Great Dun Fell Radar Station

Standing at 2,782 feet (848 m) tall, Great Dun Fell affords spectacular views over the melancholy moors. It's the second-highest mountain in the Pennines, with its taller neighbour, Cross Fell, just 2 miles (3.2 km) away. The summit is home to the Civil Aviation Authority’s air traffic control radar. The summit domes are visible for 40 miles (60 km) around.

Great Dun Fell is a mountain in the Pennines of northern England, and it is known for several distinctive features. Here are some key points about Great Dun Fell:

Location: Great Dun Fell is located in the Pennines, which is a range of hills and mountains running through the centre of northern England. It is situated in the Eden district of Cumbria.

Elevation: It is the second-highest point in the Pennines, with an elevation of 848 meters (2,782 feet) above sea level. Cross Fell, another peak in the Pennines, is slightly higher.

Radome: One of the most noticeable features of Great Dun Fell is the large white radome (golf ball) structure at its summit. The radome houses a radar installation, and it is part of the air traffic control radar network.

Communication Infrastructure: In addition to the radar, Great Dun Fell hosts various communication masts and installations. The summit area is home to a collection of structures related to telecommunications.

Access: The summit of Great Dun Fell is accessible by a private road that leads to the radar station. However, access to the general public is restricted due to the presence of sensitive installations.

Pennine Way: Great Dun Fell is located near the Pennine Way, a long-distance footpath that runs through the Pennines. While the summit itself may not be accessible to walkers, the surrounding area offers opportunities for hiking and enjoying the Pennine landscape.

Views: The summit of Great Dun Fell provides panoramic views of the surrounding Pennine hills and valleys. On clear days, the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales are visible in the distance.

Weather: Like many high points in the Pennines, Great Dun Fell can experience challenging weather conditions, including high winds and rapid changes in weather. It's important for visitors to be prepared for varying conditions.

While the summit area is not open to the public due to its military and telecommunications use, the surrounding region offers opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to explore the Pennines and enjoy the scenic landscapes. Always check for any access restrictions and local guidelines before planning a visit.

Great Dun Fell is a great hill to do, and at 848 metres high, it is a UK designated Nuttall. Coming up from Milburn is a great hike, but a tad boggy in places. It also gives you a stiff hike with around 700 metres of height gain. It is all worth it, however, as the views out over the North Pennines are super expansive from out over the eastern side of the hill, a virtual moonscape of moorland. On the western side, you have distant views of the Lake District. There is a cairn on the top, but the true summit sits within the communications compound, which has restricted access.