Burnt Horse

Situated on the south-eastern shoulder of Lonscale Fell, this grassy spur offers a vertiginous perspective on the Glenderaterra Valley. While most hikers bypass it for the higher peaks, this Synge top provides an unparalleled view of Blencathra’s western ridges, which rise like a massive wall across the deep mountain trench.

• •The name likely refers to the practice of 'swaling' or burning the heather to encourage new growth for grazing, combined with 'Horse', which may refer to the shape of the spur or a historic grazing right.
• •It was listed by Tim Synge in his 1995 guidebook to the fells, categorized as a distinct summit because of its dramatic position and commanding presence overlooking the valley floor.
• •The summit provides an exceptional perspective on the 'Saddleback' profile of Blencathra, allowing walkers to see the full depth of the Glenderaterra Valley and the steep screes of Blease Fell.
• •Though it sits directly above the popular terrace path of the Cumbria Way, the summit itself is rarely visited, making it a sanctuary of quiet even when the nearby Skiddaw paths are teeming with crowds.
• •Despite the suggestive name, the most scorched thing you are likely to encounter on this ridge is the skin of a walker who underestimated the Lakeland sun.