Cross Fell
Mountain Highest peak in the Pennines, exposed moorland summit
High in the Pennines, Cross Fell is England’s highest peak in the area; walkers tackle peat‑land ridges and exposed terrain for long‑distance views and remote fellwalking.
Cross Fell is a fell in the north of England and is the highest point of the Pennines at 893 metres. It is a broad, exposed summit known for severe upland weather and peat moorland.
The fell is popular with hillwalkers and is crossed by Pennine routes linking nearby valleys; summit conditions can be harsh with frequent high winds and snow in winter. The area has been grazed historically and retains upland pastoral landscapes.
Cross Fell is located in the English Pennines within Cumbria, forming part of the watershed between rivers that flow to the east and west coasts of northern England; the nearest market towns and villages lie in the Eden and Westmorland areas.
- Elevation and ranking: Elevation is 893 metres, making it the highest point in the Pennines and a notable upland landmark in northern England.
- Helm Wind: The local mountain wind phenomenon known as the Helm Wind is associated with the Cross Fell area and can produce sudden strong gusts.
How to Get to Cross Fell #
Cross Fell sits on the border of Cumbria and County Durham. The most common approaches are from the villages of Dufton (about 8 km walk to the summit) or Garrigill (a shorter 5 km approach). By car, reach Dufton via the A66 and B6272; limited parking in village car parks. From Appleby-in-Westmorland or Penrith take local buses toward Alston or Dufton, but services are infrequent-check timetables in advance.
Tips for Visiting Cross Fell #
- If attempting the Cross Fell ridge in winter, use crampons and an ice axe; the Helm Wind can create cornices on the eastern escarpment.
- Approach from Garrigill for a shorter, gentler ascent; the walk from Dufton is longer but more dramatic.
- Watch for the dark patches of 'scree' underfoot-these are where walkers have slipped; keep to the main track where possible.
Best Time to Visit Cross Fell #
Best visited late spring through early autumn for easier walking; winter offers savage scenery but requires mountaineering experience.
Weather & Climate near Cross Fell #
Cross Fell's climate is classified as Subpolar Oceanic - Subpolar Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -2°C to 16°C. Heavy rainfall (2314 mm/year), wettest in January.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 2°C and lows of -2°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (268 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.
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February
February is the coldest month with highs of 2°C and lows of -2°C. Significant rainfall (190 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.
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March
March is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -2°C. Heavy rain (210 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.
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April
April is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -1°C. Significant rainfall (136 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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May
May is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (130 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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June
June is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (125 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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July
July is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (140 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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August
August is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (164 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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September
September is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (195 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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October
October is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Heavy rain (245 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.
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November
November is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of 0°C. Heavy rain (252 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.
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December
December is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of -2°C. Heavy rain (259 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.
