Blaydike Moss

Sitting on the high, peat-scarred plateau between Littondale and Langstrothdale, this quiet Tump is the epitome of Pennine moorland. Characterised by acidic hags and wide horizons, it offers profound isolation. From the summit, the distinctive profiles of Pen-y-ghent and Fountains Fell provide a stark contrast to the surrounding dark heather.

• •The name likely derives from the Old Norse 'diki', meaning a ditch or embankment, combined with 'Blay', referring to the dark, 'blae' (blue-black) hue of the peat hags that define this landscape.
• •It is typically reached by striking out across pathless ground from the ancient bridleway that runs along the high ridge between Arncliffe and Hubberholme.
• •The summit offers an excellent perspective of the 'step' topography of the Southern Fells, with the tiered limestone terraces of the Silverdale valley clearly visible to the west.
• •For the dedicated hill-bagger, the primary challenge is not the modest elevation, but successfully navigating the summit plateau without leaving a walking boot behind in the eponymous moss.