each area is surrounded by valleys and low passes. This way of dividing the fells is still the most well-known. The Western Fells are one of these seven areas. They are covered in Volume 7 of Wainwright's books.
Where the Western Fells Are
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The Western Fells slowly rise from the flat land near the coast. Wainwright did not include all the lowest hills near the sea. He drew a line that was a bit tricky. The hills he left out were described in another book later.
The inside edge of the Western Fells is much clearer. The River Cocker runs along the northeast side. Wasdale is on the southeast side. Where these valleys meet, the headwaters of Borrowdale take over. This closes the gap between Honister Pass and Sty Head. Honister Pass connects the Western Fells to the North Western Fells. Sty Head connects them to the Southern Fells.
Exploring the Western Fells' Shape
The Western Fells form the southern wall of the Buttermere valley. They also form the northern wall of Wasdale. Between these two valleys is Ennerdale. So, the whole group of fells looks like a single horseshoe. Each side of this horseshoe is about 10 miles long.
At the top of Ennerdale stands Great Gable. It is the highest of the Western Fells, reaching 2,949 feet (about 900 meters). Many people think of it as a Wasdale Fell. Its shape from that valley gives it its name.
The southern curve of the fells goes west from Great Gable. The main ridge includes Kirk Fell, Pillar (named for its huge rock face), Scoat Fell, Haycock, and Caw Fell. Several smaller hills are found along the side valleys of Wasdale. These include Yewbarrow, Red Pike (Wasdale), Seatallan, Middle Fell, and Buckbarrow. Beyond Caw Fell is the lower Lank Rigg group. This group has Lank Rigg, Crag Fell, and Grike.
The northern curve starts with Great Gable's smaller neighbour, Green Gable. Then comes Brandreth. After that, the fells turn northwest above the shore of Buttermere. First is Haystacks. This was Alfred Wainwright's favourite fell. His ashes are even resting there. Next are High Crag, High Stile, and Red Pike (Buttermere). These three fells make up Buttermere Edge. They are connected by narrow, high ridges. They also shelter dark, hidden valleys from the sun.
The wild and rocky nature of the fells then slowly changes. You'll find Starling Dodd and Great Borne. Then you cross the easy Floutern Pass to the Loweswater Fells. These include Mellbreak, which looks dark above Crummock Water. Other fells here are Hen Comb, Gavel Fell, Blake Fell, and Burnbank Fell. The very end of the northern curve goes around the top of Loweswater. Here you find Low Fell and Fellbarrow. Some other hills like Base Brown, Grey Knotts, and Fleetwith Pike are near Brandreth.
How to Visit the Western Fells
Ennerdale almost cuts the Western Fells in half. But cars can barely go into this valley. At the very end of the valley is Black Sail Hut. This is England's most remote Youth Hostel.
You can reach Great Gable and its nearby fells from Wasdale Head, Seathwaite, Honister Pass, or Gatesgarth (Buttermere). It's easy to get to the northern fells along the Buttermere valley. However, the southern fells are more remote. This is especially true as the ridge moves further away from Wasdale.
