North Pennines
Birkett Common
352M
1155FT
About Birkett Common
Situated on the eastern edge of Mallerstang, this modest upland offers a quiet alternative to the more popular fells nearby. Its grassy slopes rise above the River Eden, providing a clear vantage point over the Settle-Carlisle railway line and the steep profiles of Wild Boar Fell and High Seat.
Key Statistics
Rank
255th Highest in Region
Parent Range
Yorkshire Dales
Prominence
?
Data coming soon
Nearest Town
Westmorland and Furness
Geology
You are walking over layers of limestone and sandstone, resting upon ancient beds of hardened mud and silt.
Classifications
Find It
OS Grid Reference
NY774036
Latitude
54.4200°N
Longitude
2.3300°W
Did You Know?
- •The name originates from the Old Norse birki, signifying birch trees, and is shared with the Birkett family, who have a centuries-old connection to the Mallerstang valley.
- •The summit offers a focused view of the Settle-Carlisle railway as it navigates the steep gradients towards Aisgill Summit, the highest point on the entire Leeds-to-Carlisle line.
- •Looking west across the River Eden, the common provides a grandstand view of the dramatic, dark limestone crags of Wild Boar Fell and the distinctive profile of the Nab.
- •It is part of the traditional common land of Mallerstang, historically used for grazing by the farms situated along the valley floor.
- •Despite being overshadowed by the 700-metre peaks of the Northern Dales, its status as a Tump ensures it has enough independent character to require a proper pull against gravity to reach the top.