Lake District
Low Fell
422M
1386FT
About Low Fell
Low Fell is the definitive viewpoint of the Western Fells. While the climb from Thackthwaite is a straightforward grassy stroll, the southern edge drops away abruptly to reveal an iconic, perfectly framed vista looking straight down Crummock Water toward the high peaks of Buttermere.
Key Statistics
Rank
556th Highest in Region
Parent Range
Western Fells
Prominence
?
266.6
Nearest Town
Loweswater
Geology
You are walking on layers of gritty rock from the Loweswater Formation and softer mudstone and siltstone of the Kirk Stile Formation.
Classifications
Find It
Latitude
54.5914°N
Longitude
3.3366°W
Did You Know?
- •The fell is composed of Skiddaw Slates, which creates a much smoother, grassier profile than the rugged, craggy volcanic rocks found in the central Lake District.
- •Its name is rooted in the Old Norse word 'lágr', simply meaning low, which describes its modest elevation compared to the surrounding giants like Grasmoor.
- •The primary ascent from Thackthwaite follows a historic peat-track, which was originally carved out by local farmers who harvested the fellside turf for winter fuel.
- •Low Fell serves as a dramatic natural boundary, separating the pastoral Lorton Valley from the more secluded and rugged Loweswater basin.
- •It is the site of a classic 'summit fraud'; most hikers ignore the actual highest point in favour of the lower southern cairn, purely because the real summit is a bit of a grassy anti-climax for your sandwich break.