Top 10 Highest Mountains in England
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| Illustrated picture. Photo: Mixi |
If we were betting people, which generally speaking we’re not, we’d wager good money that you’d be more likely to know the name of the highest mountain in the world than the name of the highest mountain in England – Scafell Pike. This is probably partly because Everest, with its summit 8,848 metres above sea level, has in recent years had a movie made about it starring Jake Gyllenhaal. It’s also, we’d imagine, got something to do with the fact that Everest has claimed the lives of hundreds of climbers over the years and is generally synonymous with legendary mountaineering feats. Scafell Pike (978m), on the other hand, is a challenging hike in the Lake District that’s never once featured in a Gyllenhaal film.
The List of 10 Highest Mountains in England
1. Scafell Pike – 978m
2. Helvellyn – 950m
3. Skiddaw – 931m
4. Great Gable – 899m
5. Cross Fell – 893m
6. Pillar – 892m
7. Fairfield – 873m
8. Blencathra – 868m
9. Grasmoor – 852m
10. St Sunday Crag – 841m
What are the Highest Mountains in England?
1. Scafell Pike – 978m
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| Photo: Wikipedia |
Located in the southwest Lake District (Grid ref. NY215072), Scafell Pike is the highest mountain in England. It stands 3,209 feet (978m) high, although the highest point is buried under a cairn rising at least three metres, so the exact height is unknown. The plateau of Scafell Pike, is covered with shattered rock boulders, probably caused by frost action and weathering.
The land was donated to the National Trust by Lord Leconfield in 1919. It was given in memory of the men of the Lake District who lost their life in World War I.
Scafell Pike is one of the mountains in the National Three Peaks Challenge. It is considered one of the most difficult mountains to climb in the Lake District being rough and rugged as well as high. Nonetheless it remains one of the most popular climbs with stunning views on a clear day.
About 400m south of Scafell Pike summit, Broad Crag Tarn is the highest standing water lake in England, although Foxes Tarn on Scafell shares the same height of 2.700 feet (820m)
2. Helvellyn – 950m
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| Photo: Herdy |
Mount Helvellyn is located in the Lake District and is the second highest mountain in England at 3,117 feet. The mountain is located between Patterdale to the east and Thirlmere valley to the west. The mountain has an almost flat summit, which enabled the first ever successful landing of a British airplane on the top of a mountain in 1926. The western slopes of the mountain were used for mining of lead between 1839 and 1880, although the venture was not commercially viable. The mountain is a habitat for various species of mountain birds such as the Raven, skylarks, buzzards, and wheatears. Small population of plant species such as Alpine Meadowgrass and Downy Willow are found on the mountain. The mountain had long been a haven for shepherds to graze their animals, and this practice caused a great deal of overgrazing on the mountain slopes. The mountain has become a major destination for recreational activities, although expeditions to the mountain sometimes result in fatalities.
3. Skiddaw – 931m
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| Photo: Sally's Cottages |
Located to the north of the popular town of Keswick, Skiddaw is 3,054 feet (931m) and is at Grid Reference NY260290.
Described by serious climbers as “boring” Skiddaw is not the most challenging mountain to climb, particularly if you take the popular route up Jenkin Hill from Keswick. However, ascending it via Longside Edge puts a whole new perspective on England’s fifth highest mountain in terms of height.
| Routes to climb up Skiddaw A popular route up Skiddaw starts from Keswick itself and ascends behind Latrigg in a gentle ascent which provides wonderful views on a clear day. Continue over the slopes of Little Man to reach Skiddaw summit. Allow 2.5 hours each way for the 5 mile climb. Those wanting a quick walk or an easier “cheat” route can drive to the public car park at the top of Gale Road (behind Latrigg summit) and walk from there. |
4. Great Gable – 899m
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| Photo: Andrews Walks |
Great Gable lies in the Lake District and sits at an elevation of 2,949 feet. The mountain is one of the most famous in the country and is a favorite among tourists and mountaineers. The peak also attracts rock climbers from all over the World. The peak appears as a pyramid from Wasdale, and from other positions, the mountain takes the form of a dome.
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5. Cross Fell – 893m
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| Photo: Wikiwand |
The only peak on this list not to be found in the Lake District, Cross Fell is an 893m high peak situated in the North Pennines. The summit is a stony plateau which forms part of an almost eight mile long ridge that runs diagonally from north-west to south-east. This ridge also consists of Great Dun Fell, with an elevation of 849m, and Little Dun Fell, with an elevation of 842m. The three fells rise steeply above the Eden Valley on its south-western side, and drop off more gently on its South Tyne and Tees Valleys side. If you’re bored of the Lake District and looking to climb one of England’s highest, look no further.
6. Pillar – 892m
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| Photo: Mickledore |
The Pillar is part of a Pillar group with dozens of “fells” clustered around it. The fell (A high and barren landscape feature) takes its name from Pillar Rock, a prominent feature on the Ennerdale side, regarded as the birthplace of rock climbing in the district
7. Fairfield – 873m
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| Photo: Wikipedia |
The mountain of Fairfield also gives its name to one of the most popular circular walks in the Lake District – the Fairfield Horseshoe. Not only does it boast one classic walk, but another classic – the Deepdale Horseshoe from Patterdale.
8. Blencathra – 868m
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| Photo: Where2Walk |
Blencathra, also known as Saddleback, boasts a number of interesting routes up to it’s summit – including a couple of scrambles. The best known is the Sharp Edge scramble up Blencathra, while the Halls Fell Ridge is also worth doing.
9. Grasmoor – 852m
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| Photo: Andrews Walks |
Grasmoor gets its name from the Old Norse element grise, meaning wild boar and is located in the north-western part of the Lake District and is the highest peak in a group of hills between the villages of Lorton, Braithwaite and Buttermere.
10. St Sunday Crag – 841m
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| Photo: Andrews Walks |
This prominent feature in the Patterdale skyline is St Sunday Crag which is a fell in the English Lake District, part of the Fairfield group in the Eastern Fells. With a very distinctive rounded shape, it is known for its great views.
Protecting England's Highland HabitatsThe Lowland Breeding Wader Project, in partnership with Natural England and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), is collaborating with farmers around the Lake District to improve the habitats for the wading birds in the lower parts of the mountains and other areas in England's National Parks. The project had its origins in 2008 and covers an area of 70 hectares. Their primary focus is on Lapwing, Snipe, Curlew, and Redshank. Their approach is to create a habitat better habitat for these types of wader birds by creating wet scrapes and managing water levels and ditches. They also aim at adjusting the time for cutting meadows. |
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