NY3908 : Summit Tarn on Red Screes

Red Screes

779m Elevation
261m Prominence
England Country
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NY3908 : Summit Tarn on Red Screes

Anthony Parkes Photo source

Explore routes near Red Screes

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

Striding Edge, Helvellyn and Catstye Cam

12 km ~6h 30m Hard

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Helvellyn via Striding Edge

11.2 km ~6h Hard

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Tarn Hows Fast Route

4.1 km ~1h Moderate

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Scafell Pike from Seathwaite via the Corridor Route

14.1 km ~7h 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.

Kirkstone Pass Route

This is the most popular route to the summit of Red Screes, starting from the Kirkstone Pass Inn. The path begins directly opposite the inn and ascends steeply along a well-trodden trail. The route includes a mix of grassy slopes and rocky steps, with stunning views of the surrounding fells and Ullswater. The summit is marked by a cairn and offers panoramic views of the Lake District.

5 km ~2 hours Moderate

Ambleside via Scandale Pass

This longer approach starts in Ambleside and follows a scenic trail through Scandale Valley. The route climbs gradually to Scandale Pass, before a steep ascent along the ridge to the summit of Red Screes. This route offers diverse scenery, including woodlands, streams, and expansive views of Windermere and the surrounding fells.

12 km ~5 hours Challenging

Circular Route from Kirkstone Pass

This circular route combines the direct ascent from Kirkstone Pass with a descent via Middle Dodd. Starting from the Kirkstone Pass Inn, the route ascends Red Screes before continuing north along the ridge to Middle Dodd. The descent follows a grassy path back to the Kirkstone Pass, completing the loop. This route is ideal for walkers seeking a varied and rewarding day in the hills.

7 km ~3 hours Moderate

Red Screes and Little Hart Crag

This route begins at Brothers Water and combines an ascent of Red Screes with a visit to Little Hart Crag. The trail climbs steeply via Caiston Glen, reaching the summit of Little Hart Crag first, before continuing to Red Screes. The descent follows the ridge back towards Kirkstone Pass. This route offers a quieter alternative to the direct ascent from Kirkstone Pass, with equally impressive views.

11 km ~4.5 hours Challenging

Red Screes from Hartsop

Starting from the village of Hartsop, this route ascends Red Screes via the southern end of Caudale Moor. After reaching the summit, the descent follows a path towards Kirkstone Pass, where walkers can loop back to Hartsop via the valley. This is a less-traveled route, offering solitude and excellent views of the eastern fells.

10 km ~4 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn Simm Hewitt Nuttall Wainwright Birkett Synge Fellranger

Elevation

779m

2,555 ft

Prominence

261m

Coordinates

54.4706, -2.9326

NY396087

OS Map

90

Explorer: OL7N

At the Summit

At the summit, you'll find a prominent trig point, which has often been mistaken for a very attentive gnome standing guard over the breathtaking landscape.

Terrain & Geology

A mix of rocky outcrops and grassy slopes with some boggy patches to keep hikers on their toes—consider it nature's own obstacle course.

Red Screes is predominantly composed of volcanic rock known as andesite, which gives the summit its characteristic reddish hue. The mountain is formed from ancient lava flows, intricately layered and now reveals fascinating geological structures.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can see Windermere, the longest lake in England, and a plethora of other fells, including the grand peaks of Helvellyn and Fairfield.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Red Screes' is derived from the Old Norse 'screes', meaning 'the steep slopes'. 'Red' refers to the mountain's striking reddish rock.

Historical Significance

Red Screes has been a favourite amongst walkers and climbers, notably featured in Alfred Wainwright's renowned guidebooks.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

The closest parking facilities can be found in Ambleside or at the Old Hotel car park near the base of Scandale Pass.

Public Transport

Regular bus services from Windermere connect to Ambleside, providing a handy option for those not wanting to drive.

Nearby Facilities

Ambleside features several cafés, restaurants, and public toilets for hikers in need of refreshment after their adventure.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Slippery rocks during wet weather, occasionally boggy areas, and the unpredictability of Lake District weather.

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 Screes?

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

Are there other walkers around Red Screes?

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 Screes search or of course create your own walk for Red Screes

Can I organise a walk to Red Screes?

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 Screes.

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 Screes?

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 Screes 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

View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.

Grid reference: NY396087

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Nearby Hills

St Sunday Crag

841m

Fairfield

873m

 High Street

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828m

Place Fell

657m

Loughrigg Fell

335m
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