Lake District
Sourfoot Fell
411M
1348FT
About Sourfoot Fell
Sourfoot Fell is the lower, western shoulder of Low Fell, frequently visited for its superior views over Crummock Water. While technically a subsidiary top, this grassy outcrop provides a more dramatic perspective of the Buttermere valley and the scree-covered slopes of Melbreak than the main summit itself.
Key Statistics
Rank
584th Highest in Region
Parent Range
Western Fells
Prominence
?
34
Nearest Town
Loweswater
Geology
You’re walking on layers of coarse sandstone, called wacke, from the Loweswater Formation, overlain by fine mudstones and siltstones of the Kirk Stile Formation.
Find It
Latitude
54.5980°N
Longitude
3.3406°W
Did You Know?
- •Sourfoot Fell is a Birkett hill standing at 411 metres, forming a prominent shoulder on the western ridge of the Low Fell massif.
- •The fell is composed of Skiddaw Slate, resulting in the smooth, rounded profile and fertile grazing land that characterizes the Loweswater area.
- •The name 'Sourfoot' is thought to originate from the Old Norse 'sūrr', referring to the damp, acidic 'sour' marshland historically found at the base of the fell.
- •Though lower than the main summit of Low Fell, this spot is widely considered the best viewpoint in the Western Fells for capturing the classic vista down the length of Crummock Water.
- •Despite the name, you aren't strictly guaranteed soggy boots on the climb, though the local sheep seem to have a talent for turning the easiest paths into muddy slip-and-slides.