NY1615 : Footpath scar beneath Red Pike

Red Pike (Buttermere)

755m Elevation
41m Prominence
England Country
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NY1615 : Footpath scar beneath Red Pike

Hugh Venables Photo source

Explore routes near Red Pike (Buttermere)

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Scafell Pike from Seathwaite via the Corridor Route

14.1 km ~7h Hard

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Scafell Pike via Brown Tonge and Hollow Stones

8.1 km ~4h Hard

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Binsey from Binsey Lodge Direct Out and Back Wainwright

2.4 km ~1h 30m Moderate

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Helvellyn via Striding Edge

11.2 km ~6h Hard

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Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Buttermere Circuit via Red Pike

This classic route starts in Buttermere village, heading towards Sourmilk Gill and Scale Force waterfall before ascending Red Pike via Bleaberry Tarn. The descent is via High Stile and High Crag, completing a circuit back to Buttermere through Scarth Gap Pass.

11.5 km ~6 hours Hard

Red Pike via Dodd and High Stile Ridge

Begin at the car park near Buttermere and ascend up through the wooded area of High House Crag, passing Dodd summit before reaching Red Pike. Continue along the ridge to High Stile and return via Burtness Wood.

9 km ~5.5 hours Moderate

Red Pike via Scale Force Waterfall

This route begins at Gatesgarth Farm and includes a visit to Scale Force, the tallest waterfall in the Lake District. After enjoying the waterfall, ascend steeply to Red Pike and return via the same path.

8 km ~4 hours Moderate

The High Stile Ridge Traverse

Starting at Buttermere, this linear route ascends Red Pike and continues along the full High Stile ridge, including High Crag and Haystacks. Descend to Honister Pass, where a return transport option is recommended.

12 km ~6.5 hours Hard

Red Pike Short Walk via Bleaberry Tarn

A shorter, out-and-back route ideal for less experienced walkers. Starting from Buttermere, ascend via Sourmilk Gill to Bleaberry Tarn, then continue up to Red Pike summit before returning the same way.

6 km ~3.5 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Simm Hewitt Nuttall Wainwright Birkett Synge Fellranger

Elevation

755m

2,478 ft

Prominence

41m

Coordinates

54.5274, -3.2985

NY160154

OS Map

89

Explorer: OL4S

At the Summit

The summit is marked by a substantial stone cairn and offers panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and lakes, including the impressive Scafells in the distance.

Terrain & Geology

A mix of rocky outcrops and grassy slopes with some boggy areas especially near the paths.

Red Pike is primarily composed of volcanic rock, specifically from the Borrowdale Volcanic Group, giving it its distinct reddish hue. The landscape also showcases glacial features, a testament to the area's geological history.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, one can see the picturesque Buttermere village, the shimmering Crummock Water, and the imposing peaks of the surrounding fells, including High Stile and Red Pike's neighbours.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Red Pike' reflects its reddish rocky features, typical of the region's volcanic geology.

Historical Significance

It has been a popular walking destination since the late 19th century, attracting hikers and nature enthusiasts for its scenic beauty.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Main car park at Buttermere (NY 179 153), which accommodates a good number of vehicles but can fill up quickly during peak season.

Public Transport

There are regular bus services from Keswick to Buttermere, making it easily accessible without a car.

Nearby Facilities

There is a café in Buttermere for post-hike refreshments and public toilets available near the car park.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Weather conditions can change rapidly. Watch for slippery rocks, especially after rain, and be mindful of limited visibility in misty conditions.

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 Red Pike (Buttermere)?

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

Are there other walkers around Red Pike (Buttermere)?

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 Red Pike (Buttermere) search or of course create your own walk for Red Pike (Buttermere)

Can I organise a walk to Red Pike (Buttermere)?

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 Red Pike (Buttermere).

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 Red Pike (Buttermere)?

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 Red Pike (Buttermere) 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

Red Pike (Buttermere) location map

Grid reference: NY160154

View on OpenStreetMap

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

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