The 20 Most Amazing Peaks around Shap

The Shap Fells offer a unique walking experience with several notable peaks. Among the most popular are Loadpot Hill Trig Point, a 672 m Wainwright fell known for its broad, grassy plateau and trig point, and Branstree Summit Trig Point, a 713 m Wainwright fell sitting at the head of three valleys. Visitors also appreciate Grey Crag Summit for its expansive views.

Yes, the Shap Fells are home to several Wainwright fells. These include Loadpot Hill, Branstree, Wether Hill, and Selside Pike. Each offers distinct characteristics and views, contributing to the diverse hiking experiences in the eastern Lake District.

The peaks around Shap offer panoramic and expansive views. From Wether Hill, you can enjoy impressive vistas of the Helvellyn range, and on clear days, even glimpse Scafell and the Old Man of Coniston. Selside Pike Summit Shelter provides great views down to Haweswater and across to the High Street range.

The Shap Fells are characterized by their vast open fells and quiet valleys. The area is geologically significant for its distinctive pink Shap granite, which is quarried locally. It also features significant blanket bog and peatland, which are undergoing restoration and support diverse wildlife such as golden plover, short-eared owl, merlin, snipe, and red grouse.

Yes, there are several easy and family-friendly walking trails around Shap. You can find routes like the Chippy Chippy – The Goggleby Stone loop or the Fairy Crag loop, which are both accessible from Shap village. For more options, explore the Easy hikes around Shap guide.

For those seeking a challenge, many of the Wainwright fells in the Shap area can be combined into longer, more demanding routes. Examples include the Kentmere Horseshoe, Crookdale Horseshoe, Fusedale Round, or the Martindale Horseshoe, which often incorporate peaks like Loadpot Hill, Wether Hill, Branstree, and Selside Pike.

The Shap Fells offer robust walking routes year-round, but the best time often depends on your preference. Spring and summer provide longer daylight hours and generally milder weather, ideal for enjoying the open fells and wildlife. Autumn brings beautiful colours, while winter can offer dramatic, solitary experiences, though requiring appropriate gear and caution due to potentially harsh conditions.

Yes, the area has historical significance. For instance, Shap Thorn, a smaller summit, is notable for an ancient tumulus (burial mound) located in a small copse that covers its natural summit. Additionally, the old Roman Road and the High Street byway pass near Loadpot Hill, highlighting the historical routes through the fells.

Beyond hiking, the Shap area is suitable for other outdoor activities. You can find various running trails, ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. For detailed routes, check out the Running Trails around Shap guide, which includes options like the Chippy Chippy – Flat Approach to Shap loop.

Absolutely. The Shap Fells, particularly their blanket bog and peatland areas, are important habitats for various bird species. Keep an eye out for golden plover, short-eared owl, merlin, snipe, and red grouse. Hikers on Selside Pike have also reported spotting deer.

Great Yarlside, standing at 1,939 feet (591 meters), is one of the higher points within the Shap Fells. It's often included in longer routes that combine several fells and is valued for its expansive views, particularly as it marks one of the highest points on the 'Outlying Fells of Lakeland' routes.

High House Bank, reaching 1,624 feet (495 meters), is considered one of the most prominent of the Shap Fells. From its summit, visitors can enjoy clear views over Crookdale and the wider surrounding fells, making it a distinct presence in the landscape.