Low Pike

Low Pike

Low Pike is a rocky Eastern Fell on the Fairfield Horseshoe, with High Pike rising farther along the ridge. It appears in Book One of Wainwright’s pictorial guides. Fell profile.

Summit and views

The summit reaches 508 metres at NY 37352 07839. Its highest ground lies beneath the ridge wall near the cairn, rather than at the top of the cairn itself. Leave the wall intact. Summit record.

Windermere stretches away to the south, while Scafell Pike can be picked out among the more distant fells in clear weather. Viewpoint guide.

Ambleside out-and-back

Begin on Nook Lane, off Smithy Brow. Walk through Nook End Farm and across Low Sweden Bridge, then climb through the fields. Below Sweden Crag, take the right-hand fork around its awkward rock step; the paths rejoin higher up. Approach route.

Continue beside the ridge wall towards Low Pike. Deep bogs interrupt the path. Go around on firm ground, using proper stiles where a wall crossing is needed; turn back if there is no safe line. Terrain and alternatives.

The final summit rocks require scrambling. A path on the right bypasses them to the col north of Low Pike, but does not reach the summit. Only tackle the rocks if you can also descend them confidently. Summit approach.

Return down the same route, carefully reversing the summit scramble. Use the Sweden Crag bypass again, then descend to Low Sweden Bridge and follow Nook Lane back into Ambleside. Do not continue towards High Pike for this out-and-back. Return route.

Geology

Low Pike’s bedrock is the Lincomb Tarns Tuff Formation within the Borrowdale Volcanic Group. It includes welded volcanic deposits containing ash and rock fragments, formed during the Ordovician. Local geology and formation details.

Getting there and preparing

Rydal Road car park in Ambleside offers paid parking close to the start. Check the current tariff and allow enough parking time for the whole return walk. Council parking information.

The 555 bus links Ambleside with Windermere, Kendal, Grasmere and Keswick. Check the current timetable and last return before travelling. Bus information.

Ambleside has cafés and outdoor shops for supplies before or after the walk. Town information.

Carry a map, suitable footwear, food, water and weatherproof layers. Check the mountain forecast and leave your route with someone. Wet rock, poor visibility and high winds can make the scrambling much harder. Allow daylight for the descent; snow and ice require winter skills and equipment. Walking safety.