Mountain peaks around Whicham, a locality in western Cumbria, serve as a gateway to diverse hiking experiences within the Lake District National Park. The area provides access to impressive fells that offer panoramic views of both land and sea. While not a mountainous region itself, Whicham is situated near several notable peaks. These peaks offer unique features and rewarding experiences for visitors.
Last updated: May 6, 2026
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In Alfred Wainwright's own words 'The Dunnerdale fells are low in stature, small in extent and insignificant on the map, yet they assert themselves on the local landscape in a bristly defiance of accepted mountain standards. Of course they are not worthy of comparison with Scafell or Great Gable, but they refuse to admit it.' Tarn Hill meets this description perfectly! It's accessed by following narrow paths through thick bracken, over a bit of boggy ground and dodging rocky outcrops but despite its downfalls, the views from here are something special. It's a great vantage point to view Stickle Pike (the next fell on our peak bagging list for the day) and the bigger fells beyond.
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Stickle Pike is a wonderful small fell with a very distinctive profile in the south of the Lake District National Park. It's pyramid-like in shape and from many angles looks like it would be difficult to ascend but it's actually a joy to walk. The cairn on the top sits on a natural plinth of rock. Pillar, Scafell, Bowfell and the Coniston fells can be appreciated from the summit.
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Alfred Wainwright had a habit of including 'nameless' summits in his walks for the book - The Outlying Fells of Lakeland. He simply lists them as their height in feet. Despite its lack of a name, we 'bagged' this peak regardless. Part of a long walk starting with Great Stickle in the south and ending on Walna Scar to the north east (and all 8 fells in between) before looping back down the valley back to the car.
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I hiked to the summit of this Lake District fell with a great deal of anticipation! A few had recommended it as their favourite Outlying Fell of Lakeland and it didn't disappoint! Simply outstanding views to the Scafells including Scafell Pike, Pillar, Great End and on to Esk Pike, Bow Fell, Crinkle Crags, Pike O'Blisco and all the Coniston fells - Great Carrs, Swirl How, Dow Crag, Coniston Old Man. In the foreground - Harter Fell and Hard Knott. Wowza! Off to the other side is Black Combe and a number of other outliers. What a treat!
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Black Combe is one of the Trail 100 (Trail Magazine's top 100 UK mountains they recommend you climb) and it's also a Wainwright Outlying Fell, a Birkett and a Marilyn. We were unfortunately caught in a sudden electrical storm during our hike which limited our ability to enjoy the beauty of the fell somewhat but the views from here are remarkable. You can even see all the way to Helvellyn 22 miles (36 km) away as the crow flies).
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Outlier of Lakeland, Black Combe is the perfect bridge between land and sea. Located in southern Cumbria above the town of Millom, it is a gently-rounded dome so isolated it serves up uninterrupted, soul-satisfying panoramas of the Irish Sea, Cumbrian coast, the Isle of Man and, of course, inland to the Lakes.
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Hidden away in the far south-west corner of the lake District is Black Combe. Just four miles from the Irish Sea, the fell is 1,970 feet (600 meters) high and boasts excellent panoramic views of land and sea.
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The area around Whicham offers several popular peaks. Black Combe Summit is highly regarded for its exceptional panoramic views of both land and sea. Other favorites include Stickle Pike summit cairn, known for its distinctive profile and joyful ascent, and Caw Summit, which many consider their favorite Outlying Fell of Lakeland due to its simply outstanding views.
Black Combe Summit is renowned for its remarkable, all-around panoramic views. Due to its isolated position, you can see the Scafell Group, the Coniston Group of fells, the Pennine Hills, and even Blackpool Tower on a clear day. Caw Summit also provides outstanding vistas, encompassing the Scafells, Pillar, and all the Coniston fells.
While specific 'family-friendly' categorizations for mountain peaks are not always clear, many of the fells around Whicham offer rewarding experiences that can be adapted for families. For easier walks in the general area, you might consider exploring the routes listed in the Easy hikes around Whicham guide, which includes options like the Hodbarrow Lighthouse loop from Millom.
Black Combe Summit has notable historical significance. It was one of five stations in Cumberland used by the Ordnance Survey for their initial survey of Britain. This adds a unique historical layer to its already impressive natural features.
The best time to visit the mountain peaks around Whicham is generally during the spring, summer, and early autumn months (April to October) when the weather is more stable and daylight hours are longer. However, the views from peaks like Black Combe can be exceptional on a clear day at any time of year, though winter conditions require appropriate gear and experience.
Yes, for experienced hikers seeking a challenge, peaks like Caw Summit are categorized as 'challenging' and offer rewarding ascents with extensive views. Tarn Hill Summit, while not the highest, presents a challenge with narrow paths, thick bracken, and boggy ground, making it an interesting option for those looking for a less-trodden path.
Beyond hiking the peaks, the Whicham area offers various outdoor activities. You can explore MTB Trails around Whicham, including the 'Black Combe Loop'. There are also numerous options for Cycling around Whicham, with routes like the 'Coniston Water loop from Green Road' for touring cyclists.
Many trails in the Lake District National Park, including those leading to peaks around Whicham, are dog-friendly. However, it's always recommended to keep dogs on a lead, especially near livestock, and to follow the Countryside Code. Specific dog-friendly routes are often found within broader hiking guides for the region.
Stickle Pike is unique due to its distinctive, pyramid-shaped profile. Despite its appearance, it's considered a joyful ascent, offering a wonderful small-fell experience with rewarding vistas of Pillar, Scafell, Bowfell, and the Coniston fells from its summit cairn, which rests on a natural rock plinth.
Tarn Hill Summit could be considered a hidden gem. While accessed via narrow paths, thick bracken, and some boggy ground, the views from its summit are described as 'something special'. It also provides an excellent vantage point to view Stickle Pike and the larger fells beyond, offering a more secluded experience.
While Whicham itself is not a mountainous region, it provides access to impressive fells. Black Combe Summit stands at 1,970 ft (600 m), making it one of the more prominent peaks in the immediate vicinity, known for its isolated position and extensive views.
Visitors frequently appreciate the stunning panoramic views offered by peaks like Black Combe and Caw. The sense of isolation and the diverse range of landscapes visible from the summits, from the Irish Sea to the distant fells of the Lake District, are often highlighted as major draws. The unique character of each fell, whether it's the 'joyful ascent' of Stickle Pike or the challenging terrain of Tarn Hill, also contributes to their appeal.


See even more amazing summits around Whicham with these guides: