TACit Tables

The Hewitts

(Hills over 2000 feet with at least 30 metres drop on all sides)

and Marilyns

(Hills of any height with at least 150 metres drop on all sides)

of England

compiled by Alan Dawson

TACit Tables: Complete, up-to-date lists of hills

First published June 1997 by TACit Press

ISBN 0 9522680 7 8

Text and maps copyright © Alan Dawson 1997
Illustrations copyright © Chris Tyler 1997

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be republished or redistributed in any other format.

10% of the cover price will be donated to the John Muir Trust to help the purchase and conservation of more wild land. (Freepost John Muir Trust, Musselburgh, Midlothian EH21 7BR)

Series editor: Dave Hewitt

Acknowledgements

Thanks to ED Clements for helpful comments on several entries in the tables, to Charles Everett for researching the status of Abberley Hill and Milk Hill, and to John Gillham for pictorial assistance.


About this Booklet

This is one of a series of booklets aiming to provide definitive lists of hills in Britain and elsewhere. Clearly a lot of people who like climbing hills also like to have lists of them. TACit Tables provide walkers with highly accurate, up-to-date details of hills while being easily affordable and easily replaceable. All heights and grid references in TACit Tables are obtained from the latest large-scale maps. The Ordnance Survey has published large-scale metric maps of almost all of England, so future changes should be minimal, but if necessary the lists will be updated.

The details of grid references, heights and drops provide precise measurements of the location and significance of the summits, but convey nothing about distance, topography, terrain or other characteristics of the hills. Maps provide much of this detail, and the tables are intended to be used alongside a map. No attempt is made here to suggest routes or starting points for walks.

About the Hewitts

A Hewitt is a Hill in England, Wales or Ireland over Two Thousand feet high (610 metres) with a drop of at least 30 metres (98 feet) all round. There are 525 Hewitts in total: 178 in England, 137 in Wales and 211 in Ireland (Black Mountain is in both England and Wales). There is a long tradition of climbing 2000-foot hills in England and Wales, and it is safe to claim that nowhere else in the world can match the amount of attention and analysis given to hills of such modest height. At least eight different publications1 have appeared over the years containing lists of 2000-foot summits of England. The addition of this booklet to an apparently overcrowded field can be justified by a number of features which make it original and useful:

Some of the previously published lists are out-of-date and no longer available, notably the widely-used list produced by George Bridge1 in 1973. Currently the most accurate and popular list is in The Mountains of England and Wales Volume 2: England by John and Anne Nuttall. This is a useful guidebook but it includes a very large number of hills, and makes no distinction between major summits and minor tops. Many walkers will feel that by using a more selective list they can climb all the 2000-foot summits without having to visit every one of the lesser tops. The list of Hewitts deliberately includes fewer summits than the Nuttalls by requiring hills to have a drop of at least 30 metres (98 feet) all round. Although this is just as arbitrary as the 15-metre limit which the Nuttalls use, in practice it works well, as almost all the Hewitts are worth visiting in their own right, whereas many of the lesser summits do not warrant a detour from a path or ridge. The inclusion in this booklet of the drop from each summit together with the list of SubHewitts (pages 12-13) makes it easier for walkers to decide for themselves which summits they wish to climb, without feeling obliged to take in every one of the minor tops in a round of all the 2000-foot hills.

About the List

Hills are grouped into geographical areas as shown above. The region and section numbers are the same as those used in The Relative Hills of Britain1, which is why the region numbers start at 33. The layout of the list of Hewitts highlights mountains with a drop of over 150 metres (ie Marilyns), which are treated as major summits. Other hills are grouped beneath the relevant major summit, with their names indented. They are listed in order of relative height, so the most significant summits are shown first. Separate groups of hills are kept together. The information is laid out in the following columns:

Metres

This column gives the height of the hill above sea level in metres. All Ordnance Survey 1:50000 maps show metric contours and spot heights. The contours are usually very accurate, but the spot heights are not generally as accurate as those on larger scale maps, though some heights are now being updated as the 1:50000 maps are revised. It is not possible to rely entirely on larger scale maps, as some spot heights are omitted from the 1:25000 or 1:10000 maps. In cases where differing heights for the same point are given on different maps, the following order of precedence is generally used: 1:10000; 1:25000; 1:50000. Any exceptions are indicated in the Notes section on pages 26-28.

Feet

The height in feet is arrived at in all cases simply by multiplying the metric figure by 3.2808 and rounding up or down.

Name

Where possible, names are taken from the relevant 1:50000 map. If a hill is not named on this then the name is taken from a larger scale map. Where a hill has a general name and a summit name, the general name is given in the main list, as this tends to be more commonly used, with summit names referred to in the Notes section. As well as notes for specific summits, the following symbols may be used after the hill name:

* Height taken from 1:25000 map.
** Height taken from 1:50000 map.
*** Height converted from 1:63360 map or other non-metric map.
° Height taken from relevant contour ring as no spot height is given on any map.

Map

This column gives the number(s) of the Ordnance Survey Landranger 1:50000 map(s) on which the summit of the hill is to be found.

Grid Reference

Each grid reference pinpoints the location of the summit of the hill to within 100 metres. All grid references have been double-checked for accuracy on 1:10000 maps, using a precise technique (a plastic overlay sheet with 100 small squares per grid square).

Drop

This column refers to the relative height of the hill. It shows the height difference (in metres) between the summit and the col connecting the hill to the next higher summit. For some summits this is different to the method used to calculate the drop in earlier TACit Tables. To provide continuity, a second figure is shown in brackets where the alternative method would give a different result.

For example, the drop from Scafell Pike given as 912 (450). This means that there is a drop of 912 metres from the summit of Scafell Pike before the ground rises again toward a higher summit. As there is no higher summit in England, the measurement is derived from the height of a 'col' at SJ630333 near Market Drayton in Shropshire, where the ground drops to 66 metres before rising again westward toward Snowdonia. This makes sense mathematically and helps confirm the fact that Scafell Pike is a significant summit, but it is of no practical value. The (450) refers to the drop between Scafell Pike and the next summit with a 150-metre drop, whether higher or lower. This is Pike of Blisco, and so it means that the col between Scafell Pike and Pike of Blisco is 450 metres lower than the summit of Scafell Pike. In this case there is a very long and undulating ridge between the two points, over Broad Crag, Ill Crag, Great End, Esk Pike, Bowfell, Shelter Crags, Crinkle Crags and Cold Pike, so again the drop figure is not particularly useful, as the actual amount of ascent and descent involved in walking between Scafell Pike and Pike of Blisco is far more than 450 metres (as shown by the drop figures for these intervening hills).

A more typical example is Great Gable, where the drop figure of 425 (278) indicates that there is a drop of 425 metres to the col between Great Gable and Scafell Pike (higher summit), but 278 metres to the col between Great Gable and Kirk Fell (lower summit, higher col). In this case both figures may be useful, but feedback from earlier TACit Tables indicated a preference for the drop measurement to refer consistently to a higher summit. In the case of Kirk Fell itself (and most other summits), the nearest major summit is higher anyway, so the two methods both give a figure of 181 metres, showing that you have to descend for 181 metres from Kirk Fell before climbing toward Great Gable (plus the 36 metres ascent and descent for Kirk Fell East Top, which is en route).

Although Scafell Pike is much nearer to Great Gable than it is to Pike of Blisco, the col at Sty Head between Great Gable and Scafell Pike is lower than the col at Red Tarn near Pike of Blisco, and in such cases the higher col is always used.

A letter c in the drop column means that there is no spot height for the connecting col shown on any metric map, so the drop is estimated from the position of contour lines. It should be accurate to within two or three metres. The drop figures may be used to calculate how much descent and re-ascent is likely to be involved in climbing two or more hills together, but the examples above illustrate that these figures refer to the minimum possible descent - if the terrain is uneven or there are intervening summits then the actual descent on the ground will be greater. A map or knowledge of the route may be required for this level of detail.

Date

This column is left blank for you to write the date each hill is climbed, or to enter a retrospective tick. People who disapprove of record-keeping can ignore this column.

About Bagging

Some people argue that climbing hills in order to claim their summits has little to do with the actual experience of hillwalking; that it reduces hillwalking to the sedentary status of stamp collecting or trainspotting. Healthy and harmless but perhaps a little sad and obsessive.

An alternative view is that tables such as in this booklet represent a key, or maybe a door handle. They can help guide you toward your objective just as reliably as any signpost or guidebook. The lists convey more than names and numbers. Every hill is different, every route is different, every day out is worthwhile. Each entry may represent smooth grassy slopes or rough bouldery heather, crags or bogs, sunshine or snow, trees and flowers, birds and rabbits, tumbling streams and shimmering lakes, winding paths and forest tracks.

Sometimes it is easy to forget all this. Lists of hills can help to remind you, for they provide an incentive to get out more often, and guidance about where to go. All you need is a list, a map and a pair of boots. And at the end of the day, you will have more than memories - you will have new dates in your list to remind you where you have been; the icing on the cake. This in itself can be strangely satisfying, providing a sense of achieving something as well as enjoying it. Those who choose to keep records can appreciate and enjoy their walks just as much as anyone else, but their reward is a little greater than for those who are too proud or too principled to bother making a note of which hills they have climbed. After all, enjoyment is temporary but achievement is permanent.


The English Hewitts

Hills in England over 2000 feet with a drop of at least 30 metres on all sides

Region 33 Scottish Border to the River Tyne

North of River Eden, A69, River South Tyne and River Tyne from the Solway Firth to Tynemouth.
6 Hewitts including 1 Marilyn.

Metres Feet Name Map Grid ref Drop  
8152674 The Cheviot74,75 NT909205556 (c 409)
7142342 Hedgehope Hill 280 NT943197148  
6152018 Cushat Law 280 NT928137147  
6102001 Bloodybush Edge80 NT902143114  
6192031 Windy Gyle 380 NT855152113  
6522139 Comb Fell80 NT92418769  

Region 34 The Lake District

Section 34A Northern Fells

North of River Derwent, B5292 and A66 from Workington to Penrith. 12 Hewitts including 3 Marilyns.

Metres Feet Name Map Grid ref Drop  
9313054 Skiddaw89,90 NY260290709 (463)
8652838 Little Man89,90 NY26627761  
7152346 Lonscale Fell89,90 NY285271 c 50  
7342408 Long Side89,90 NY24828440  
7462447 Carl Side89,90 NY255280 c 30  
8682848 Blencathra *90 NY323277461  
7022303 Bowscale Fell90 NY33330587  
6832241 Bannerdale Crags90 NY33529037  
7102329 Knott89,90 NY296329242  
6902264 Great Calva89,90 NY290311142  
6632175 Carrock Fell ***90 NY34133691  
6582159 High Pike90 NY31835069  

Section 34B Central and Western Fells

West of A591 from Keswick to Ambleside and north of the Eskdale railway and Hardknott Pass.
59 Hewitts including 12 Marilyns.

Metres Feet Name Map Grid ref Drop  
9783209 Scafell Pike *89,90 NY215072912 (450)
9022959 Bowfell89,90 NY244064146  
8592818 Crinkle Crags 489,90 NY248048138  
9643163 Scafell 289,90 NY206064133  
7832569 Glaramara89,90 NY246104121  
8852904 Esk Pike89,90 NY236075112  
8072648 Lingmell ***89,90 NY209081 c 72  
7852575 Allen Crags89,90 NY23608560  
9353068 Ill Crag 589,90 NY22307357  
9102986 Great End89,90 NY22608356  
9343064 Broad Crag 589,90 NY21807552  
7012300 Cold Pike89,90 NY26203546  
6512136 Rossett Pike89,90 NY24907540  
7212365 Glaramara South Top 689,90 NY24209737  
6322073 Dovenest Crag 789,90 NY255113 c 36  
8342736 Crinkle Crags South Top89,90 NY25004532  
8152674 Shelter Crags89,90 NY24905331  
6322073 Seathwaite Fell89,90 NY227097 c 31  
7052313 Pike of Blisco89,90 NY271042177  
8992949 Great Gable89,90 NY211103425 (278)
6482126 Fleetwith Pike89,90 NY205141117  
7152346 Brandreth89,90 NY21411961  
8012628 Green Gable89,90 NY21410750  
6462119 Base Brown89,90 NY22511438  
8022631 Kirk Fell89,90 NY194104181  
7872582 Kirk Fell East Top89,90 NY19910736  
8922926 Pillar89,90 NY171121348  
6272057 Yewbarrow89,90 NY173084142  
7972615 Haycock89 NY14410794  
8412759 Scoat Fell89 NY15911386  
8262710 Red Pike89 NY165106 c 62  
6422106 Iron Crag ***89 NY123119 c 56  
8282717 Black Crag89 NY16511634  
6162021 Yewbarrow North Top 889 NY17509133  
6922270 Seatallan 989 NY139084193  
8522795 Grasmoor89,90 NY174203519 (c 250)
8392753 Crag Hill89,90 NY192203117  
6722205 Scar Crags89,90 NY20820655  
6372090 Causey Pike89,90 NY21820840  
6602165 Whiteless Pike89,90 NY18018936  
7732536 Sail89,90 NY19820232  
7722533 Wandope89,90 NY18819730  
7912595 Grisedale Pike89,90 NY198225 c 189  
7702526 Hopegill Head89,90 NY18522197  
7192359 Whiteside89,90 NY175221 c 39  
7392425 Hobcarton Crag89,90 NY19322037  
8072648 High Stile89 NY170148362  
6162021 Great Borne89 NY123163113  
6332077 Starling Dodd89 NY141157 c 73  
7552477 Red Pike89 NY160154 c 40  
7442441 High Crag89,90 NY18014035  
7622500 High Raise89,90 NY280095 c 283  
7262382 Ullscarf89,90 NY291121 c 118  
7092326 Pike of Stickle 1089,90 NY273073 c 54  
7362415 Harrison Stickle 1089,90 NY281074 c 53  
7532470 Dale Head89,90 NY223153397 (177)
6532142 High Spy89,90 NY234162148  
7272385 Hindscarth89,90 NY21516571  
7372418 Robinson89,90 NY201168161  

Section 34C Eastern Fells

East of A591 and north of A685 from Keswick to the M6. 36 Hewitts including 9 Marilyns.

Metres Feet Name Map Grid ref Drop  
9503117 Helvellyn90 NY342151712 (376)
8572812 Great Dodd90 NY341205109  
7262382 Clough Head90 NY333225108  
8832897 Raise90 NY34217491  
6752215 Sheffield Pike90 NY36918191  
8432766 Stybarrow Dodd90 NY34318968  
8902920 Catstye Cam90 NY34815863  
8582815 Dollywaggon Pike90 NY34613050  
8632831 White Side90 NY33716642  
7952608 Green Side90 NY35218730  
8732864 Fairfield90 NY358117299 (c 191)
7922598 Dove Crag90 NY37410450  
8222697 Hart Crag90 NY368112 c 48  
6372090 Little Hart Crag90 NY387100 c 34  
7662513 Great Rigg90 NY35510331  
8412759 St Sunday Crag90 NY369134 c 159  
7762546 Red Screes90 NY396087 c 260  
7362415 Seat Sandal90 NY343115 c 150  
8282717 High Street90 NY440110373 (236)
7782552 Harter Fell 290 NY459093149  
7132339 Branstree90 NY477100137  
7572484 Ill Bell90 NY436077124  
6962283 Rest Dodd90 NY432137111  
8022631 High Raise90 NY44813488  
7202362 Froswick90 NY43508575  
6712201 Loadpot Hill90 NY456181 c 48  
7922598 Rampsgill Head90 NY44212841  
7302395 Kentmere Pike90 NY46507739  
7062316 Yoke90 NY43706738  
6552149 Selside Pike90 NY49011136  
6282060 Rough Crag90 NY454112 c 33  
7842572 Thornthwaite Crag 1190 NY43110031  
7632503 Stony Cove Pike90 NY417100171  
6642178 Tarn Crag90 NY488078160  
6382093 Grey Crag 1290 NY49707241  
6572155 Place Fell90 NY405169 c 262  

Section 34D Southern Cumbria

South of Eskdale railway, Hardknott Pass, A591 and A685 from Ravenglass to the M6.
7 Hewitts including 2 Marilyns.

Metres Feet Name Map Grid ref Drop
8032634 The Old Man of Coniston *96,97 SD272978416
7632503 Wetherlam89,90 NY288011145
7782552 Dow Crag96,97 SD262977129
8022631 Swirl How89,90 NY272005120
7732536 Grey Friar ***89,90 NY25900378
7452444 Black Sails89,90 NY28200737
6542146 Harter Fell96 SD218997 c 276

Region 35 Northern and Central Pennines

Section 35A Northern Pennines

North of A684 from the River Lune to the A1. 39 Hewitts including 12 Marilyns.

Metres Feet Name Map Grid ref Drop  
8932930 Cross Fell91 NY687343651 (c 315)
6642178 Black Fell86 NY64844489  
8482782 Great Dun Fell91 NY71032176  
6862251 Round Hill91 NY744361 c 71  
7672516 Meldon Hill91 NY77129065  
8422762 Little Dun Fell91 NY70433061  
7942605 Knock Fell **91 NY72130248  
7092326 Melmerby Fell91 NY65238043  
6562152 Grey Nag86 NY664476 c 40  
7882585 Mickle Fell 1391,92 NY804243 c 210  
6752215 Murton Fell 1391 NY75324574  
7482454 Little Fell 1391 NY781222 c 73  
6192031 Bink Moss91,92 NY87524343  
6212037 Cold Fell86 NY605556168  
7472450 Burnhope Seat 14 **91 NY785375190  
7032306 Chapelfell Top91,92 NY875346142  
6752215 James's Hill 1591,92 NY92332567  
6492129 Viewing Hill91 NY78833266  
7082323 Great Stony Hill91,92 NY823359 c 54  
6732208 Killhope Law86,87 NY81944848  
6142014 Flinty Fell 1686,87 NY77041943  
6122008 Burtree Fell 1787 NY862432 c 38  
7102329 Dead Stones91 NY79339933  
6142014 The Dodd86,87 NY791457 c 31  
6512136 Three Pikes91,92 NY83334330  
7162349 Great Shunner Fell98 SD848972 c 297 (c 191)
7092326 High Seat91,92 NY802012112  
6672188 Little Fell98 SD808971 c 49  
6752215 Lovely Seat 18 *98 SD879950 c 150  
6722205 Rogan's Seat91,92 NY919030 c 195  
6622172 Nine Standards Rigg91,92 NY825061157  
7082323 Wild Boar Fell98 SD758988 c 344 (295)
6812234 Swarth Fell98 SD755966 c 76  
6782224 Baugh Fell 1998 SD740916265  
6762218 The Calf 2098 SD667970383 (245)
6402100 Fell Head °97 SD649981 c 86  
6742211 Calders98 SD67096033  
6392096 Yarlside98 SD685985208  
6242047 Randygill Top91 NY687000131  

Section 35B Central Pennines

North of A65 and River Aire from Kirkby Lonsdale to the A1. 15 Hewitts including 9 Marilyns.

Metres Feet Name Map Grid ref Drop  
7362415 Whernside98 SD738814408 (c 270)
6872254 Great Coum98 SD701835 c 221  
6272057 Gragareth98 SD68779330  
7232372 Ingleborough98 SD741745 c 427  
6502133 Simon Fell98 SD754751 c 35  
7042310 Great Whernside98 SE002739 c 288 (c 209)
7022303 Buckden Pike98 SD960787 c 207  
6942277 Pen-y-ghent98 SD838733 c 306 (242)
6802231 Plover Hill °98 SD849752 c 59  
6682192 Fountains Fell98 SD864715243  
6242047 Darnbrook Fell98 SD88472840  
6722205 Great Knoutberry Hill98 SD788871 c 254 (234)
6682192 Dodd Fell Hill98 SD840845230  
6432110 Yockenthwaite Moor98 SD90981086  
6142014 Drumaldrace *98 SD87386766  

Region 36 Lancashire, Cheshire and Southern Pennines

The counties of Lancashire, Cheshire, and Derbyshire, together with those parts of Yorkshire south of the River Aire and Staffordshire north of Stafford. 2 Hewitts including 1 Marilyn.

Metres Feet Name Map Grid ref Drop  
6362087 Kinder Scout 21110 SK085875 c 488 (219)
6332077 Bleaklow Head110 SK092959 c 128  

Region 38 Welsh Borders

The counties of Shropshire and Herefordshire, together with those parts of Worcestershire and Gloucestershire west of the River Severn. 1 Hewitt which is also a Marilyn.

Metres Feet Name Map Grid ref Drop
7032306 Black Mountain 22 **161 SO255350154

Region 40 Cornwall and Devon

The counties of Cornwall and Devon. 1 Hewitt which is also a Marilyn.

Metres Feet Name Map Grid ref Drop  
6212037 High Willhays 23191 SX580892533 (c 512)

Highest Hewitts

These are the top twenty English Hewitts in terms of height above sea level.

Sect Metres Feet Name Map Grid ref Drop  
34B9783209 Scafell Pike89,90 NY215072912 (450)
34B9643163 Scafell89,90 NY206064133  
34C9503117 Helvellyn90 NY342151712 (376)
34B9353068 Ill Crag89,90 NY22307357  
34B9343064 Broad Crag89,90 NY21807552  
34A9313054 Skiddaw89,90 NY260290709 (463)
34B9102986 Great End89,90 NY22608356  
34B9022959 Bowfell89,90 NY244064146  
34B8992949 Great Gable89,90 NY211103425 (278)
35A8932930 Cross Fell91 NY687343651 (c 315)
34B8922926 Pillar89,90 NY171121348  
34C8902920 Catstye Cam90 NY34815863  
34B8852904 Esk Pike89,90 NY236075112  
34C8832897 Raise90 NY34217491  
34C8732864 Fairfield90 NY358117299 (c 191)
34A8682848 Blencathra90 NY323277461  
34A8652838 Little Man89,90 NY26627761  
34C8632831 White Side90 NY33716642  
34B8592818 Crinkle Crags89,90 NY248048138  
34C8582815 Dollywaggon Pike90 NY34613050  

These are the top twenty English Hewitts in terms of relative height, ie they have the greatest drop. They may therefore be regarded as the highest points of the twenty main hill ranges in England.

34B9783209 Scafell Pike89,90 NY215072912 (450)
34C9503117 Helvellyn90 NY342151712 (376)
34A9313054 Skiddaw89,90 NY260290709 (463)
35A8932930 Cross Fell91 NY687343651 (c 315)
33A8152674 The Cheviot74,75 NT909205556 (c 409)
406212037 High Willhays191 SX580892533 (c 512)
34B8522795 Grasmoor89,90 NY174203519 (c 250)
36A6362087 Kinder Scout110 SK085875 c 488 (219)
34A8682848 Blencathra90 NY323277461  
35B7232372 Ingleborough98 SD741745 c 427  
34B8992949 Great Gable89,90 NY211103425 (278)
34D8032634 The Old Man of Coniston96,97 SD272978416  
35B7362415 Whernside98 SD738814408 (c 270)
34B7532470 Dale Head89,90 NY223153397 (177)
35A6762218 The Calf98 SD667970383 (245)
34C8282717 High Street90 NY440110373 (236)
34B8072648 High Stile89 NY170148362  
34B8922926 Pillar89,90 NY171121348  
35A7082323 Wild Boar Fell98 SD758988 c 344 (295)
35B6942277 Pen-y-ghent98 SD838733 c 306 (242)

SubHewitts

The following 14 hills miss out on being Hewitts by less than ten metres in height. Where relevant the name of the major summit in the same hill group is shown in brackets.

Sect Metres Feet Name Map Grid ref Drop
34B6091998 Illgill Head89 NY169049314
35B6091998 Calf Top98 SD664856312
35B6091998 Horse Head Moor 2498 SD893768157
35A6091998 Renwick Fell (Cross Fell) 2586 NY611462 c 57
34B6081995 High Seat (High Raise)89,90 NY287180136
35A6051985 Green Bell (Yarlside)91 NY69801048
35A6051985 Arant Haw (The Calf)98 SD66294657
35B6041982 Little Whernside (Great Whernside)98 SE028776 c 79
406031978 Cut Hill (High Willhays)191 SX59882790
406031978 Hangingstone Hill (High Willhays)191 SX61786148
336021975 Peel Fell 2680 NY624997196
35B6021975 High Green Field Knott (Horse Head Moor) 2798 SD84578466
336011972 The Schil (The Cheviot) 2874 NT869223 c 134
34D6001968 Black Combe96 SD135854362

The following 36 hills miss out on being Hewitts by less than ten metres of relative height. Hills are grouped in sections and the name of the major summit in the same hill group is shown in brackets.

34B7032306 Ladyside Pike (Grisedale Pike)89,90 NY18422728
34B7352411 Combe Head (Scafell Pike)89,90 NY249109 c 28
34B7402428 Little Stand (Scafell Pike) *89,90 NY25003325
34B6122008 Rosthwaite Fell (Scafell Pike)89,90 NY25511824
34B7412431 Round How (Scafell Pike)89,90 NY218081 c 23
34B7752543 Looking Steads (Scafell Pike)89,90 NY24510122
34B9593146 Symonds Knott (Scafell Pike)89,90 NY20706721
34B6832241 Cold Pike West Top (Scafell Pike)89,90 NY25803520
34B7232372 Thunacar Knott (High Raise)89,90 NY27907927
34B6802231 Loft Crag (High Raise) °89,90 NY277071 c 22
34B6562152 Low Saddle (High Raise)89,90 NY288133 c 21
34B8192687 Steeple (Pillar)89 NY157116 c 24
34B6972287 Caw Fell (Pillar) ***89 NY131109 c 22
34B6272057 Looking Stead (Pillar)89,90 NY186117 c 20
34B6412103 Dodd (High Stile)89 NY16315720
34C8912923 Nethermost Pike (Helvellyn)90 NY34314229
34C8632831 Striding Edge (Helvellyn) ***90 NY350149 c 28
34C7562480 Hart Side (Helvellyn)90 NY35919723
34C7182356 Birkhouse Moor (Helvellyn)90 NY36315921
34C6732208 Branstree East Top (High Street)90 NY48710324
34C6182028 Hartsop Dodd (Stony Cove Pike)90 NY41111824
34C6212037 Rydal Fell (Fairfield)90 NY35708623
34C6122008 Heron Pike (Fairfield)90 NY35608321
34C6222041 Birks (St Sunday Crag)90 NY380143 c 20
34D6102002 White Maiden (Old Man of Coniston) °96 SD254957 c 23
34D7962612 Brim Fell (Old Man of Coniston)96,97 SD270985 c 21
34D7852575 Great Carrs (Old Man of Coniston)89,90 NY270008 c 20
35A6952280 Gregory Chapel (Great Shunner Fell) 2991,92 NY802003 c 28
35A6892260 Hugh Seat (Great Shunner Fell)98 SD809991 c 24
35A6202034 Bellbeaver Rigg (Burnhope Seat)91 NY762350 c 28
35A6342080 Fiend's Fell (Cross Fell)86 NY64340627
35A6992293 Backstone Edge (Cross Fell)91 NY72527626
35A6682192 Water Crag (Rogan's Seat)91,92 NY92804625
35A6762218 Knoutberry Haw (Baugh Fell)98 SD73191920
35B6282060 Green Hill (Great Coum)98 SD70182024
406192031 Yes Tor (High Willhays)191 SX58090124

A further 39 English summits with a drop of 15-19 metres are listed in the Nuttalls' book1.

English Hewitteers

The first person recorded as having climbed all the English 2000-foot summits was Edward Moss1 who completed the list on 22nd July 1951. The second person was ED Clements, compiler of The Hewitts and Marilyns of Ireland, who finished on 30th May 1953. The Long Distance Walkers Association (LDWA) keeps a register of all those who have climbed the two-thousand foot summits of England and Wales or of Ireland. To register, send an A5 SAE to Alan Castle (TT), Glebe House, Ravenstone, Olney, Buckinghamshire MK46 5AR and ask for a claim form. The LDWA do not record details of English ascents only.


The English Marilyns

Hills in England with a drop of at least 150 metres on all sides

About the Marilyns

A Marilyn is any hill that has a drop of at least 150 metres (492 feet) on all sides, regardless of distance, absolute height or topographical merit. The list of all Marilyns in Britain is published in The Relative Hills of Britain (Alan Dawson, Cicerone Press, 1992). Since this book was published a number of new Marilyns have been discovered, and some original ones deleted. Details of these amendments are published in an update sheet which is now distributed with the book and is available separately from the author or publisher.

There are currently 1551 Marilyns in Britain: 1213 in Scotland, 178 in England, 156 in Wales and five in the Isle of Man (Black Mountain is in both England and Wales). There are a further 453 Marilyns in Ireland. Note that these figures are slightly different to those quoted in The Hewitts and Marilyns of Wales, due to two recent additions in England and two deletions in Ireland. The list of English Marilyns published here is in most respects the same as that in The Relative Hills of Britain but with the following important differences:

-- As well as the height above sea level (absolute height), the list shows the drop from each hill (relative height), as explained on pages 3 and 4.

-- Details of heights and grid references have been double-checked for accuracy on 1:10000 scale maps and updated where necessary. Where different heights are given on different scales of map, the 1:10000 or 1:25000 scale maps are used, as the 1:50000 maps are generally less accurate for spot heights. Several hills have therefore gained or lost a metre or two.

-- The following recently discovered English Marilyns are included:

Section Metres Feet Name Map Grid ref Drop
34B244800 Swinside89,90 NY243224152
35A6752215 Lovely Seat98 SD879950 c 150
35B6091998 Horse Head Moor98 SD893768157
38B285935 Abberley Hill138,150 SO751672 c 157
38B276904 Aconbury Hill149 SO505330157
38B254833 Hegdon Hill149 SO585539 c 156
39295968 Milk Hill173 SU104643 c 151
41279915 Lewesdon Hill193 ST437012185
42188617 Cheriton Hill179,189 TR197396150

-- The following hills no longer qualify as Marilyns and are excluded:

337142342 Hedgehope Hill80 NT943198148
336152018 Cushat Law80 NT928137147
34B9643162 Scafell89,90 NY206064133
34C7782552 Harter Fell90 NY459093149
34C4871598 Baystones90 NY403052149
35B6081995 Birks Fell98 SD91876329
38B252827 Grendon Green149 SO599574 c 39
41277908 Pilsdon Pen193 ST413011 c 83

-- Birks Fell has been superseded by Horse Head Moor, Grendon Green by Hegdon Hill, and Pilsdon Pen by Lewesdon Hill.

-- Three hills have been renamed:
    Long Barrow to Dent (Section 34B)
    White Downs to Watch Croft (Region 40)
    North Downs to Detling Hill (Region 42)

-- The summits of Lambrigg Fell (Section 34B) and Crowborough (Region 42) have moved a short distance to a new grid reference.

Hills are listed in height order within each section. Details given are the same as for the Hewitts. Fifty-one English Marilyns are over 2000 feet high and are also Hewitts so are listed twice in this booklet. Most of the remaining 127 Marilyns below 2000 feet can provide enjoyable walks, and are a good alternative in poor weather when the higher summits are obscured by mist. The smaller hills are also ideal for filling in an odd hour or half day, or for exploring during busy holiday periods when the bigger hills and more popular routes tend to become crowded. The absence of paths on many lower hills can make them less straightforward than the higher summits.

Region 33 Scottish Border to the River Tyne

North of River Eden, A69, River South Tyne and River Tyne from the Solway Firth to Tynemouth.
8 Marilyns including 1 Hewitt.

Metres Feet Name Map Grid ref Drop  
8152674 The Cheviot74,75 NT909205556 (c 409)
6021975 Peel Fell 2680 NY624997 c 196  
5201706 Sighty Crag *80 NY601809 c 295 (163)
5011644 Shillhope Law80 NT873096158  
4401444 Tosson Hill81 NZ005982247  
3191047 Long Crag81 NU062069 c 169  
3151033 Ros Hill75 NU081253 c 222  
266873 Housedon Hill74,75 NT902327 c 182  

Region 34 The Lake District

Section 34A Northern Fells

North of River Derwent, B5292 and A66 from Workington to Penrith. 6 Marilyns including 3 Hewitts.

Metres Feet Name Map Grid ref Drop  
9313054 Skiddaw89,90 NY260290709 (463)
8682848 Blencathra90 NY323277461  
7102329 Knott89,90 NY296329242  
5521811 Lord's Seat89,90 NY204265237  
4471467 Binsey89,90 NY225355 c 242  
254833 Watch Hill89 NY159318 c 157  

Section 34B Central and Western Fells

West of A591 from Keswick to Ambleside and north of the Eskdale railway and Hardknott Pass.
21 Marilyns including 12 Hewitts.

Metres Feet Name Map Grid ref Drop  
9783209 Scafell Pike89,90 NY215072912 (450)
8992949 Great Gable89,90 NY211103425 (278)
8922926 Pillar89,90 NY171121348  
8522795 Grasmoor89,90 NY174203519 (c 250)
8072648 High Stile89 NY170148362  
8022631 Kirk Fell89,90 NY194104181  
7912595 Grisedale Pike89,90 NY198225 c 189  
7622500 High Raise89,90 NY280095 c 283  
7532470 Dale Head89,90 NY223153397 (177)
7372418 Robinson89,90 NY201168161  
7052313 Pike of Blisco89,90 NY271042177  
6922270 Seatallan 989 NY139084193  
6091998 Illgill Head89 NY169049314  
5731880 Blake Fell89 NY110196 c 164  
5491801 Hard Knott89,90 NY231023154  
5121680 Mellbreak89 NY148186260  
4691539 Lingmoor Fell90 NY302046245  
4231388 Low Fell89 NY137226270  
3521155 Dent 3089 NY041129 c 175  
3351099 Loughrigg Fell90 NY347051172  
244801 Swinside 1889,90 NY243224152  

Section 34C Eastern Fells

East of A591 and north of A685 from Keswick to the M6. 14 Marilyns including 9 Hewitts.

Metres Feet Name Map Grid ref Drop  
9503117 Helvellyn90 NY342151712 (376)
8732864 Fairfield90 NY358117299 (c 191)
8412759 St Sunday Crag90 NY369134 c 159  
8282717 High Street90 NY440110373 (236)
7762546 Red Screes90 NY396087 c 260  
7632503 Stony Cove Pike90 NY417100171  
7362415 Seat Sandal90 NY343115 c 150  
6642178 Tarn Crag90 NY488078160  
6572155 Place Fell90 NY405169 c 262  
5371762 Great Mell Fell90 NY396253198  
5051657 Little Mell Fell90 NY423240 c 226  
4941621 Grayrigg Forest97 SD598998191  
3881273 Hallin Fell90 NY433198163  
3571171 High Rigg90 NY308219 c 189  

Section 34D Southern Cumbria

South of Eskdale railway, Hardknott Pass, A591 and A685 from Ravenglass to the M6.
13 Marilyns including 2 Hewitts.

Metres Feet Name Map Grid ref Drop  
8032634 The Old Man of Coniston96,97 SD272978416  
6542146 Harter Fell96 SD218997 c 276  
6001968 Black Combe96 SD135854362 (c 248)
5731880 Whitfell96 SD158929 c 221  
3391112 Lambrigg Fell 3197 SD586941 c 152  
3351099 Top o'Selside96,97 SD309919191 (183)
3341096 Lowick High Common96 SD259839230  
3211053 Gummer's How96,97 SD390884 c 217  
3171040 Holm Fell90 NY315006165  
274899 Hutton Roof Crags97 SD556774 c 176  
270886 Claife Heights96,97 SD382973 c 177  
231758 Muncaster Fell96 SD112983 c 194  
215705 Whitbarrow 3297 SD441870 c 182  

Region 35 Northern and Central Pennines

Section 35A Northern Pennines

North of A684 from the River Lune to the A1. 15 Marilyns including 12 Hewitts.

Metres Feet Name Map Grid ref Drop  
8932930 Cross Fell91 NY687343651 (c 315)
7882585 Mickle Fell 1391,92 NY804243 c 210  
7472450 Burnhope Seat 14 **91 NY785375190  
7162349 Great Shunner Fell98 SD848972 c 297 (c 191)
7082323 Wild Boar Fell98 SD758988 c 344 (295)
6782224 Baugh Fell 1998 SD740916265  
6762218 The Calf 2098 SD667970383 (245)
6752215 Lovely Seat 1898 SD879950 c 150  
6722205 Rogan's Seat91,92 NY919030 c 195  
6622172 Nine Standards Rigg91,92 NY825061157  
6392096 Yarlside98 SD685985208  
6212037 Cold Fell86 NY605556168  
5541818 Hoove92 NZ003071 c 179  
4991637 Kisdon98 SD899998 c 184  
4811578 Dufton Pike91 NY699266163  

Section 35B Central Pennines

North of A65 and River Aire from Kirkby Lonsdale to the A1. 15 Marilyns including 9 Hewitts.

Metres Feet Name Map Grid ref Drop  
7362415 Whernside98 SD738814408 (c 270)
7232372 Ingleborough98 SD741745 c 427  
7042310 Great Whernside98 SE002739 c 288 (c 209)
7022303 Buckden Pike98 SD960787 c 207  
6942277 Pen-y-ghent98 SD838733 c 306 (242)
6872254 Great Coum98 SD701835 c 221  
6722205 Great Knoutberry Hill98 SD788871 c 254 (234)
6682192 Fountains Fell98 SD864715243  
6682192 Dodd Fell Hill98 SD840845230  
6091998 Calf Top98 SD664856312  
6091998 Horse Head Moor 2498 SD893768157  
5561824 Aye Gill Pike98 SD720886167  
5061660 Thorpe Fell Top104 SE008596 c 308  
4021319 Ilkley Moor104 SE114452 c 244  
3571171 Sharp Haw103 SD959552168  

Region 36 Lancashire, Cheshire and Southern Pennines

The counties of Lancashire, Cheshire and Derbyshire, together with those parts of Yorkshire south of the River Aire and Staffordshire north of Stafford. 17 Marilyns including 1 Hewitt.

Metres Feet Name Map Grid ref Drop  
6362087 Kinder Scout 21110 SK085875 c 488 (219)
5821909 Black Hill110 SE078046165  
5611841 Ward's Stone 33102 SD592587395 (c 176)
5591834 Shining Tor118 SJ994737 c 236  
5571827 Pendle Hill103 SD804414 c 395  
5441785 White Hill103 SD673587 c 159  
5201706 Fair Snape Fell °102 SD597472 c 225  
5171696 Boulsworth Hill 34103 SD929356323 (284)
4771565 Hail Storm Hill109 SD835193244 (c 174)
4561496 Winter Hill109 SD659149218  
4551493 Freeholds Top103 SD906218 c 152  
3961299 Easington Fell 35103 SD730486194  
3851263 Gun118 SJ970615 c 168  
3501148 Longridge Fell103 SD658410242  
3431125 The Cloud118 SJ904636174  
227745 Raw Head117 SJ508548150  
179587 Billinge Hill 36108 SD525014155  

Region 37 River Tees to The Wash

The counties of Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire, together with the part of Yorkshire east of the A1.
5 Marilyns.

Metres Feet Name Map Grid ref Drop  
4541489 Urra Moor 3793 NZ594015409 (197)
4341424 Cringle Moor 93 NZ537029177  
3281076 Gisborough Moor94 NZ634123152  
246807 Bishop Wilton Wold 38106 SE820569 c 203  
168551 The Wolds 39113 TF121964162  

Region 38 Welsh Borders

Section 38A Shropshire

The county of Shropshire. 10 Marilyns.

Metres Feet Name Map Grid ref Drop  
5401772 Brown Clee Hill137,138 SO593865373 (239)
5361759 Stiperstones137 SO367986357 (c 212)
5331749 Titterstone Clee Hill137,138 SO591779232  
5161693 Long Mynd 40137 SO415944 c 192  
4591506 Caer Caradoc Hill137,138 SO477953271  
4521483 Heath Mynd137 SO335940190  
4071335 The Wrekin127 SJ628080298  
3581175 Burrow137 SO381830 c 189  
3351099 Callow Hill °137,138 SO460850 c 154  
3211053 View Edge137 SO422809 c 167  

Section 38B Herefordshire, West Worcs, West Gloucs

The county of Herefordshire together with those parts of Worcestershire and Gloucestershire west of the River Severn. 15 Marilyns including 1 Hewitt.

Metres Feet Name Map Grid ref Drop  
7032306 Black Mountain 22 **161 SO255350154  
4261398 Hergest Ridge148 SO254562158  
4251394 Worcestershire Beacon 41150 SO768452 c 337 (c 327)
3911283 Bradnor Hill148 SO282584178  
3751231 High Vinnalls °137,148 SO478724 c 248  
3661201 Garway Hill161 SO436250 c 267 (247)
3291079 Wapley Hill137,148,149 SO346624157  
3261070 Shobdon Hill137,148,149 SO382640 c 172  
296971 May Hill162 SO695212 c 217 (c 180)
294965 Burton Hill148,149 SO394487 c 196  
290951 Ruardean Hill162 SO635168 c 174  
285935 Abberley Hill 42 °138,150 SO751672 c 157  
276906 Aconbury Hill 18149 SO505330157  
269883 Seager Hill 43149 SO612390 c 164  
254833 Hegdon Hill 44149 SO585539 c 156  

Region 39 Central and Eastern England

The counties of Leicestershire, Rutland, Warwickshire, Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Essex, together with those parts of Staffordshire south of Stafford, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire east of the River Severn, Wiltshire and Berkshire north of the Kennet and Avon Canal, and London north of the River Thames. 5 Marilyns.

Metres Feet Name Map Grid ref Drop
3301083 Cleeve Hill 45163 SO996246242
3161037 Walton Hill139 SO942797207
299981 Bredon Hill150 SO957402257
278912 Bardon Hill 36129 SK460131 c 170
267876 Haddington Hill 46165 SP890089180

Region 40 Cornwall and Devon

The counties of Cornwall and Devon. 7 Marilyns including 1 Hewitt.

Metres Feet Name Map Grid ref Drop  
6212037 High Willhays 23191 SX580892 c 533 c 512
4201378 Brown Willy 47201 SX158799 c 314257
3341096 Kit Hill 48 *201 SX375713171  
3121024 Hensbarrow Beacon 49200 SW996575193  
261856 Christ Cross 50192 SS964052173  
252827 Watch Croft 51203 SW420357 c 225  
252827 Carnmenellis203 SW695364 c 165  

Region 41 South Central England

The counties of Somerset and Dorset, together with the part of Wiltshire south of the Kennet and Avon Canal. 11 Marilyns.

Metres Feet Name Map Grid ref Drop  
5191703 Dunkery Beacon 52181 SS891415414 (c 404)
3841260 Wills Neck 53181 ST165351261  
3251066 Beacon Batch 54172,182 ST484572 c 241 (208)
3151033 Staple Hill193 ST240166212  
3081010 Selworthy Beacon181 SS918479 c 193  
297974 Periton Hill181 SS946441 c 182  
288945 Long Knoll183 ST786376171  
279915 Lewesdon Hill 55193 ST437012185  
277909 Win Green184 ST925206 c 159  
233764 Dundry Down172,182 ST553667170  
207679 Hardown Hill193 SY405942 c 154  

Region 42 South-East England and the Isle of Wight

The counties of Hampshire, Surrey, Kent, West Sussex, East Sussex and the Isle of Wight, together with those parts of Berkshire south of the Kennet and Avon Canal and River Thames, and London south of the River Thames. 16 Marilyns.

Metres Feet Name Map Grid ref Drop  
297974 Walbury Hill174 SU373616 c 188 (180)
295968 Milk Hill 42 °173 SU104643 c 151  
295968 Leith Hill187 TQ139431246 (c 212)
280919 Black Down186,197 SU919296191  
270886 Butser Hill197 SU716203158  
267876 Botley Hill 56187 TQ396553 c 206  
248814 Ditchling Beacon198 TQ331130 c 213  
242794 Crowborough 57188 TQ510305 c 159  
241791 St Boniface Down (Isle of Wight)196 SZ568785241 (c 177)
238781 Chanctonbury Hill198 TQ134120215  
217712 Firle Beacon198 TQ485059196  
214702 Wilmington Hill199 TQ548034192  
214702 Brighstone Down (Isle of Wight)196 SZ432847 c 150  
200656 Detling Hill 58 °188 TQ804586 c 163  
188617 Cheriton Hill 18189 TR197396150  
164538 Cliffe Hill 59198 TQ434107152  

English Marilynists

The first people to climb all the English Marilyns were Ann and Rowland Bowker of Portinscale in Cumbria, who had to complete the list on three separate occasions: firstly on Shillhope Law (their last Marilyn from the original list), secondly on Cheriton Hill after its discovery in 1994, and thirdly on Horse Head Moor after its promotion ahead of Birks Fell in 1996.

Anyone who has climbed over 600 British Marilyns is eligible for a place in the Marilyn Hall of Fame. To stake a claim, first climb the hills then contact the author via TACit Press.

Highest non-Hewitt Marilyns

As the highest 51 English Marilyns are all Hewitts, there is little point in listing them again here. Instead, both lists below are limited to those Marilyns below 2000 feet high.

These are the highest 29 English Marilyns under 2000 feet, ie all those between 500 and 610 metres.

Sect Metres Feet Name Map Grid ref Drop  
34B6091998 Illgill Head89 NY169049314  
35B6091998 Calf Top98 SD664856312  
35B6091998 Horse Head Moor98 SD893768157  
336021975 Peel Fell80 NY624997 c 196  
34D6001968 Black Combe96 SD135854362 (c 248)
365821909 Black Hill110 SE078046165  
34D5731880 Whitfell96 SD158929 c 221  
34B5731880 Blake Fell89 NY110196 c 164  
365611841 Ward's Stone102 SD592587395 (c 176)
365591834 Shining Tor118 SJ994737 c 236  
365571827 Pendle Hill103 SD804414 c 395  
35B5561824 Aye Gill Pike98 SD720886167  
35A5541818 Hoove92 NZ003071 c 179  
34A5521811 Lord's Seat89,90 NY204265237  
34B5491801 Hard Knott89,90 NY231023154  
365441785 White Hill103 SD673587 c 159  
38A5401772 Brown Clee Hill137,138 SO593865373 (239)
34C5371762 Great Mell Fell90 NY396253198  
38A5361759 Stiperstones137 SO367986357 (c 212)
38A5331749 Titterstone Clee Hill137,138 SO591779232  
335201706 Sighty Crag80 NY601809 c 295 (163)
365201706 Fair Snape Fell102 SD597472 c 225  
415191703 Dunkery Beacon181 SS891415414 (c 404)
365171696 Boulsworth Hill103 SD929356323 (284)
38A5161693 Long Mynd137 SO415944 c 192  
34B5121680 Mellbreak89 NY148186260  
35B5061660 Thorpe Fell Top104 SE008596 c 308  
34C5051657 Little Mell Fell90 NY423240 c 226  
335011644 Shillhope Law80 NT873096158  

These are the top 20 non-Hewitt English Marilyns in terms of relative height, ie they have the greatest drop.

415191703 Dunkery Beacon181 SS891415414 (c 404)
374541489 Urra Moor93 NZ594015409 (197)
365611841 Ward's Stone102 SD592587395 (c 176)
365571827 Pendle Hill103 SD804414 c 395  
38A5401772 Brown Clee Hill137,138 SO593865373 (239)
34D6001968 Black Combe96 SD135854362 (c 248)
38A5361759 Stiperstones137 SO367986357 (c 212)
38B4251394 Worcestershire Beacon150 SO768452 c 337 (c 327)
365171696 Boulsworth Hill103 SD929356323 (284)
34B6091998 Illgill Head89 NY169049314  
404201378 Brown Willy201 SX158799 c 314 (257)
35B6091998 Calf Top98 SD664856312  
35B5061660 Thorpe Fell Top104 SE008596 c 308  
38A4071335 The Wrekin127 SJ628080298  
335201706 Sighty Crag80 NY601809 c 295 (163)
38A4591506 Caer Caradoc Hill137,138 SO477953271  
34B4231388 Low Fell89 NY137226270  
38B3661201 Garway Hill161 SO436250 c 267 (247)
413841260 Wills Neck181 ST165351261  
34B5121680 Mellbreak89 NY148186260  

SubMarilyns

The following 39 hills miss out on being Marilyns by less than ten metres of relative height.

Sect Metres Feet Name Map Grid ref Drop
34C7782552 Harter Fell 290 NY459093149
34C4871598 Baystones 290 NY403052149
38A3201050 Earl's Hill126 SJ409048149
42255837 Littleton Down 60 **197 SU941150149
337142342 Hedgehope Hill 280 NT943197148
34B6532142 High Spy89,90 NY234162148
37242794 Eston Nab93 NZ568183 c 148
336152018 Cushat Law 280 NT928137147
34B9022959 Bowfell89,90 NY244064146
37189620 Seamer Beacon101 TA008876146
38A3931289 Sunnyhill137 SO327837 c 146
41199653 Nine Barrow Down 61195 SZ008811 c 146
34D7632503 Wetherlam89,90 NY288011145
41203666 Swyre Head195 SY933785145
41158518 Glastonbury Tor182,183 ST512386145
42147482 Tennyson Down (Isle of Wight) 62196 SZ325853145
38B279915 Buck Stone162 SO541122 c 145
34D189620 Lowscales Hill96 SD153819 c 145
34D4891604 Green Crag96 SD200982144
364181371 Bull Hill109 SD766187144
38B3181043 Merbach Hill148,161 SO303447144
364621516 Win Hill110 SK186850 c 144
35B282925 The Chevin104 SE199441 c 144
35A286938 Beacon Hill90 NY521313 c 143
41176577 Bleadon Hill182 ST366571 c 143
35A7032306 Chapelfell Top91,92 NY875346142
34A6902264 Great Calva89,90 NY290311142
34B6272057 Yewbarrow89,90 NY173084142
38A3981306 Ragleth Hill137,138 SO454921142
39203666 Alderton Hill150 SP009345142
40142466 Beacon Hill (Lundy Island)180 SS132448142
36304997 Lees Moor119 SK249674 c 142
39198650 Robins Wood Hill162 SO840150 c 142
34B4471467 Murton Fell89 NY094190141
363351099 Mow Cop118 SJ858575141
41274899 Bulbarrow Hill194 ST777055141
403561168 Mardon Down191 SX767870 c 141
34B5091670 Hen Comb89 NY132181140
38B200656 Coppet Hill °162 SO577182 c 140


English County Tops

The highest points of 37 English counties

About the County Tops

Frequent local government reorganisation has made things difficult for those who aspire to visit the highest point of all counties in England. There is now a ragbag mixture of unitary authorities, counties and districts, with further upheaval due in 1998. A list of the highest points of those traditional counties still in existence from April 1998 is given below. Unitary authorities (other than the Isle of Wight) are excluded. Details given are the same as for the Hewitts and Marilyns. Tops with a drop of 0 metres are indeterminate points on the side of a hill. Only 22 of these County Tops are Marilyns. It seems slightly odd that just three County Tops are between 300 and 500 metres high.

Sect County Metres Feet Name Map Grid ref Drop
34B Cumbria9783209 Scafell Pike89,90 NY215072912
33 Northumberland8152674 The Cheviot74,75 NT909205556
35A Durham7882585 Mickle Fell91,92 NY804243 c 210
35B North Yorkshire7362415 Whernside98 SD738814408
38B Herefordshire 637032306 Black Mountain161 SO255350154
36 Derbyshire6362087 Kinder Scout110 SK085875 c 488
35B Lancashire6282060 Green Hill98 SD70182024
40 Devon6212037 High Willhays191 SX580892 c 533
36 Cheshire5591834 Shining Tor118 SJ994737 c 236
38A Shropshire5401772 Brown Clee Hill137,138 SO593865373
36 Staffordshire5201706 Cheeks Hill119 SK0266990
41 Somerset5191703 Dunkery Beacon181 SS891415414
38B Worcestershire 634251394 Worcestershire Beacon150 SO768452 c 337
40 Cornwall4201378 Brown Willy201 SX158799 c 314
39 Gloucestershire3301083 Cleeve Hill163 SO996246242
42 Surrey295968 Leith Hill187 TQ139431246
39 Wiltshire295968 Milk Hill173 SU104643 c 151
42 Hampshire286938 Pilot Hill174 SU39860145
42 West Sussex280919 Black Down186,197 SU919296191
41 Dorset279915 Lewesdon Hill193 ST437012185
39 Leicestershire278912 Bardon Hill129 SK460131 c 170
39 Buckinghamshire267876 Haddington Hill165 SP890089180
39 Warwickshire261856 Ebrington Hill151 SP187426111
42 Oxfordshire261856 Whitehorse Hill174 SU30086379
42 Kent251823 Betsom's Hill187 TQ43556315
42 East Sussex248814 Ditchling Beacon198 TQ331130 c 213
39 Hertfordshire244801 Pavis Wood *165 SP9140920
39 Bedfordshire243797 Dunstable Downs166 TL008194 c 105
42 Isle of Wight241791 St Boniface Down196 SZ568785241
39 Northamptonshire225738 Arbury Hill152 SP540587101
37 Nottinghamshire204669 Newtonwood Lane 64120 SK45660568
39 Rutland 65197646 Cold Overton Park141 SK82708511
37 Lincolnshire168551 The Wolds113 TF121964162
39 Essex147482 Chrishall Common154 TL44336215
39 Cambridgeshire146479 Great Chishill154 TL428384 c 9
39 Suffolk128420 Great Wood155 TL78655837
39 Norfolk105345 Beacon Hill133 TG186413 c 102

Deleted County Tops

The following counties had disappeared by April 1997 or are due for abolition in 1998. Most have been dismembered into separate unitary authorities, though some live on as districts while others exist only as cricket teams or distant memories.

Sect County Metres Feet Name Map Grid ref Drop
39 Avon264866 Niver Hill182 ST5655390
42 Berkshire 66297974 Walbury Hill174 SU373616 c 188
37 Cleveland3281076 Gisborough Moor94 NZ634123152
36 Greater Manchester5421778 Black Chew Head110 SE056019 c 35
38B Hereford and Worcester7032306 Black Mountain161 SO255350154
37 Humberside246807 Bishop Wilton Wold106 SE820569 c 203
39 Huntingdonshire80263 Boring Field °141,153 TL0477100
34D Lancashire Furness8032634 Old Man of Coniston96,97 SD272978416
42 London250821 Botley Hill187 TQ4075620
36 Merseyside179587 Billinge Hill108 SD525014155
42 Middlesex155509 Bushey Heath176 TQ15293979
36 South Yorkshire5501804 Howden Edge110 SK187943 c 65
33 Tyne and Wear259850 Currock Hill *88 NZ096593 c 101
39 West Midlands271889 Turner's Hill139 SO96788787
36 West Yorkshire5821909 Black Hill110 SE078046165
34C Westmorland9503117 Helvellyn90 NY342151712
37 Yorkshire East Riding246807 Bishop Wilton Wold106 SE820569 c 203
35A Yorkshire North Riding7882585 Mickle Fell91,92 NY804243 c 210
35B Yorkshire West Riding7362415 Whernside98 SD738814408


Notes

* Height taken from 1:25000 map.

** Height taken from 1:50000 map.

*** Height converted from 1:63360 map or other non-metric map.

° Height taken from relevant contour ring; no spot height shown on any map.

  1. Moss, E: The Two-Thousands of England. Rucksack Club Journal, 1939.
    Bridge, G: The Mountains of England and Wales. Gaston's Alpine Books and West Col, 1973.
    Wright, N: English Mountain Summits. Robert Hale, 1974.
    Buxton, C and Lewis, G: The Mountain Summits of England and Wales. Red Dial, 1986.
    Nuttall, J and Nuttall, A: The Mountains of England and Wales Volume 2: England. Cicerone, 1990.Dawson, A: The Relative Hills of Britain. Cicerone, 1992.
    Dewey, M: Mountain Tables. Constable, 1995.
    Woosey, M: A Log Book of the Mountains of England. Sigma, 1995.
  2. Hedgehope Hill, Cushat Law, Scafell, Harter Fell, Baystones: Deleted Marilyns. These hills are listed as Marilyns in The Relative Hills of Britain but were subsequently discovered to have less than 150 metres drop.
  3. Windy Gyle: Summit is on the border of England and Scotland. It therefore qualifies as a New Donald (see inside back cover) as well as a Hewitt.
  4. Crinkle Crags: Summit name is Long Top.
  5. Ill Crag, Broad Crag: It is often thought there are only four peaks in England over 3000 feet (Scafell Pike, Scafell, Helvellyn and Skiddaw). Ill Crag and Broad Crag are numbers five and six. According to the Nuttalls' list1 there are eight, but Symonds Knott has a drop of only 21 metres and Helvellyn Lower Man a drop of only 18 metres, so neither qualify as Hewitts.
  6. Glaramara South Top: Referred to by the Nuttalls1 as Red Beck Top.
  7. Dovenest Crag: Referred to by the Nuttalls1 as Dovenest Top.
  8. Yewbarrow North Top: Sometimes referred to as Stirrup Crag.
  9. Seatallan: The cairn a little to the north-east of the triangulation pillar may be slightly higher.
  10. Pike of Stickle, Harrison Stickle: Commonly referred to as the Langdale Pikes.
  11. Thornthwaite Crag: Sometimes referred to as Thornthwaite Beacon after the enormous stone pillar on the summit.
  12. Grey Crag: Sometimes referred to as Sleddale Fell.
  13. Mickle Fell, Murton Fell, Little Fell: An artillery range covers much of these hills, and there are access restrictions.
  14. Burnhope Seat: Highest point is about 200m west of the triangulation pillar.
  15. James's Hill: Sometimes referred to as Westernhope Moor.
  16. Flinty Fell: Requires less effort to climb than any other English Hewitt. Road reaches 600 metres less than one kilometre from the top.
  17. Burtree Fell: Sometimes referred to as Middlehope Moor.
  18. Lovely Seat, Swinside, Aconbury Hill, Cheriton Hill: New Marilyns discovered since publication of The Relative Hills of Britain. See also Note 42.
  19. Baugh Fell: Summit name is Tarn Rigg Hill.
  20. The Calf: Highest point of the Howgill Fells.
  21. Kinder Scout: Highest point is about 900m north-east of the Kinder Low triangulation pillar.
  22. Black Mountain: A unique fivefold summit: English Hewitt, English Marilyn, Welsh Hewitt, Welsh Marilyn, and the County Top of Herefordshire. It is in both Region 32 (South Wales) and Region 38 (Welsh Borders) and is the highest point in England south of Yorkshire.
  23. High Willhays: Highest point of Dartmoor. An artillery range covers much of the hill and there are access restrictions.
  24. Horse Head Moor: New Marilyn, replacing Birks Fell which is now only 608 metres high and no longer either Hewitt or Marilyn, nor even SubHewitt, since its drop is exactly 29 metres.
  25. Renwick Fell: Also known as Thack Moor.
  26. Peel Fell: Summit is about 100 metres from the Scottish border.
  27. High Green Field Knott: Referred to by Dewey1 as Cosh Knott.
  28. The Schil: Summit is on the Scottish border.
  29. Gregory Chapel: Also known as Archy Styrigg.
  30. Dent: Also known as Long Barrow.
  31. Lambrigg Fell: Highest point is 339m at SD586941, not 338m at SD586943 as listed in The Relative Hills of Britain.
  32. Whitbarrow: Summit name is Lord's Seat.
  33. Ward's Stone: Highest point of the Forest of Bowland. The summit height and location given is that shown on all OS maps, but this is not the true summit on the ground. Both the triangulation pillars are overtopped by nearby outcrops. The Grey Mare and Foal crag appears to be about one metre higher than the 561m pillar, while the 560m pillar is easily overtopped by Ward's Stone itself, which is two to three metres above the plateau. The actual high point is therefore probably 562m or 563m at SD586585, a view supported by Paul Hannon in his Walking Country: Bowland, Hillside, 1994.
  34. Boulsworth Hill: Summit name is Lad Law. A small outcrop a short distance to the south may (or may not) be slightly higher. Both should be visited by pedantic baggers.
  35. Easington Fell: Nearby 395m Waddington Fell looks higher from some angles but there is no evidence for this on any map.
  36. Billinge Hill, Bardon Hill: Disfigured by extensive quarrying.
  37. Urra Moor: Highest point of the North York Moors. Summit name is Round Hill.
  38. Bishop Wilton Wold: Road passes within 50 metres of the triangulation pillar.
  39. The Wolds: Highest point of the Lincolnshire Wolds, sometimes referred to as Normanby-le-Wold. The summit is more than 60 kilometres from any other Marilyn.
  40. Long Mynd: Summit name is Pole Bank.
  41. Worcestershire Beacon: Highest point of the Malvern Hills.
  42. Abberley Hill, Milk Hill: The newest Marilyns, discovered in 1997. Both hills only qualify by virtue of a railway cutting at the relevant col. Although man-made structures are normally disregarded, these cuttings have been features of the landscape for many years. However, the Abberley Hill cutting is at risk of becoming an in-fill site, which would further confuse matters.
  43. Seager Hill: Twin peak - also 269m spot height at SO624379.
  44. Hegdon Hill: New Marilyn, replacing Grendon Green which is only 252 metres high.
  45. Cleeve Hill: Highest point of the Cotswold Hills. Golf course near summit.
  46. Haddington Hill: Highest point of the Chiltern Hills.
  47. Brown Willy: Highest point of Bodmin Moor.
  48. Kit Hill: Road climbs to within 50 metres of the summit.
  49. Hensbarrow Beacon: Triangulation pillar is on the natural summit, but this is overtopped by a huge spoil tip from the nearby china clay pits.
  50. Christ Cross: Road passes within about 400 metres of the summit.
  51. Watch Croft: Previously known as White Downs.
  52. Dunkery Beacon: Highest point of Exmoor.
  53. Wills Neck: Highest point of the Quantock Hills.
  54. Beacon Batch: Highest point of the Mendip Hills.
  55. Lewesdon Hill: New Marilyn, replacing Pilsdon Pen which is only 277 metres high.
  56. Botley Hill: Highest point of the North Downs. A road passes very close to the summit.
  57. Crowborough: This is basically a town on a hill. The highest known point is 242m at TQ510305 (in Warren Garden, just to the west of Beacon Road), not the 240m triangulation pillar at TQ511307 as listed in The Relative Hills of Britain.
  58. Detling Hill: Previously known as North Downs.
  59. Cliffe Hill: The smallest Marilyn on the British mainland (there are five smaller Marilyns on Scottish islands). Golf course on summit.
  60. Littleton Down: Summit name is Crown Tegleaze. The highest point of the South Downs in Sussex, though not quite a Marilyn because Butser Hill (in Hampshire) is higher.
  61. Nine Barrow Down: Also known as Godlinstone Down.
  62. Tennyson Down: The summit with the greatest drop (145m) as a proportion of height (147m) other than Lundy Island.
  63. Herefordshire, Worcestershire: Reinstated as separate counties in 1998.
  64. Newtonwood Lane: The quoted height is taken from a 204m spot height about 50m outside Nottinghamshire, but as the county boundary appears to follow the brow of the hill near this point, it suggests a Nottinghamshire high point of 204m. Nearby Herrod's Hill at SK460598 is often quoted as the County Top of Nottinghamshire but is only 202m high.
  65. Rutland: Reinstated as a separate county in 1997.
  66. Berkshire: Due for abolition in 1998, being replaced by six unitary authorities.