DiscoverPlaces to seeNatural MonumentsUnited KingdomEnglandNorth East EnglandLunedale
Mickle Fell Summit Cairn
DiscoverPlaces to seeNatural MonumentsUnited KingdomEnglandNorth East EnglandLunedale
Mickle Fell Summit Cairn
Highlight • Viewpoint
Mickle Fell Summit Cairn
Hiking
5.0
(4)
Amongst the vast, high moorland of the North Pennines, few peaks are as prominent as Mickle Fell. The historical county top of Yorkshire, hikes to Mickle Fell take you to a grand viewpoint for two of England’s most loved national parks: the beautiful, broad uplands of the Yorkshire Dales and the distinctive profiles of the eastern Lake District. Despite being robbed of its Yorkshire crown by shifting county lines, today Mickle Fell is the highest point in modern county Durham.
Its location within the Warcop Training Area, a Ministry of Defence firing range, means that it is less frequented than the other high Pennines. The area is only open to the public for a dozen weekends throughout the year, the details of which can be found on the government website.
A North Pennine giant that is well worth the effort to access
Even once you’ve identified a weekend when walking routes to Mickle Fell are possible, you’ll still need to apply for a permit in advance. Once you’ve jumped through these hoops, the last aspect you are asked to consider is to remain on public rights of way when on the hill.
To the north of the fell is Cow Green reservoir, the starting point for routes that ascend via the tumbling Maize Beck. Other routes begin from the B6276 between Brough and Middleton-in-Teesdale and follow the county line. Appleby-in-Westmorland and Barnard Castle both make for lovely bases with great accommodation options.
The awesome expanse of tranquil moorland and the obvious sweeping ridge of Mickle Fell pulling you onwards makes any approach a delight, well worth the effort to secure a hiking day here. Winter is just as good a time as any for a hike here, as long as you have the appropriate layers and a pair of winter boots.
The broad summit region has two large cairns, the smaller marking the true top. The views across the surrounding moorland are superb, whilst, in the distance, the saddleback shape of Blencathra and the long ridges of the eastern Lake District are seen beautifully.
Its location within the Warcop Training Area, a Ministry of Defence firing range, means that it is less frequented than the other high Pennines. The area is only open to the public for a dozen weekends throughout the year, the details of which can be found on the government website.
A North Pennine giant that is well worth the effort to access
Even once you’ve identified a weekend when walking routes to Mickle Fell are possible, you’ll still need to apply for a permit in advance. Once you’ve jumped through these hoops, the last aspect you are asked to consider is to remain on public rights of way when on the hill.
To the north of the fell is Cow Green reservoir, the starting point for routes that ascend via the tumbling Maize Beck. Other routes begin from the B6276 between Brough and Middleton-in-Teesdale and follow the county line. Appleby-in-Westmorland and Barnard Castle both make for lovely bases with great accommodation options.
The awesome expanse of tranquil moorland and the obvious sweeping ridge of Mickle Fell pulling you onwards makes any approach a delight, well worth the effort to secure a hiking day here. Winter is just as good a time as any for a hike here, as long as you have the appropriate layers and a pair of winter boots.
The broad summit region has two large cairns, the smaller marking the true top. The views across the surrounding moorland are superb, whilst, in the distance, the saddleback shape of Blencathra and the long ridges of the eastern Lake District are seen beautifully.
This Highlight is in a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
North Pennines National Landscape
Tips
David Howells
July 14, 2024
Hiking
Mickle Fell is the highest peak in Yorkshire, depending on which list you look at. It is an imposing bulk of a mountain and difficult to get to as a …
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Elevation 780 m
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Family Friendly
yes
Wheelchair access
no
Dog Friendly
yes