High Street
High Street is on the range that forms a spine along the eastern fringe of Lakeland. Located as
it is in the far east of the district it is some distance from the areas favoured by
fell-walkers, and as such is comparitively unfrequented.
High Street takes its unusual name from the Roman road which traverses its summit. The Romans built this remarkable road as a means of travelling between their forts of Brocavum (Brougham) in the north east of the Lake District and Galava (Ambleside) in southern Lakeland. They probably used an existing British route for the basis of their road, travelling via the fell tops to remain safe from ambush by warlike Celtic tribesmen.
By Roman perseverance, are destroyed
Or hidden underground, like sleeping worms"
The summit of High Street is a wide, open plateau, and the fell has also been known as Racecourse Hill due to the fact that 19th century locals held sports days (that included horse racing) on the grassy summit!
High Street can be an empty, lonely place, but is worth visiting for the commanding views over the north east corner of the Lake Ditrict.
For details of a recommended walk up High Street click here