Bowscale Fell
Good walks are even better shared.
Overview
Bowscale Fell rises above Mungrisdale to a 702-metre summit marked by a stone shelter.
Bowscale Fell
Bowscale Fell rises above Mungrisdale on the northeastern side of the Blencathra group. Its 702-metre top combines open fell country with a distinct stone shelter.
Finding the summit
The recorded summit is the stone shelter at NY 33339 30541. The separate cairn northeast of it, at NY 33382 30609, stands about 2 metres lower. Head for the shelter if you want the highest point. Summit record.
Look south towards Bannerdale Crags and Blencathra, with the Skiddaw massif farther west. Bowscale Fell features in Book Five, The Northern Fells, of Wainwright’s pictorial guides. Fell profile.
Mungrisdale, Bowscale Tarn and Bannerdale Crags
The full circuit, including Bannerdale Crags, is 13 km with 606 metres of ascent; allow around 5 hours 40 minutes.
Walk north from Mungrisdale to Bowscale, then take the track past Drycomb Beck to the tarn. Retrace 100 metres, fork left onto the faint path around the outcrops, then turn left above them. When level with the tarn, climb right to Bowscale’s summit. Continue 350 metres to the crossing path, then onwards to Bannerdale Crags. Retrace to that junction and descend east across The Tongue’s flank, following the River Glenderamackin back to Mungrisdale. Full route.
Use a detailed map for the junctions and keep back from crag edges.
Geology
The bedrock is the Kirk Stile Formation of the Skiddaw Group. Its dark-grey mudstone and siltstone are sedimentary rocks, commonly arranged in thin layers. Fell geology and formation details.
Access and preparation
Mungrisdale has parking opposite the village hall. Follow the current signs and payment instructions, and leave entrances and passing places clear. Starting-point information.
If travelling without a car, plan the connection to Mungrisdale as well as the journey to the area. Check current services and the last return before setting off.
The upper ground can be wet and boggy. Terrain notes.
Check the mountain forecast, carry food, water and suitable clothing, and leave your route with someone. Turn back if wind, visibility or rising water makes progress doubtful. Snow and ice require winter skills and equipment; allow daylight for the whole return. National Park walking advice.
Explore routes near Bowscale Fell
Public walks starting within 80 km of this hill. Nearby does not mean a route reaches the summit; check its map and access before setting out.
Mungrisdale Common and Bowscale Fell from Mosedale Valley Wainwright
View route
Bannerdale Crags from Mungrisdale Wainwright
View route
Brae Fell from Longlands Wainwright
View route
Derwentwater Walk: full lakeside circuit from Keswick
View route
Route planning notes
These notes describe possible approaches, not verified navigable routes or permission to cross land. Check current paths, local access rules and conditions before setting out.
Bowscale Fell and Bannerdale Crags circuit
From Mungrisdale via Bowscale Tarn and both summits; return across The Tongue’s flank and along the Glenderamackin. Figures cover the whole circuit.
Make a day of it, together
Find someone to share the walk with, or organise a day out along a route you like.
Photo Gallery
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NY3330 : Leaving Bowscale Fell
Karl and Ali
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NY3330 : Summit shelter
Andy Waddington
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NY3330 : Path on Bowscale Fell
Steven Brown
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NY3330 : Bowscale Fell
Andrew Smith
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NY3330 : Bowscale Fell
Andrew Smith
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NY3330 : Bowscale Fell
Andrew Smith
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NY3330 : Bowscale Fell Summit
Shaun Ferguson
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NY3330 : Summit shelter and cairn, Bowscale Fell
Jim Barton
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NY3330 : Cairn at the top of Bowscale Fell
Bill Boaden
NY3330 : Wind Shelter Bowscale Fell
Michael Graham
Hill facts and local notes
Classifications
Elevation
702m
2,303 ft
Prominence
87m
Coordinates
54.6655, -3.0350
NY333305
OS Map
90
Explorer: OL5N OL5S
At the Summit
Stone shelter at NY 33339 30541; the separate cairn northeast at NY 33382 30609 is about 2 metres lower.
Terrain & Geology
Kirk Stile Formation, Skiddaw Group: sedimentary dark-grey mudstone and siltstone, commonly in thin layers.
Views & Scenery
Blencathra and the Skiddaw massif, with Bannerdale Crags nearby.
History & Heritage
Historical Significance
Included in Book Five, The Northern Fells, of Alfred Wainwright’s pictorial guides.
Getting There & Facilities
Check current local access restrictions, parking rules and transport timetables before travelling. These notes do not confirm public access to the summit.
Parking
Parking opposite Mungrisdale village hall. Follow current signs and payment instructions; keep access clear.
Public Transport
Plan the connection to Mungrisdale and check current timetables and the last return before travelling.
Nearby Facilities
Carry food and drinking water; check local refreshment opening hours before relying on them.
Safety Information
Known Hazards
- Keep back from crag edges, especially in poor visibility.
- Wet grass and boggy ground can slow progress.
- After heavy rain, do not attempt unsafe beck crossings.
Seasonal Hazards
Snow and ice make steep paths more serious. Winter conditions require suitable equipment, skills and enough daylight for the return.
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 Bowscale Fell?
Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Bowscale Fell through the maps
Are there other walkers around Bowscale Fell?
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 Bowscale Fell search or of course create your own walk for Bowscale Fell
Can I organise a walk to Bowscale Fell?
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 Bowscale Fell.
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 Bowscale Fell?
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 Bowscale Fell 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
Community Discussion
Comments
Location
Grid reference: NY333305
View on OpenStreetMapOpens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.
Hills within 30 km
Straight-line distance, not a walking route or confirmation of access.
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