Red Pike (Wasdale)

Red Pike (Wasdale)

Red Pike rises to 826 m above Wasdale, with a summit cairn perched beside the cliffs over Mosedale. It is one of the Western Fells in Wainwright's guides, linked by high ground to Scoat Fell and separated from Yewbarrow by Dore Head. The approach from Wast Water gives you a good look at both sides of the mountain: grassy slopes and tucked-away tarns to the west, then a much sharper edge above the valley.

Make sure your map and route are for the Wasdale fell. The Lake District also has a Red Pike above Buttermere, a separate mountain with different approaches.

The summit and views

The summit is marked by a cairn at NY165106. It sits right beside the eastern drop, so approach from the western side and leave plenty of room between yourself and the edge. The main walking path passes a little below the top. In mist, identify your position before leaving it rather than assuming that the next cairn must be the summit.

The large cairn farther south, known as The Chair, is a separate feature. There are several cairns along this part of the ridge, which makes the distinction useful when approaching from Dore Head. In clear weather, look across Mosedale towards Kirk Fell, with Great Gable beyond, and south-east towards the Scafells. The southern ridge also gives views down towards Wast Water and its screes. Summit details and photographs.

Up and back by Dore Head

For a walk focused on Red Pike, start at Overbeck Bridge and climb the path on the lower slopes of Yewbarrow. Take the branch into the Over Beck valley rather than continuing onto Yewbarrow. The valley path leads to Dore Head, where the outlook suddenly opens into Mosedale.

Turn towards Red Pike and climb the rocky ridge, passing The Chair before reaching the summit. Return over the same ground to Dore Head, then descend the Over Beck side to the car park. This keeps the return on the approach you have already seen. It is still a substantial mountain climb, with rough footing and some steep ground.

Do not substitute the direct descent from Dore Head into Mosedale. Its scree and surrounding steep ground are a much more serious proposition, and walkers have needed rescuing there. Dore Head rescue record.

A circuit through Scoat Tarn and Nether Beck

For a varied return, continue north-west from Red Pike to the col below Scoat Fell, then turn south-west towards Scoat Tarn. The upper descent has faint or intermittent paths. It needs confident navigation, particularly when cloud hides the tarn and the shape of the ground.

Continue down from Scoat Tarn to the Nether Beck valley, then follow the valley path towards Wast Water. Join the lakeside road near Netherbeck Bridge and turn back towards Overbeck Bridge to close the circuit. Allow for that final road section when planning your day. This route combines the rocky ridge with quieter tarn country, but the descent can be wet and boggy and is not a signposted trail.

Scoat Fell and Steeple can be added above the col, with a return to the same col before descending to Scoat Tarn. Those are extra summits and extra climbing, so decide on them while planning rather than treating them as a quick addition late in the day. Circuit description and an independently walked Red Pike circuit.

A longer Mosedale Horseshoe

The WalkLakes circuit starts and finishes at Lake Head car park. Walk along the road to Overbeck Bridge, ascend by Over Beck and Dore Head, then continue over Red Pike and Black Crag to Wind Gap and Pillar. Descend Pillar's eastern ridge to Black Sail Pass, turn into Mosedale, pass Wasdale Head and return by road to Lake Head.

Its route table gives 17.4 km and 1,104 m of ascent. This particular circuit leaves out the summits of Yewbarrow, Scoat Fell, Steeple and Kirk Fell. Adding them changes the day considerably. Expect steep, loose ground around Wind Gap, boulder clambering and a ford across Gatherstone Beck on the return. Plan a full mountain day with time for breaks and slower progress in poor conditions.

Parking, transport and facilities

The National Trust's small Overbeck car park, at NY168068, suits the shorter routes here. It is pay and display and currently takes cash only. Lake Head car park, at NY182075, is the start for the horseshoe above and has toilets and a welcome centre. Check current charges and signs before setting off; National Trust members park under the posted membership arrangements. Overnight parking is not permitted in these National Trust car parks. Official parking information.

The Wasdale Explorer is seasonal. Its 2026 service finished at the end of August. That season linked Ravenglass, Gosforth and Nether Wasdale with stops including Overbeck and Wasdale Head. Check the next operating dates and your last return on the National Park's Explorer page before relying on it. Mobile coverage is poor in parts of Wasdale, so save travel information before arriving.

Ground, weather and preparation

Carry a map, compass, headtorch, waterproofs, warm layers, food and water, and be able to navigate without a phone signal. Check the mountain forecast and daylight before choosing between a summit walk and a longer circuit. The cliff edge is unforgiving in wind or poor visibility, and wet rock makes awkward steps more slippery. Snow and ice call for winter mountain skills and suitable equipment.

Leave your route and expected return with someone, and choose a walk that suits everyone in the group. If conditions deteriorate, turn back before committing to unfamiliar steep ground. Wasdale Mountain Rescue's preparation advice. Follow local signs and check current access restrictions when planning.

The rocks beneath the ridge

The Haycock-to-Red Pike ridge is a reference section for the Birker Fell Andesite Formation, part of the Borrowdale Volcanic Group. The formation consists mainly of ancient andesite lava flows, with other volcanic rocks and deposits between them. British Geological Survey.