Cross Fell is the highest point in the Pennine Hills of northern England and the highest point in England outside of the Lake District.
The summit, at 893 metres (2,930 ft), is a stony plateau, part of a 12.5 km (7.8 mi) long ridge running North West to South East, which also incorporates Little Dun Fell at 842 metres (2,762 ft) and Great Dun Fell at 849 metres (2,785 ft). The three adjoining fells form an escarpment that rises steeply above the Eden Valley on its south western side and drops off more gently on its north eastern side towards the South Tyne and Tees Valleys.
Cross Fell summit is crowned by a cross-shaped dry-stone shelter. On a clear day there are excellent views from the summit across the Eden Valley to the mountains of the Lake District. On the northern side of Cross Fell there are also fine views across the Solway Firth to the Southern Uplands of Scotland.
The fell is prone to dense hill fog and fierce winds. A shrieking noise induced by the Helm Wind is a characteristic of the locality. It can be an inhospitable place for much of the year. In ancient times it was known as "Fiends Fell" and believed to be the haunt of evil spirits. It has been speculated that this last feature may be why the fell became known as Cross Fell ("cross" meaning "angry").
Read more about Cross Fell: Local Geography
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