The big demand for Little Fell

Blog by Simon Wilson, North Pennines National Landscape team

This year marked at least the 21st since the first of the North Pennines National Landscape team’s annual guided walks to Little Fell. I say ‘at least’ the 21st because no-one can quite remember which year it started. What we do know is that I led the first of these walks, which came about after a discussion with Major Tam Campbell (who was Warcop Commandant at the time). The MoD had been receiving many enquiries from people wanting to walk Little Fell which is normally out of bounds due to the location within an active firing range. These enquiries were from walkers wanting to ‘bag’ the fell as it is one of a family of Hills in England, Wales, and Ireland over Two Thousand feet (or HEWITTS). Major Campbell recognised that our team could help deal with the demand for conquering Little Fell, and we were keen to help people to access what is quite literally one of the North Pennines’ hidden gems.

And so began an arrangement where the North Pennines team would lead a guided walk, once a year, into the MoD Warcop training area, and up Little Fell, Tinside Rigg and Long Fell. Though I have not led every walk, I have been on a good amount of them, and this popular event has become a highlight of the calendar for staff and participants, bringing together walkers, nature enthusiasts, and local communities.

In the years since 2005, when the walk was included in a walking festival, hundreds of people have joined us to explore the stunning landscape, discover the area’s rich heritage, and experience the beauty of the North Pennines countryside. The 16km route offers spectacular views across the surrounding fells and valleys, as far as the Solway Firth, rewarding walkers with a sense of achievement and connection to the natural world.

Over the years there have been some very special moments, including watching helicopters lifting material for peat restoration managed by the National Landscape team and people bringing champagne and cream teas to share with their fellow walkers and celebrate ‘bagging’ the last of their 524 HEWITTs.

The guided walk would not be possible without a number of National Landscape team staff and kind permission and support from the MoD. It is good to reflect on the footsteps taken, friendships formed, and experiences shared along the way. We also look forward to many more years of discovering the beauty of this remarkable landscape together.

The date for the next Little Fell walk is yet to be confirmed. If you would like to join a waiting list for this event, please email communications@northpennines.org.uk