Pike of Blisco

Pike of Blisco

Pike of Blisco is a 703-metre Wainwright with a cairned summit at NY 27119 04212. Summit record.

Its rocky crown stands above the southern side of Great Langdale. The climb from the valley is steep, with short scrambling sections near the top, so this is a mountain walk for sure-footed walkers. Mountain character.

The two summit cairns

The true summit is the north-western of the two rocky tops, marked by the larger cairn. The south-eastern top, roughly 90 metres away, is about three metres lower. Take care crossing the rocky ground between them, especially in cloud. Finding the summit.

Crinkle Crags and Bowfell make an impressive skyline close by, while the Langdale Pikes stand across the valley. Cold Pike rises beyond Red Tarn, with the Coniston fells farther south. Surrounding fells.

A circuit from Old Dungeon Ghyll

From Old Dungeon Ghyll, join the valley road and take the lane towards Blea Tarn, passing Wall End Farm. Partway up the steep road, turn right onto the signed fell path. Follow the rocky ascent towards the summit, allowing time for the short scrambles on the upper slopes. Langdale ascent.

From the main summit, the descent towards Red Tarn starts south before bending west. Check this departure carefully: paths around the twin tops are less obvious than the lower trails, and an incorrect line can lead onto steep rock. Summit navigation.

At Red Tarn, take the northward descent towards Browney Gill and Oxendale. Oxendale return.

Keep this separate from the path south to Wrynose Pass. At the valley bottom, cross the footbridge and follow the signed route through Stool End Farm. Continue along the farm lane back to Old Dungeon Ghyll to complete the circuit. Return through Stool End.

From Wrynose Pass and back

The Three Shire Stone at the top of Wrynose Pass gives a higher starting point. Follow the established path north towards Redtarn Moss and Red Tarn. Parts of this approach have stone-pitched steps. Wrynose approach.

Continue past Red Tarn, then turn right onto the steep path climbing Pike of Blisco. For a there-and-back walk, descend the same way to the tarn and retrace the approach south to Three Shire Stone. Stay on that return path rather than descending north into Oxendale. Route from Three Shire Stone.

Parking near Three Shire Stone is limited. Use a suitable space without obstructing the road, and carry your own food and drink. The high start reduces the climb but still leads onto rough mountain ground. Planning the high start.

Volcanic rock and a rocky landscape

Pike of Blisco belongs to the Borrowdale Volcanic Group. Around the fell, the Blisco Member contains volcanic ash deposits and sediment formed from reworked volcanic material, including sandstone and breccia. Andesite sheets occur above it. These rocks record both eruptions and the movement of debris across an ancient volcanic landscape. Local geology.

Parking, buses and facilities

For the Langdale circuit, use the National Trust car park at Old Dungeon Ghyll, NY 286 061. Check the current parking terms and payment arrangements. Public toilets are at the separate Stickle Ghyll car park farther down the valley. Keep dogs on leads around grazing livestock. Langdale visitor information.

The 516 bus connects Old Dungeon Ghyll with Ambleside. Check the timetable for your date, including the last return, before choosing a walking route. Do not plan around summer frequencies during the winter. 516 timetable.

Before setting out

Watch for traffic on road sections. Streams can rise quickly after rain; turn back if a crossing is unsafe or a footbridge unusable, rather than attempting a ford. Water and weather.

Check the mountain forecast and leave your route and expected return time with someone. Carry a map, compass, waterproofs, warm layers, food and drinking water, and leave enough daylight for the descent. Wet rock, high winds and snow or ice can make the upper fell much more serious. Be ready to turn back. Walking safety.