The rising slopes of Wether Hill

Wether Hill

Height671m (2,201ft)

Prominence5m (16ft)

RegionFar Eastern Fells

Climbed1 Time

Wether Hill sits squarely on the main spine of the Far Eastern Fells, forming a link between the neighboring heights of Loadpot Hill and High Raise. It is a fell of subtle transitions, marked more by the long-distance nature of the ridge than by any dramatic individual summit features.

"The High Street range has largely lost its appeal to the walker by the time he reaches to twin grassy mounds of Wether Hill on the long tramp along its spine northwards, and there is nothing here to call for a halt. The top, scarcely higher than the level of the ridge, is quite without interest." — A. Wainwright

While its gentle, grassy top may not demand a lengthy pause, the fell's western flank offers a much more compelling character, falling away sharply into the depths of the Rampsgill valley. A prominent, rounded dome known as Gowk Hill protrudes from this side, serving as the jump-off point for a rocky spur that descends northward over Brownthwaite Crag and toward the distinct profile of Steel Knotts. Nestled between this ridge and Loadpot Hill, the small, quiet valley of Fusedale provides a beautiful, secluded contrast to the exposed, high-altitude spine of the main range.

Summit cairn on Wether Hill

Though the official Wainwright summit is identified by a modest cairn, keen-eyed walkers will note that the actual topographical high point lies roughly 450 metres to the south. It is the quintessential 'transit' fell—a point to cross while immersed in the long-distance rhythm of a ridge walk, rather than a destination for a dedicated summit stop.

Trip Reports

The East Martindale Fells05/04/2014

Return to Far Eastern Fells