NY4519 : On Swarth Fell

Bonscale Pike

524m Elevation
1m Prominence
England Country
Find walking friends Explore routes

Good walks are even better shared.

NY4519 : On Swarth Fell

Michael Graham Photo source

Explore routes near Bonscale Pike

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Striding Edge, Helvellyn and Catstye Cam

12 km ~6h 30m Hard

View route

Helvellyn via Striding Edge

11.2 km ~6h Hard

View route

Bannerdale Crags from Mungrisdale Wainwright

6.9 km ~2h Moderate

View route

Mungrisdale Common and Bowscale Fell from Mosedale Valley Wainwright

13.4 km ~6h Hard

View route

Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Bonscale Pike Circuit

A delightful loop starting from the shores of Ullswater, featuring stunning views of the lake and surrounding fells.

7 km ~3.5 hours Moderate
Browse more walks on the map

Make a day of it, together

Find someone to share the walk with, or organise a day out along a route you like.

Find walking friends Plan a walk here
Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Wainwright Birkett Synge Fellranger

Elevation

524m

1,719 ft

Prominence

1m

Coordinates

54.5730, -2.8469

NY453200

OS Map

90

Explorer: OL5S

At the Summit

The summit boasts a distinct rocky outcrop and a small cairn, offering a perfect spot for that well-deserved cheese sandwich and a cuppa while enjoying breathtaking views.

Terrain & Geology

A mix of grassy paths and rocky sections with the occasional boggy bit to keep you on your toes.

Bonscale Pike is primarily composed of Skiddaw Slate, a greywacke sandstone, which dates back to the Ordovician period. This ancient rock formation gives the landscape its rugged charm.

Views & Scenery

Panoramic views of Ullswater, Helvellyn, and the surrounding fells, with the nearby Place Fell making for a particularly charming backdrop.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Bonscale' is derived from the Old Norse 'Bonnhǫll', meaning 'hill of the bone'—perhaps a nod to its rugged appeal!

Historical Significance

The area has historical significance due to its connection with the mining of slate and the scenic beauty that has attracted poets and artists alike.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a car park at the Glenridding pier on Ullswater, approximately 5 km from the start of the hike.

Public Transport

Regular bus services run from Penrith to Glenridding, with a short walk to the starting point.

Nearby Facilities

Glenridding offers various facilities including cafes, pubs, and public toilets—perfect for a pint after a long hike!

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Uneven terrain and the potential for sudden weather changes. Always keep an eye on the skies—if they look moody, best to head back!

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Bonscale Pike?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Bonscale Pike through the maps

Are there other walkers around Bonscale Pike?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Bonscale Pike search or of course create your own walk for Bonscale Pike

Can I organise a walk to Bonscale Pike?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Bonscale Pike.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Bonscale Pike?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Bonscale Pike here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.

Grid reference: NY453200

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.

Nearby Hills

Place Fell

657m

 High Street

High Street

828m

Red Screes

779m

St Sunday Crag

841m

Fairfield

873m
See 5 more nearby hills