Helbeck Fell

About Helbeck Fell

Rising steeply above the village of Brough, this rugged limestone upland offers a wilder alternative to the busier Dales peaks. Its southern edge is defined by the impressive Helbeck Scars, while the summit provides expansive views across the Vale of Eden towards the distant Lakeland fells and the Howgills.

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Did You Know?

• •The name originates from the Old Norse 'hellr', meaning a flat stone or flagstone, combined with 'bekkr' (a stream); a fitting description for a landscape where water cuts through prominent limestone pavements.
• •From the summit, the view stretches across the Vale of Eden to the distinctive profiles of Blencathra and the Helvellyn range, while the massive bulk of Wild Boar Fell dominates the skyline to the south.
• •Large portions of the fell lie within the Warcop Training Area; walkers must check firing times in advance, as the typical silence of the Pennines is periodically replaced by the heavy artillery of the British Army.
• •The southern slopes are marked by Helbeck Scars, a dramatic series of tiered limestone inland cliffs that are designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest for their rare woodland and base-loving plants.
• •The local sheep are perhaps the only residents unbothered by the 'Danger: No Entry' signs, though they rarely share their knowledge of when the red flags are actually coming down.