Image shared for Esk Pike

Esk Pike

885m Elevation
112m Prominence
England Country
Find walking friends Explore routes

Good walks are even better shared.

Explore routes near Esk Pike

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

Scafell Pike from Seathwaite via the Corridor Route

14.1 km ~7h Hard

View route

Scafell Pike via Brown Tonge and Hollow Stones

8.1 km ~4h Hard

View route

Great Carrs Halifax Wreckage from Wrynose Pass

4.6 km ~3h Hard

View route

Tarn Hows Fast Route

4.1 km ~1h Moderate

View route

Route planning notes

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

Esk Pike via the Band and Bow Fell Traverse

Begin at the Old Dungeon Ghyll car park in Langdale. Ascend via The Band, a prominent ridge leading up towards Bow Fell. From Three Tarns col between Bow Fell and Crinkle Crags, follow the clear path northeast to the summit of Esk Pike. Enjoy stunning views of the Scafells and the Great Moss before returning by retracing your steps or descending via Rossett Gill.

12.5 km ~5 hours Hard

Esk Pike from Seathwaite via Esk Hause

Starting at Seathwaite in Borrowdale, follow the path along Styhead Gill to Styhead Tarn. From here, ascend to Esk Hause, the key mountain pass. Turn west to climb the rocky path to Esk Pike's summit. Return by retracing your route or descending via Grains Gill for a loop back to Seathwaite.

11 km ~4.5 hours Moderate

Esk Pike and Great End Circular from Seathwaite

This circular route from Seathwaite begins with an ascent to Styhead Tarn, then heads to Esk Hause. After summiting Esk Pike, continue to Great End, offering dramatic views over the Scafells. Descend via Grains Gill back to Seathwaite for a satisfying circular walk.

13 km ~5.5 hours Hard

Esk Pike via Cockley Beck and Lingcove Beck

Start at Cockley Beck bridge in the Duddon Valley. Follow the path alongside Lingcove Beck, passing waterfalls, before ascending steeply to the col between Esk Pike and Bow Fell. From here, turn east to summit Esk Pike. Descend via the same route for a quieter alternative to popular routes.

10 km ~4 hours Moderate

Esk Pike as part of the Southern Fells Horseshoe

This challenging full-day route incorporates Esk Pike into a longer horseshoe walk. Starting at Old Dungeon Ghyll, ascend Crinkle Crags, traverse to Bow Fell, and continue to Esk Pike. Descend via Rossett Pike and Mickleden for a grand tour of the Southern Fells.

20 km ~8 hours Very Hard
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

Hump Simm Hewitt Nuttall Wainwright Birkett High Hills of Britain Synge Fellranger

Elevation

885m

2,904 ft

Prominence

112m

Coordinates

54.4572, -3.1792

NY236075

OS Map

89 90

Explorer: OL6N

At the Summit

The summit of Esk Pike features a stone cairn and panoramic views of the surrounding fells, including Bowfell and Great End.

Terrain & Geology

Rocky and grassy with some boggy areas in lower sections.

Primarily composed of volcanic rock, particularly andesite, Esk Pike is part of the Skiddaw slate formation. The area is characterised by its rugged terrain and steep slopes, which were shaped by glacial action during the last Ice Age.

Views & Scenery

On a clear day, expect to see stunning views of the Scafell range, Bowfell, and the beautiful valleys below.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Esk' likely derives from the Old Norse 'askr', meaning 'ash tree', while 'Pike' refers to the peak's pointed shape.

Historical Significance

Esk Pike is a popular destination for walkers and climbers, often noted for its challenging routes and stunning scenery.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Blea Tarn car park, which accommodates approximately 25 cars. This is a popular starting point for hikes in the area.

Public Transport

Buses run from Ambleside to the Langdale Valley. The nearest bus stop is at the Old Hotel in Langdale.

Nearby Facilities

There are no facilities directly on the mountain, but Ambleside offers numerous cafes, shops, and public toilets.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Loose stones and steep drop-offs near the summit. Weather can change rapidly, so prepare accordingly.

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 Esk Pike?

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

Are there other walkers around Esk 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 Esk Pike search or of course create your own walk for Esk Pike

Can I organise a walk to Esk 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 Esk 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 Esk 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 Esk 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

Esk Pike location map

Grid reference: NY236075

View on OpenStreetMap

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

Nearby Hills

Bowfell

Bowfell

903m

Glaramara

783m

Crinkle Crags - Long Top [Second Crinkle]

859m

 Scafell Pike

Scafell Pike

978m

Hard Knott

550m
See 5 more nearby hills