Red Pike (Buttermere)

Red Pike (Buttermere)

Red Pike rises to 755.3 m above Buttermere in the western Lake District. It is part of the High Stile ridge between Buttermere and Ennerdale and is a separate fell from Red Pike in Wasdale.

Route

The documented return from Buttermere via Bleaberry Tarn, Red Pike and Dodd is 7.2 km with 725 m of ascent. Climb through Burtness Wood beside Sourmilk Gill, pass Bleaberry Tarn and reach the saddle with Dodd. Steep loose scree and a short rocky gully lead to Red Pike. Descend to the saddle, visit Dodd, then return by the tarn and the outward path to the village. These figures cover the whole outing, including the return and Dodd.

This is a strenuous fellwalk. The loose stones above the saddle make descent awkward, and the steep pitched stones beside Sourmilk Gill can be very slippery when wet. A path on the map does not make this a gentle introductory walk. Allow enough daylight and time for the descent, carry suitable mountain clothing and navigation, and keep away from crag edges in poor visibility.

Summit and views

The surveyed summit is a rock about 8 m northeast of the cairn, at NY16060 15458. The cairn itself is at NY16054 15453. In clear weather the outlook includes Buttermere, Crummock Water, Bleaberry Tarn, Ennerdale and the surrounding fells.

Nearby High Stile’s highest point is 806.5 m at Grey Crag; its separate Wainwright top is 806.2 m. Haystacks (Buttermere) is 597 m. Combining the ridge summits makes a different, longer outing than the route described here.

Geology and name

Pink granophyric granite of the Ennerdale intrusion is exposed around Red Pike and its Buttermere approaches. The red rock and scree give the fell its name. This intrusive rock should not be described simply as Borrowdale volcanic rock. Glacial erosion shaped the surrounding valleys, combes and tarn basin. A local geological study records stone from the foot of Red Pike being used for Buttermere’s St James’s Church, built in 1840 and extended in 1933.

Getting there

Use a designated Buttermere village car park, such as the Lake District National Park car park near NY17371 16929 or the National Trust village car park. Check current charges and restrictions. The village has refreshments and public toilets; there are no summit facilities.

Stagecoach’s seasonal Honister Rambler services 77 and 77A stop at Buttermere Court Hotel. The operator timetable checked in October 2026 runs until 1 November 2026. Check your walking date and last return service before travelling.