When is a Peak not a Peak?

Some of you may have noticed that the route has changed very slightly from 2010 as has the list of 10 highest peaks. In case you were worried about the plate tectonics around Cumbria I though I would clarify that there haven’t been any major earth movements changing the height of peaks! So why is it that two of the 10 highest peaks are no longer two of the 10 highest peaks?

We have decided to follow Hewitts‘ rule which defines which peaks are considered peaks in their own right. This rule states that a hill must have a relative height of at least 30 metres. Thus, Lower Man and Nethermost Pike are considered foothills of Helvellyn rather than peaks in their own right – despite the fact that they are still higher than Ill Crag and Broad Crag. I’m sorry to say that Pillar is still clinging on to 10th place which means a nice hard out and back from Great Gable before heading down to Honister Slate Mine.

Pillar, the 10th highest peak in The Lake District ©2010 Paul Smith

This doesn’t change the route very much. All it means is that is saves a couple of minor diversions around Helvellyn and adds a couple on the approach to Scafell Pike.