NY1615 : Red Pike from the summit of Dodd
Strenuous hillwalk; steep loose scree

Red Pike (Buttermere)

755m Elevation
41m Prominence
England Country
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Overview

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.

The 77/77A Honister Rambler is seasonal. Its 2026 timetable linking Keswick and Buttermere Court Hotel ended on 1 November 2026. Do not rely on those times for winter travel. Check Stagecoach’s current journey planner for your walking date and the last return before setting out.

Explore routes near Red Pike (Buttermere)

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.

Scafell Pike from Seathwaite via the Corridor Route

14.1 km 4h 45m–7h 5m Hard

View route

Scafell Pike via Brown Tongue and Hollow Stones

8.1 km 2h 45m–4h 5m Hard

View route

Derwentwater Walk: full lakeside circuit from Keswick

15.9 km 4h–5h 20m Moderate

View route

Great Carrs Halifax Wreckage from Wrynose Pass

4.6 km 1h 35m–2h 20m Hard

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.

Red Pike and Dodd from Buttermere via Bleaberry Tarn

Start and finish in Buttermere village, around NY175169. Follow the lake approach and the pitched path through Burtness Wood beside Sourmilk Gill to Bleaberry Tarn. Climb to the saddle with Dodd, then continue over steep loose scree and the short rocky gully to Red Pike. Descend carefully to the saddle, visit Dodd, return to the saddle and retrace the Bleaberry Tarn and Sourmilk Gill path to Buttermere. WalkLakes gives 7.2 km and 725 m ascent for this complete outing including Dodd. Allow ample time for the awkward scree descent; the publisher’s minimum moving time is not a general completion estimate.

7.2 km Strenuous hillwalk; steep loose scree
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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 surveyed high point is a rock about 8 m northeast of the main cairn, at NY16060 15458. The cairn is at NY16054 15453; reaching the cairn alone is not the exact recorded summit.

Terrain & Geology

Steep pitched woodland paths rough wet ground near Bleaberry Tarn and a loose scree climb with a short rocky gully below the summit. The upper slopes have craggy edges.

Pink granophyric granite of the Ennerdale intrusion is exposed around Red Pike and the approaches from Sourmilk Gill towards Scale Force. It is an intrusive igneous rock, distinct from the neighbouring Borrowdale volcanic rocks. The surrounding combes, tarn basin and steep valley sides reflect glacial erosion.

Views & Scenery

In clear weather the summit outlook includes Crummock Water, Buttermere lake, Ennerdale and surrounding fells, including High Stile. Dodd obscures the view towards Buttermere village.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name refers to the reddish rock and scree conspicuous on the fell, particularly above Bleaberry Tarn.

Historical Significance

Local building-stone research records Ennerdale granophyre from the foot of Red Pike being used for St James’s Church in Buttermere, built in 1840 and extended in 1933.

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

Use a designated car park in Buttermere village: the Lake District National Park car park near NY17371 16929 or the National Trust village car park. Check current charges and restrictions; the published route starts in the village.

Public Transport

The 77/77A Honister Rambler is seasonal. Its 2026 timetable linking Keswick and Buttermere Court Hotel ended on 1 November 2026. Do not rely on those times for winter travel. Check Stagecoach’s current journey planner for your walking date and the last return before setting out.

Nearby Facilities

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

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Loose stones and scree below Red Pike can slide underfoot, especially on descent; the short summit gully requires confident footing.
  • The steep pitched path beside Sourmilk Gill becomes very slippery when wet.
  • Keep clear of crag edges and do not improvise a direct descent through Chapel Crags or other steep faces. Mist and strong wind make route-finding and balance more difficult.
  • Mountain weather can change quickly; carry suitable clothing and independent navigation, and allow enough daylight for the return.

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)?

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Are there other walkers around Red Pike (Buttermere)?

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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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