Black Fell

Black Fell stands in the Lake District near Coniston and Hawkshead, rising north of Tarn Hows. It covers about two square miles of grassy slopes and scattered rocks. Alfred Wainwright included it in his guide despite its modest height, praising its views. The fell marks the edge of the main Lakeland fells in his opinion. Guidebook writers later followed his lead. To the west lies Holme Fell, while to the south-east the land falls toward Windermere and Esthwaite Water. The fell’s position makes it a fine viewpoint over lakes and fells. Its northern edge follows Elter Water and the River Brathay. Woodland at Brow Coppice grows above Skelwith Bridge in the valley below. The A593 road crosses the Oxen Fell pass on the western side. Tarn Hows, a designed landscape near the fell, draws many visitors with its water, rocks and trees. The National Trust now owns both sites, preserving them for public enjoyment. Visitors find open summits and gentle slopes on Black Fell. The top is mostly grassland with rocky outcrops like Black Crag. Other high points include Great Cobble and Stephen How to the north, and Arnside and Torver Intakes to the south. The main path climbs through Iron Keld Plantation to the summit. A bridleway crosses the fell from the A593 to Knipe Fold. An Ordnance Survey column stands near the path, with a cairn marking the best view of Windermere. From here the eye takes in Coniston and Langdale fells as well as the lowlands to the south.