Black Fell

Published 29 September 2011

Trig point on the top of Black Fell

As part of a week-long trip to the Lakes, I’d spent the night camping in Coniston, I decided to relocate to the beautiful Langdale. And there was only one way to get there. Well actually there were many, but I decided to walk. And visit some Wainwrights on the way, starting with the small, but perfectly formed Black Fell.

Tarn Hows is a lovely spot. A large lake surrounded by paths and trees. It looks completely natural yet was sculpted by man. Everyone loves Tarn Hows. And for good reason.

But behind Tarn Hows sits a little fell. It’s called Black Fell. Chances are you’ve not heard of Black Fell. But you should have.

Black Fell is a mere 323m above sea level and is so dinky that the trees mostly hide it if you’re stood at Tarn Hows, however there is a good solid path that can be followed from there that will take up towards Black Fell.

To get to the summit however you’ll have to take a turn-off and head up a vague and instinct track that you may well even lose. But don’t worry. It’s not a major disaster as you can see the top anyway. Just head upwards and try not to step in too much mud. Once you’re there look for a big trig point emblazoned with a National Trust logo and you’ll know you’re there. You’ll probably be up in an hour.

Elter Water seen from Black Fell

The views are just as nice as looking at Tarn Hows. There’s the mighty Coniston Water to the south, Langdale to the west.

I got up there mid afternoon on a day after totally horrendous rain. I’d planned to be at Bow Fell and Crinkle Crags but the wind was horrendous. Even when I’d set out that morning the rain was coming down extremely heavily. But Black Fell helped put my day right. It might not have been a big gun but it was worth every step.

Read more about my May 2011 trip to Lakeland in the blog. Next fell: Holme Fell.

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