Lake District
Middle Fell
582M
1909FT
About Middle Fell
Middle Fell is a steep but rewarding climb directly from Wasdale, serving as a perfect vantage point for the Scafell range and Wast Water. Most hikers tackle it alongside Buckbarrow, starting from the Greendale parking area and following the well-defined ridge path to the rocky summit.
Key Statistics
Rank
287th Highest in Region
Parent Range
Western Fells
Prominence
?
117m
Nearest Town
Wasdale
Geology
You walk on ancient volcanic ash deposits (rhyolitic lapilli‑tuff) overlain by hard, dark andesite lava flows from the Birker Fell Andesite Formation.
Classifications
Nearby Fells
Find It
Latitude
54.4532°N
Longitude
3.3113°W
Did You Know?
- •The fell's name is derived from its literal position, sitting centrally between the higher mass of Seatallan to the north and the lower crags of Buckbarrow to the south.
- •The summit area consists of Borrowdale Volcanic rock, specifically the Birker Fell Andesite member, which creates a rugged, rocky plateau contrasting with the smoother grass slopes lower down.
- •The fell overlooks Greendale, the home of legendary fell runner Joss Naylor; these slopes served as a primary training ground for his many record-breaking mountain endurance feats.
- •On the ascent from Greendale, the path passes Greendale Tarn, a remarkably quiet and secluded body of water tucked into a hollow that is frequently bypassed by summit-bound hikers.
- •Despite its modest height, the initial 'Greendale gallop' up the relentless grass slopes is a classic Wasdale leg-burner that often forces a premature 'scenery break' within the first ten minutes.