Cold Pike

Cold Pike

Cold Pike is a rocky fell above Langdale, reached from a high start on Wrynose Pass. Red Tarn lies between Cold Pike and Pike o’Blisco, giving the walk a natural focal point. Wrynose and Red Tarn.

Summit and views

At about 700 metres, the main summit is a cairn on a rock tor at NY 26288 03613. Cold Pike belongs to Wainwright’s Southern Fells; its West Top and Far West Top are separate neighbouring tops. Summit details.

Crinkle Crags, Bowfell, the Langdale Pikes and Pike o’Blisco frame the outlook, with Wetherlam and the other Coniston fells across Wrynose. Summit panorama.

Wrynose Pass via Red Tarn, out and back

Start near the Three Shires Stone on Wrynose Pass, at NY277027. Take the path north over undulating fellside towards Red Tarn. At the junction beside the tarn, turn left onto the path rising towards Crinkle Crags. Wrynose approach.

Continue uphill before leaving the main path left near a large cairn and a feeder stream of Browney Gill. The faint trod crosses wet ground, then climbs Cold Pike’s north-west slope to the summit. Avoid a direct ascent of the craggy north-east face from the tarn. Summit approach.

Return down the same north-west slope to the main path. Head back to Red Tarn, then take the Wrynose path south to the road and your starting point. Check the junction rather than descending towards Great Langdale. Route back.

Geology

The Cold Pike area belongs to the Borrowdale Volcanic Group. Around Cold Pike, Little Stand and Pike o’Blisco, the Blisco Member includes sandstone, volcanic ash deposits and breccia. These rocks record both eruptions and the movement of volcanic debris by water. Local geology.

Getting there

Parking around the Three Shires Stone is limited. Use suitable spaces without blocking access or passing places, and have another plan if they are full. Parking.

Wrynose is a steep mountain road. Check that the approach suits your vehicle and the conditions, and follow local signs rather than relying only on sat nav. Driving advice.

Stagecoach’s 516 links Ambleside with Old Dungeon Ghyll in Great Langdale. Check the timetable and last return for your date. For the Wrynose start described here, arrange your onward journey separately. Bus information.

Before setting out

Carry a map, compass, torch, food, water, waterproofs and warm layers. Wear footwear suited to wet, rocky ground, and be able to navigate when the path fades. Leave your route and expected return time with someone. Only climb rocky steps you can also descend safely. Fell preparation.

Check the mountain forecast and daylight. Wet rock can be slippery, and snow or ice changes the demands of the walk. Turn back if wind, visibility or water crossings make progress unsafe. In an emergency call 999 or 112, ask for Police, then Mountain Rescue. Mountain safety.