NY3414 : On Nethermost Pike
Strenuous; steep ascent and exposed plateau

Nethermost Pike

891m Elevation
29m Prominence
England Country
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Overview

Nethermost Pike is an 891.3-metre Wainwright south of Helvellyn.

Nethermost Pike

Nethermost Pike is an 891.3-metre Wainwright south of Helvellyn. Its broad top calls for careful navigation. Summit record.

Summit and views

The summit cairn stands at NY 34367 14217. The Wainwright cairn is a separate point at NY 34406 14157, southeast of the summit. Summit locations.

Looking north, Helvellyn rises beyond the plateau, with Striding Edge to the right. Nethermost Pike appears in Book One, The Eastern Fells, of Wainwright’s guides. Fell profile.

Keep back from the eastern crag edges, especially in cloud. Eastern crags.

From Wythburn and back

From the car park beside Wythburn Church, climb the Helvellyn path through the trees to Comb Gill. Continue up Birk Side, following the zigzags to Swallow Scarth. Turn south onto Nethermost Pike’s broad plateau and navigate to the summit cairn.

Return north to Swallow Scarth, then descend the same zigzags via Birk Side and Comb Gill to the church and car park. This is a strenuous mountain walk. Western approach; Same-way return.

Geology

The mapped bedrock is Deepdale Sandstone Formation, part of the Borrowdale Volcanic Group. It consists mainly of sandstone formed from volcanic fragments, with beds of breccia and volcanic ash deposits. Local geology; BGS rock description.

Planning your visit

Wythburn is a pay-and-display car park; check the current payment instructions on arrival. Parking information.

Review Thirlmere access updates before travelling and obey closure signs.

Arrange your outward and return travel before setting off, and bring food and drinking water.

Check the mountain forecast, tell someone your route and allow daylight for the descent. Carry a map and compass and know how to use them. Wet stone can be slippery. Winter snow and ice require suitable skills and equipment; keep well back from corniced edges. Strong winds or storms may make the walk unsuitable. Walking safety; Winter guidance.

Explore routes near Nethermost Pike

Public walks starting within 80 km of this hill. Nearby does not mean a route reaches the summit; check its map and access before setting out.

Helvellyn via Striding Edge

11.2 km 3h 45m–5h 40m Hard

View route

Striding Edge, Helvellyn and Catstye Cam

12 km 4h–6h Hard

View route

Scafell Pike from Seathwaite via the Corridor Route

14.1 km 4h 45m–7h 5m Hard

View route

Derwentwater Walk: full lakeside circuit from Keswick

15.9 km 4h–5h 20m Moderate

View route

Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches, not verified navigable routes or permission to cross land. Check current paths, local access rules and conditions before setting out.

Wythburn via Birk Side

Ascend via Comb Gill and Swallow Scarth; return by the same route.

Strenuous mountain walk
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Find someone to share the walk with, or organise a day out along a route you like.

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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Nuttall Wainwright Birkett High Hills of Britain Subsimm Synge Fellranger

Elevation

891m

2,924 ft

Prominence

29m

Coordinates

54.5190, -3.0155

NY343142

OS Map

90

Explorer: OL5S

At the Summit

Summit cairn: NY 34367 14217. Separate Wainwright cairn: NY 34406 14157, southeast of the summit.

Terrain & Geology

Steep fell paths zigzags and a broad summit plateau.

Deepdale Sandstone Formation, Borrowdale Volcanic Group: sandstone containing volcanic fragments, with breccia and tuff beds.

Views & Scenery

North to Helvellyn, with Striding Edge alongside.

History & Heritage

Historical Significance

Nethermost Pike features in Book One, The Eastern Fells, of Alfred Wainwright’s pictorial guides.

Getting There & Facilities

Check current local access restrictions, parking rules and transport timetables before travelling. These notes do not confirm public access to the summit.

Parking

Wythburn pay-and-display car park beside the church. Check current payment instructions and access notices.

Public Transport

Check current travel options to Wythburn and arrange your return journey before setting off.

Nearby Facilities

Bring food and drinking water for the walk.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Eastern crag edges and poor visibility on the broad plateau.
  • Wet stone can be slippery.

Seasonal Hazards

Snow, ice and cornices require winter skills and equipment. Keep well back from snow-covered edges.

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 Nethermost Pike?

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

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

Can I organise a walk to Nethermost 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 Nethermost 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 Nethermost 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 Nethermost 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

Nethermost Pike location map

Grid reference: NY343142

View on OpenStreetMap

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

Hills within 30 km

Straight-line distance, not a walking route or confirmation of access.

Helvellyn

Helvellyn

950m

Fairfield

873m

St Sunday Crag

841m

Loughrigg Fell

335m

Red Screes

779m
See 5 more nearby hills

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