fells

Fells are high, barren landscapes traditionally found in northern England, where the term is used to describe hills or mountains rather than mere hills. The word originates from Old Norse fjall and is most closely associated with upland areas in the Lake District, the Pennines, and surrounding moorlands. In local usage, people often refer to “the fells” when talking about the region’s prominent peaks and broad upland tracts.

Geographically, fells are characterized by exposed slopes, peat or heather moorland, and often rugged, glaciated terrain. They vary in geology, with some areas formed from volcanic rocks and others from sedimentary strata. Glaciation during the last Ice Age shaped many features, creating corries, ridges, and tarns. The highest peak commonly associated with the term in England is Scafell Pike, though the fells encompass a wider range of elevations, including famous summits like Helvellyn and Skiddaw.

Ecology and land use on the fells typically emphasize upland moorland habitats. Vegetation includes heather, grasses, mosses, and bilberry, with soil often shallow and acidic. Sheep farming is a traditional and ongoing land use, and some fells support deer populations or are managed for conservation. Many fells lie within national parks or protected areas, and the landscape is popular for outdoor activities such as fell running, hill walking, and climbing.

In summary, fells describe the distinctive high, windswept uplands of northern England, defined by their geology, climate, and human use, and they remain a central element of the region’s cultural and physical landscape.