"It’s a strange thing but Fountains Fell (and by default Darnbrook Fell) have a reputation of dreary monotony. Read the various descriptions of people climbing the mountains and it is usually in poor conditions, often with snow on the ground and rarely with any pleasure. Having watched a group of 20 Pennine Way walkers on my last visit fail to venture off the Way to visit Fountain Fell’s fascinating summit area appeared to back up its reputation. Rarely visited, rarely loved.
Fountains Fell is usually approached via the Pennine Way, either from the north or south where they link. This clearly offers a quick and efficient climb to the fascinating summit area. Here there are a number of fenced off mine shafts from the era 1790 to 1860 when coal was mined to supply the lead mining industry nearby. There is also the remains of a coke oven. However take care, some of the shafts are less well fenced than others and certainly with children or dogs do not approach too close.
The views across Pen-y-Ghent from the large cairn are very good and offer an interesting perspective of one of the 3 Peaks. Surprisingly no trig point on the summit, a reflection of the surveyors in the 1930s not concerned about the highest point, just the best viewing perspective.
Fountain’s Fell, named after Fountains Abbey and the Cistercian Monks who used to walk the area, now that is fascinating!"
