Central Fells - Topography

Topography

The Central Fells when seen in plan best resemble a boot, although one facing the other way to Italy. A broad ridge runs due south for about 10 miles, the valleys on either side being about 3 miles (5 km) apart. The range then narrows and turns south east, the Langdale Pikes forming the 'heel' and Loughrigg Fell the 'toe'.

Beginning with Walla Crag and Bleaberry Fell in the north, the range climbs gradually to its apex at High Raise, the 'ankle' of the boot analogy. This section is often termed the 'Central Ridge' and consists of flat topped peat covered hills. Many of the worst upland bogs of the District are in this area. South of Bleaberry Fell are High Seat, High Tove (home to The Peewits, the worst bog of all)and Ullscarf, the land finally drying out here as High Raise is reached. To the west of the Central Ridge a lower spur encloses the quiet valley of Watendlath. In this sector are Great Crag and Grange Fell, lower hills exposing more rock and popular as short climbs. On the eastern side a further low ridge surrounds Shoulthwaite, topped by the impressive Raven Crag and family favourite High Rigg.

High Raise itself is mostly grassy apart from the summit, and a broad plateau runs off south west over Thunacar Knott. Beyond are a line of low tops, rimming this tableland and appearing nothing from this direction. From the south the true majesty of the Langdale Pikes is displayed, falling direct from their rock crowns to the valley floor of Great Langdale, nearly 2,000 feet (600 m) below. Pike of Stickle stands at the western end, followed by Loft Crag, Harrison Stickle and the great cliff of Pavey Ark above Stickle Tarn.

To the east of High Raise a complex system of minor ridges radiates out from the subsidiary top of Sergeant Man. Rising between the valleys of Wythburn, Easedale and Greenburn are Calf Crag, Helm Crag, Gibson Knott, Steel Fell and Tarn Crag. Along with Eagle Crag and Sergeant's Crag on the Borrowdale side these fells display steep flanks and plenty of rock on the summits.

The main ridge descends south east from High Raise as the ground between the Rivers Brothay and Rathay gradually narrows to a point at Ambleside. In this section are the many tops of Blea Rigg, Silver How a fine viewpoint for Grasmere and finally Loughrigg Fell, easily accessible from White Moss car park and often combined with a walk along the terrace path above Rydal Water.