Lake District
Kirk Fell (Lorton)
437M
1435FT
About Kirk Fell (Lorton)
Tucked away in the quiet corner of the North Western Fells above Lorton, this grassy, sprawling hill offers a peaceful alternative to its busier neighbors. Often overlooked for the higher Grasmoor or Whiteside, it provides a superb vantage point over the Vale of Lorton and the northern end of Crummock Water.
Key Statistics
Rank
530th Highest in Region
Parent Range
North Western Fells
Prominence
?
14.8m
Nearest Town
High Lorton
Geology
This fell is built from layers of mudstone and siltstone. You will also encounter a gritty sandstone, which together form the solid foundation beneath your feet.
Find It
Latitude
54.6274°N
Longitude
3.2828°W
Did You Know?
- •The name stems from the Old Norse 'kirkja', meaning church, and 'fjall', for hill. It likely took this name due to its position overlooking the village and church of Lorton in the valley below.
- •While it lacks the rugged profile of its loftier neighbors, it is recognized by both Bill Birkett and Tim Synge in their respective fell-walking guides, making it a staple for those collecting the lesser-known Lakeland summits.
- •From the summit, you are treated to a clear perspective of the dramatic, scooped-out eastern face of Grasmoor and the long, shattered ridge of Whiteside, landmarks that are often too close to appreciate when actually climbing them.
- •The hill is most frequently climbed in a short, satisfying loop from Lorton or as a northern extension to a walk over Low Fell, with the two summits separated by a broad, often boggy depression.
- •It serves as a gentle introduction to the North Western fells, provided you don't confuse it with its namesake in Wasdale; arriving here expecting the near-vertical scree slopes of the 900-metre Kirk Fell would be a confusing, if significantly easier, surprise.