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Great End

910m Elevation
56m Prominence
England Country
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Explore routes near Great End

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

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Scafell Pike via Brown Tonge and Hollow Stones

8.1 km ~4h Hard

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Tarn Hows Fast Route

4.1 km ~1h Moderate

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Helvellyn via Striding Edge

11.2 km ~6h Hard

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Route planning notes

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

Seathwaite via Sty Head Tarn

This is a classic route starting from Seathwaite (a popular base for exploring the Lake District) and heading up towards Sty Head Tarn before ascending Great End. The path is well-maintained and offers stunning views of the surrounding fells, including Great Gable and Scafell Pike. After reaching Sty Head Tarn, follow the Corridor Route briefly until branching off to the summit of Great End.

10.5 km ~4 hours Moderate

Esk Hause Approach from Borrowdale

This route begins in the Borrowdale valley, following the Grains Gill path towards Esk Hause. From Esk Hause, a short climb leads to the summit of Great End. The route is straightforward but involves a steady ascent. It provides breathtaking vistas of the central Lake District peaks and valleys.

9 km ~3.5 hours Moderate

Great End via Scafell Pike Circuit

Starting from Wasdale Head, this route ascends Scafell Pike via Lingmell Gill before continuing along the ridge to reach Great End. It offers a chance to summit two iconic peaks in one hike. The route is challenging due to the overall elevation gain and involves some rocky terrain.

12.5 km ~6 hours Hard

Great End and Sprinkling Tarn Loop

Start from Seathwaite and follow the track towards Sty Head Tarn, continuing to Sprinkling Tarn. From here, ascend Great End via the north-east ridge. After descending, return via Sty Head Tarn to complete the loop. This is a scenic and rewarding route with a mix of gentle and steep sections.

11 km ~4.5 hours Moderate

Round from Langdale via Angle Tarn

Begin in Langdale and ascend the Mickleden valley to Angle Tarn. From Angle Tarn, head towards Esk Hause and follow the ridge to the summit of Great End. This is a longer, more demanding route but offers stunning scenery throughout, including views of Bowfell and the Langdale Pikes.

16 km ~7 hours Hard
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Simm Hewitt Nuttall Wainwright Birkett High Hills of Britain Synge Fellranger

Elevation

910m

2,984 ft

Prominence

56m

Coordinates

54.4649, -3.1946

NY226083

OS Map

89 90

Explorer: OL6N

At the Summit

The summit features a large, stone-built cairn and offers an expansive view of the surrounding fells. On a clear day, you may even spot the Isle of Man shimmering in the distance.

Terrain & Geology

Rocky and steep with areas of grassy slopes and scree typical of the Lake District's rugged beauty.

Great End is primarily composed of volcanic rock, specifically andesite and basalt, formed during the complex geological processes that shaped the region millions of years ago. The rugged terrain showcases striking formations and frequent scree slopes.

Views & Scenery

Spectacular views of Scafell Pike, the valleys of Borrowdale and Wasdale, and a panoramic vista stretching across the Lake District and beyond.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Great End' comes from the Old Norse 'enda' meaning 'end, edge'.

Historical Significance

Great End is historically significant as it forms part of the larger Scafell massif and has been a popular subject for poets and artists drawn to its stunning landscapes.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Wasdale Head Car Park (pay and display), offering direct access to multiple routes including those leading to Great End.

Public Transport

Limited public transport options; the closest bus service is from Seascale to Wasdale Head, though an advance booking is vital.

Nearby Facilities

Basic facilities including public toilets at the Wasdale Head Car Park; nearby pubs in the area for refreshments.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Occasional loose rocks, sudden weather changes, and steep drops along some routes require caution. Always be prepared with appropriate gear.

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 Great End?

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

Are there other walkers around Great End?

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 Great End search or of course create your own walk for Great End

Can I organise a walk to Great End?

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 Great End.

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 Great End?

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 Great End 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: NY226083

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Nearby Hills

Esk Pike

Esk Pike

885m

 Scafell Pike

Scafell Pike

978m

 Great Gable

Great Gable

899m

 Bowfell

Bowfell

903m

Glaramara

783m
See 5 more nearby hills