Great Coum is a hill situated on the boundary between North Yorkshire and Cumbria in northern England. The summit lies within the upland area that separates the Yorkshire Dales National Park from the Lake District, near the villages of Appersett and Kettlewell. It is part of the Pennine range and is commonly listed among the hill‑walking classifications of the British Isles.
Geography and Topography
- Elevation: Reported elevations for Great Coum range between 640 m (2,100 ft) and 650 m (2,130 ft) above mean sea level, with the most frequently cited figure being approximately 642 m (2,106 ft).
- Prominence: The hill has a topographic prominence of roughly 138 m (453 ft), which qualifies it for inclusion in the Hewitt and Nuttall listings but falls short of the 150 m threshold required for Marilyn status.
- Grid Reference: OS grid reference SD 858 950.
- Parent Peak: The parent peak is Great Whernside (704 m / 2,310 ft).
Geology
Great Coum is composed principally of Carboniferous limestone, typical of the Pennine limestone scenery. The underlying strata give rise to the characteristic karst features and dry stone walls that are prevalent in the surrounding landscape.
Classification
- Hewitt (Hill in England, Wales, or Ireland over Two Thousand feet) – included because the summit exceeds 2,000 ft and has the requisite prominence.
- Nuttall – listed among the peaks in England and Wales over 2,000 ft with a prominence of at least 15 m.
Access and Recreation
The hill is commonly ascended from the Appersett or Kettlewell side, using a network of public footpaths and bridleways marked on Ordnance Survey Explorer maps (OL2 – Yorkshire Dales). The most direct route follows a well‑defined track that traverses open pasture before reaching the summit, which is marked by a cairn and provides extensive views over Wensleydale, the Howgill Fells, and the western Lake District.
Flora and Fauna
The summit environment consists of upland grassland and heather, supporting typical hill‑country species such as red grouse (Lagopus lagopus scotica), meadow pipit (Anthus pratensis), and various alpine‑type plants including common bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus).
Historical and Cultural Context
The name “Great Coum” derives from the Old Norse element kúm or kum, meaning a “valley” or “hollow,” a common element in place‑names across the Pennine region. The prefix “Great” distinguishes it from nearby lower summits bearing the element “Coum,” such as “Little Coum.”
Mapping and Navigation
Great Coum appears on British national mapping series, including the Ordnance Survey Landranger 98 and Explorer 327 sheets. The hill is also featured in several hill‑walking guidebooks covering the Pennines and the Yorkshire Dales.
Conservation
The area is subject to the environmental protections afforded by its location within the wider Dales and Lake District landscape designations, including regulations on grazing, footpath maintenance, and habitat preservation.