Fountains Fell

Fountains Fell rises above the Yorkshire Dales, a grassy upland with three summits. The highest point reaches 668 metres, while the southernmost top is the most southerly 2,000-foot summit north of the Peak District. The fell’s eastern slopes belong to the National Trust’s Malham Tarn and Moor estate. In the 13th century the Cistercian monks of Fountains Abbey grazed sheep here. Coal was mined on the summit from 1790 to 1860 for lead smelting, leaving pits and a coke oven ruin. The Pennine Way crosses the fell a third of a mile north of the summit. From Malham village the route climbs beside Malham Cove and passes Malham Tarn before reaching the eastern slopes. After 8 miles the path summits Fountains Fell, then descends the western slopes and ascends Pen-y-ghent’s southern ridge. Kinder Scout, reached soon after the start at Edale, stands at 636 metres, while Pen-y-ghent’s summit is 694 metres. Fountains Fell Tarn lies between the two peaks as a small natural lake. Several caves attract cavers, including Antler Hole, Dalehead Pot and Magnetometer Pot. Walkers find wide views across the Dales from the grassy tops. The fell’s slopes offer gentler gradients than Kinder Scout, yet still challenge northbound Pennine Way walkers.