Great Shunner Fell

This is the Great Shunner Fell trig point (716m) near Thwaite. Great Shunner Fell is a Marilyn category hill.

A Marilyn is a hill or mountain in the UK with a topographical prominence of at least 150 metres. The term was coined in 1992 by a chap called Alan Dawson as a bit of a playful contrast to the Scottish Munros (mountains over 914m) using a twist on the name of actress Marilyn Monroe.

The route starts from a layby on the southern edge of the pretty village of Thwaite. From there, head north down into the village.

Walk through the village, and look out for the path on the left. Don't worry if you miss it, you can join the Pennine Way, which is the next track just up the road on the left.

The track gently climbs past some old farm equipment and offering lovely views back down the valley.

We even had a sheep offering us a photo opportunity with the fell behind.

You will pass a cairn or two on the way, giving guidance for those tackling the Pennine Way in the snow no doubt.

When you come to the large cairn, take the opportunity to look back at the excellent views. I believe this cairn is called the Beacon.

Before you know it, you will have reached your destination, Great Shunner Fell trig point. It has a lovely wind shelter for your lunch break. I believe this is my first trig point built into the wind shelter. To be honest, I bagged this trig and Marilyn hill before I knew trig bagging existed!

It is 5.6km with 460m to reach Great Shunner Fell.

Follow the above route, or find on OS Maps.