Esk Pike

Esk Pike

Esk Pike stands at 885 m in the Lake District's Southern Fells, between Bowfell and Esk Hause. It is a rocky Wainwright with a long approach from either Great Langdale or Borrowdale. Both walks below are full mountain outings, with a substantial return still ahead when you reach the top.

The position is a large part of its appeal. On a clear day the Scafells fill the view across upper Eskdale, with Great End nearby and the Langdale Pikes beyond the eastern fells. Derwent Water and Windermere can also be seen. Choose a day with good visibility if you want to make the most of it.

The summit

The highest ground is a rock rib with a small cairn at NY2365107504. Another rib a few metres to the northeast reaches the same height. The larger cairn farther northeast is lower, so reaching the most obvious pile of stones does not necessarily put you on the high point. Take care moving between the rocks, especially when they are wet or icy.

From Great Langdale

A circuit from Old Dungeon Ghyll takes in Rossett Pike, Esk Pike and Bowfell. Head through Mickleden and up the Rossett Gill path, visiting Rossett Pike before continuing past Angle Tarn to Esk Hause. Cross Esk Pike and Ore Gap to Bowfell, then descend by Three Tarns, The Band and Stool End to the start.

WalkLakes measures this complete circuit at 15 km with 1,035 m of ascent. Its published 4 hours 43 minutes is a minimum. Plan a full day with room for breaks, navigation and slower progress over rock.

From Borrowdale

For a circuit centred on Esk Pike, start at Seathwaite in Borrowdale. The outward route passes Stockley Bridge and climbs beside Grains Gill to Esk Hause. After the summit, return to Esk Hause and continue past Sprinkling Tarn to Sty Head, descending beside Styhead Gill to Seathwaite.

Andrew's Walks records 9.3 miles, about 15 km, for this complete outing. It includes the descent and return to the start. If you park or leave the bus at Seatoller, add the approach to Seathwaite and the walk back afterwards. Give yourself enough daylight for the whole journey.

Ground and navigation

Esk Hause needs particular care in cloud. The shelter and busy path junction below the true pass are not the same place as the col between Great End and Esk Pike. Check your position and intended route before committing to a path.

The Langdale circuit includes steep, loose ground and Bowfell's boulders. Keep to the planned descent towards Three Tarns rather than drifting onto the Great Slab. Large gaps between rocks can also make this a poor choice for some dogs.

Carry a map and compass and know how to use them, even if you also use a phone. Check a mountain forecast, take waterproofs and warm layers, and leave time to turn back. Snow and ice can turn these paths into winter mountaineering terrain requiring suitable equipment and the skills to use it. Short winter days make an early start particularly important.

Rock beneath your feet

The summit gives its name to the Esk Pike Sandstone Formation, part of the Borrowdale Volcanic Group. Despite the name, the rocks in its type area include thinly layered mudstone and siltstone made from volcanic material, with beds of sandstone and volcanic tuff. This is a more varied geological story than a simple mass of lava.

Parking, buses and facilities

For the Langdale circuit, use the National Trust car park beside Old Dungeon Ghyll at NY286061. It is pay and display, with free parking for National Trust members under the posted conditions. Toilets are available at Stickle Ghyll farther down the valley.

Seathwaite's narrow road needs to remain clear for farm traffic and emergency vehicles. Seatoller is an alternative parking base, though it adds walking. Check current parking signs and charges rather than relying on an old trip report.

The 516 connects Ambleside with Old Dungeon Ghyll. For Borrowdale, the 78 runs from Keswick to Seatoller. Check the timetable for your date and the last return before setting out, as service patterns vary through the year. Seatoller's toilets are often closed in winter.

Bring food and water for the mountain day. Use established paths through farms, follow local signs and check current access restrictions when planning. Keep dogs on leads around livestock and take all litter home.