Great End

Great End

Overview

Great End rises to 909.5 m in the Lake District’s Southern Fells. Its northern cliffs contrast with the walking approach from Esk Hause and Calf Cove. It can be visited on a circuit from Seathwaite or included in a longer traverse with Scafell Pike.

Summit

Cairn on an outcrop at NY 22672 08385, height 909.5 m. The cairn 160 m west at NY 22532 08465 is approximately 1 m lower.

Grains Gill and the tarns circuit

From Seathwaite in Borrowdale, follow the farm track to Stockley Bridge, then climb beside Grains Gill and Ruddy Gill to Esk Hause. Continue through Calf Cove and take the southern summit path to Great End. Return through Calf Cove to Esk Hause, then pass Sprinkling Tarn and Styhead Tarn, descend beside Styhead Gill to Stockley Bridge and follow the farm track back to Seathwaite. This is a complete mountain circuit on rough paths; navigate carefully at the high junctions. Do not attempt a shortcut through the northern cliffs or gullies.

Scafell Pike and Great End circuit

From Seathwaite, cross Stockley Bridge and climb to Sty Head. Follow the Corridor Route to Lingmell Col and Scafell Pike, then cross the high ground over Broad Crag and Ill Crag and visit Great End. Descend via Calf Cove and Esk Hause, then Ruddy Gill and Grains Gill to Stockley Bridge and Seathwaite. UKHillwalking gives 14.72 km and 1,046 m ascent for this complete multi-summit circuit, with about six hours walking. Rough bouldery ground and confusing junctions demand careful navigation; snow or ice increases the difficulty.

Terrain and safety

Rough mountain paths, rocky slopes and bouldery summit ground; northern cliffs and gullies are not ordinary walking approaches. Steep northern cliffs and gullies lie close to the summit plateau; keep clear of their edges, especially in mist. Do not use Cust’s Gully or Central Gully as walking shortcuts. The north-west face involves scrambling and serious route finding. Rough stones and boulders require care. High path junctions can be confusing in poor visibility; carry a map and compass and know how to use them. Snow and ice can turn the northern face and gullies into winter mountaineering terrain. The high walking routes also need winter skills and suitable equipment in these conditions. Check the mountain forecast and daylight before setting out.

Access and facilities

For the routes described here, start at Seathwaite in Borrowdale. Roadside space is limited: never obstruct farm access or emergency vehicles. The National Trust suggests Seatoller as an alternative; starting there adds the approach to Seathwaite to your walk. Buses from Keswick serve Seatoller, with an onward walk to Seathwaite. Check the operator’s current timetable and plan the return journey; the routes described here start at Seathwaite, not the bus stop. Seatoller has a car park, bus stop and toilets, although the toilets may close in winter. Rosthwaite has a café and toilets, also subject to winter closure. Carry food, water and suitable mountain equipment for the walk. Check current Lake District National Park access notices and signs on the ground before walking.

Views and nearby summits

In clear weather, views include Borrowdale, Great Gable, Scafell Pike, Broad Crag and Ill Crag, with other Lake District fells beyond. Scafell Pike (about 978 m) and Great Gable (about 899 m) are separate neighbouring mountains; neither is the summit of Great End.

Geology

Great End’s summit includes volcaniclastic mudstone and siltstone with sandstone and lapilli-tuff interbeds of the Esk Pike Sandstone Formation, within the Borrowdale Volcanic Group. This formation overlies the Lincomb Tarns Tuff Formation.

Climbing history

The Fell and Rock Climbing Club records a winter ascent of Cust’s Gully on 4 April 1880 by Arthur Cust and more than twenty Alpine Club members. This is climbing history of the gully, not a claim about the first ascent of Great End.