Saturday, 1 July 2000

Brim Fell

Brim Fell

Brim Fell

Brim Fell

Height796m (2,612ft)
Prominence21m (69ft)
RegionSouthern Fells
Climbed3 Times

Brim Fell is the great, high-altitude highway of the Coniston range. Stretching out as a mile-long, whale-backed ridge, it serves as the crucial upland bridge linking the bustling summit of the Old Man with the rugged crossroads of Swirl How. Covered in a beautifully thick, springy mountain turf, it makes for some of the most pleasant, easy-going ridge walking in the Southern Fells, letting you cover ground effortlessly while soaking in the vast views.

"Brim Fell is the mile-long whale-backed ridge linking Coniston Old Man with Swirl How, the latter fell being joined at the narrow depression of Levers Hause. Throughout its length, the ridge is furnished with a most excellent turf, but the featureless top is without interest." — Wainwright 1958, Book Three

Geographically, the mountain is quite unique because it doesn't actually touch the valley floor on either side. Instead, it sits entirely suspended up in the clouds. To the east, its slopes are cut short by converging mountain streams, allowing Wetherlam and the Old Man to drop down to the lake. To the west, it is neatly clipped off by the towering crags of Dow Crag and Grey Friar at a massive altitude. It acts as a massive grand central station for the fells, branching paths out to every major corner of the Coniston range.

The proud cairn with The Old Man beyond

The proud cairn with The Old Man beyond

Wainwright might have dismissed the plateau as a bit featureless, but stepping up to the true high point reveals a summit with plenty of charm. The highest ground is marked by an exceptionally well-built, proud slate cairn that stands out beautifully against the grass. Pulling up a seat on the turf here reveals an incredible perspective. While the long, rolling back of the ridge blocks out the immediate valley floor below, it opens up a spectacular, sweeping look over the wider Southern Fells, with a particularly iconic view of the Old Man of Coniston cutting a sharp silhouette against the sky just a short stroll away.

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