Outerside

About Outerside

Standing as a central hub within the Coledale valley, this heathery Wainwright offers a surprisingly rugged feel for its modest height. It provides a superb perspective on the dark, slatey crags of Grisedale Pike and the steep slopes of Scar Crags, making it a rewarding peak for those exploring the Braithwaite fells.

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Did You Know?

• •The name is Middle English in origin, simply describing its position on the 'outer' slopes of the Coledale valley, acting as a lower sentinel before the higher ground of Scar Crags begins.
• •Alfred Wainwright was particularly fond of this fell, describing it as a 'very neat and tidy mountain' and recommending the climb for its exceptional, unobstructed views of the Skiddaw massif and Blencathra.
• •To the west, the summit looks directly into the deep bowl of the Coledale valley, offering a bird's-eye view of the historic Force Crag Mine buildings, where lead, zinc, and barytes were extracted until 1991.
• •The fell's summit area is largely composed of Skiddaw Slate, which creates a distinctively dark, shaly appearance on its eastern flanks that contrasts sharply with the greener slopes of neighbouring Barrow.
• •It is a hill that rewards the tactical walker; by stopping here instead of continuing up the steep, grinding scree of Sail, you secure one of the best views in the North Western fells with significantly less perspiration.