North Pennines
Little Dun Fell
842M
2762FT
About Little Dun Fell
Sitting on the high backbone of the North Pennines between Cross Fell and Great Dun Fell, this exposed plateau is crossed by the Pennine Way. It offers a wild, remote character and commanding views across the Eden Valley toward the distant silhouettes of Blencathra and the Helvellyn range.
Key Statistics
Rank
3rd Highest in Region
Parent Range
North Pennines
Prominence
?
59m
Nearest Town
Westmorland and Furness
Geology
As you hike, you are walking across layers of sandstone, mudstone, and limestone. These rocks form the solid foundation of Little Dun Fell.
Find It
OS Grid Reference
NY704330
Latitude
54.6912°N
Longitude
2.4607°W
Did You Know?
- •The name derives from the Old English 'dūn', meaning a hill or upland, with 'Little' used to distinguish it from its slightly higher southern neighbour, Great Dun Fell.
- •The summit lies directly on the Pennine Way, making it a standard passage for long-distance walkers moving between the civil aviation radar station on Great Dun Fell and the stone shelter on Cross Fell.
- •Beneath the summit peat lies a thick band of 'Great Limestone,' a geological feature that defines many of the highest reaches of the North Pennines and historically supported lead mining in the adjacent valleys.
- •From the summit cairn, the view west is particularly notable for observing the 'Helm Bar,' a rare roll of cloud that forms over the Eden Valley during the strong easterly 'Helm Wind'.
- •Despite standing at a significant 842 metres, the hill is frequently treated as little more than an aerobic speed bump by walkers rushing toward the higher summit of Cross Fell.