Clough Head

Clough Head is a fell in the English Lake District, standing at the northern end of the Helvellyn range. It rises above the quiet valley of St John’s in the Vale and the village of Threlkeld, forming steep eastern slopes and smoother grassy ones to the south. The fell’s western side is guarded by dark rocky crags and deep ravines, while its northern face drops sharply into the clough that gives it its name. Beneath this face lies Threlkeld Knotts, a lower granite hill shaped by old quarries. The fell’s varied rocks tell the story of deep-sea sediments, ancient lava flows and glacial carving over millions of years. The fell is worth the journey for its dramatic contrasts and rich geology. Its slopes reveal layers of Ordovician rock from the Skiddaw and Borrowdale Volcanic groups, shaped by faulting and erosion. Walkers can follow old routes like the Old Coach Road, which skirts the eastern flanks and passes Hause Well, a spring issuing from the rock. The Iron Age remains on Threlkeld Knotts show early settlement with hut circles, enclosures and cairns. Four main paths lead to the summit, each offering different challenges and views. At the top stands an Ordnance Survey column and a wind shelter, with sweeping views across the Lakes. To the north, Blencathra rises prominently, while to the south the high fells stretch in a striking arc. The summit ridge continues to White Pike, a quieter spot for contemplating the landscape. From here, the valleys of St John’s Beck and Mosedale Beck wind through green hills, linking the fell to the wider Lake District. The contrast between rugged crags and gentle slopes makes Clough Head a memorable place to explore.