North Pennines
Kirkby Fell
546M
1793FT
About Kirkby Fell
Overlooking the dramatic limestone landscapes of Malham, this broad, grassy upland offers a tranquil escape from the bustling tourist paths below. While it lacks a craggy profile, the summit rewards walkers with clear views across Malham Tarn and the sprawling gritstone plateaus of the Southern Dales.
Key Statistics
Rank
139th Highest in Region
Parent Range
Yorkshire Dales
Prominence
?
31.1m
Nearest Town
North Yorkshire
Geology
You are walking over a foundation of gritty sandstone, hardened mud, and layers of ancient limestone.
Find It
OS Grid Reference
SD873635
Latitude
54.0673°N
Longitude
2.1955°W
Did You Know?
- •The name derives from the Old Norse kirkju-býr, meaning "church settlement," referring to the historic parish of Kirkby Malham situated in the valley to the south.
- •From the summit, the silver expanse of Malham Tarn is clearly visible to the northeast, sitting in its unusual glacial basin atop the limestone plateau.
- •The fell acts as a topographical boundary where the white Carboniferous limestone of the Malham area meets the darker, peat-covered Millstone Grit typical of the higher fells like nearby Fountains Fell.
- •While the Pennine Way passes just to the east, few walkers make the short detour to this summit, making it an excellent spot for solitude even on busy bank holidays.
- •The plateau is remarkably efficient at retaining water despite the porous rock beneath, often turning a simple stroll into an impromptu test of a hiker's waterproof gaiters.