What's the difference between a Hewitt and a Nuttall?

The Hewitts require a 30-metre prominence drop on all sides, while Nuttalls only require 15 metres. That extra drop means Hewitts feel like distinct mountains rather than just bumps on a ridge—you actually have to descend and climb back up.

How many Hewitts are there in total?

There are 524 Hewitts across England (180), Wales (135), and Ireland (209). All must be at least 2,000 feet (609.6 m) high with a minimum 30-metre drop on all sides.

What's a good first Hewitt for beginners?

The Calf in the Howgill Fells is ideal—it's 676 m with smooth, grassy slopes and no scrambling. Pen y Fan in the Brecon Beacons is another solid choice at 886 m with a clear route and good example of why the prominence rule matters.

The Classification Index

The Hewitts: A Study in Prominence and Persistence

A classification that ignores the "pretty" peaks to focus on the physical effort and distinct logic of the high ground.

25 August 20269 min read