High Tove

High Tove

Height515m (1,690ft)

Prominence16m (52ft)

RegionCentral Fells

Climbed1 Time

"It is hard to believe that anyone feels any affection for High Tove. This dark heathery mound, squatting on the ridge between Watendlath and Thirlmere is shockingly wet and is without a redeeming feature except as a viewpoint." — A. Wainwright

Standing along the main central ridge separating Watendlath from Thirlmere, High Tove forms a modest, heather-clad high point between Armboth Fell and its higher northern neighbour, High Seat. The intervening depression, known locally as The Pewits, is infamous amongst fellwalkers as one of the boggiest mosses in the Lake District.

Despite its reputation for treacherous moorland underfoot, the fell serves as an important stepping stone along the high-level central traverse connecting Keswick to High Raise.

High Tove's large cairn

The high point features a substantial stone cairn rising out of the peat, famously described by Wainwright as providing a welcome perch to wring out soaked socks. Thanks to its unhindered position on the central ridge, the summit offers surprisingly fine, sweeping views, taking in the full length of the Helvellyn range directly opposite alongside the major Western Fells.

Trip Reports

Ullscarf & The Central Ridge07/09/2014

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