Muncaster Fell

Rising as a long, whale-backed ridge between the Esk and Mite valleys, this diminutive fell offers a grandstand view of the Scafell massif. The terrain is largely heather and bracken, punctuated by granite outcrops. Its modest height belies its status as a Marilyn, providing a coastal perspective rarely found further inland.

• •The name is thought to derive from the Old Norse 'muli' (a snout or headland) and the Latin 'castra' (fort), referring to the Roman stronghold at nearby Ravenglass.
• •Alfred Wainwright included the fell in his 'Outlying Fells' guide, describing the walk along the ridge as 'a delightful experience' with views of the high fells that are 'superb beyond description'.
• •On the ridge sits Ross’s Camp, a stone structure resembling a long table; it was built in 1883 as a lunch spot for a grouse-shooting party led by the Baronet of Muncaster Castle.
• •The narrow-gauge Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, or 'La’al Ratty', runs along the southern base of the fell, allowing walkers to combine a ridge hike with a heritage steam train journey.
• •The summit trig pillar offers a perfectly aligned view up the length of Eskdale, framing the massive crags of Scafell and the distinctive pyramid of Bowfell in the distance.
• •The fell qualifies as a Marilyn because its drop is greater than 150 metres, which technically makes it a more significant topographical feature than several 3,000-foot peaks in the National Park.