North Pennines
Dead Man's Hill
545M
1789FT
About Dead Man's Hill
Rising above the head of Upper Nidderdale, this expansive moorland summit offers a stark landscape of peat and heather. Overlooking the deep waters of Scar House Reservoir, the hill marks the high boundary with Coverdale, providing a quiet, windswept alternative to the busier fells of the central Dales.
Key Statistics
Rank
141st Highest in Region
Parent Range
Yorkshire Dales
Prominence
?
62.1m
Nearest Town
North Yorkshire
Geology
Dead Man's Hill is built from layers of sandstone, silt, and mudstone. These sturdy rocks create the rugged, solid ground beneath your feet.
Find It
OS Grid Reference
SE056783
Latitude
54.2004°N
Longitude
1.9157°W
Did You Know?
- •The hill’s macabre name originates from the discovery of three Scottish pedlars’ bodies in the peat near the summit in 1734; they had been murdered and robbed while crossing the moors.
- •The summit serves as a significant drainage divide, with rainfall on the southern slopes feeding the River Nidd, while northern runoff flows into the River Cover.
- •From the high plateau, there are clear, unobstructed views across the water of Scar House Reservoir toward the distinctive, craggy profile of Little Whernside.
- •The ascent typically follows the 'Dead Man’s Road,' an ancient packhorse route and former miners' track that connects the remote reaches of Nidderdale with Coverdale.
- •Despite the intimidating name, the most dangerous thing you are likely to encounter is the notorious 'Hagging'—deep, wet peat hags that can swallow a walking boot whole.