St Elmo's Summer House

St Elmo's Summer House

St Elmo's Summer House Group Walks | Join a Walk

239m Elevation
95m Prominence
Wales Country

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Classifications

200-299m Tump Sub-Hump

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Elevation

239m

784 ft

Prominence

95m

Coordinates

53.3251, -3.3754

SJ084817

OS Map

116

Explorer: 264N 265

At the Summit

At the summit, you will find a large stone cairn that stands testament to the many hikers who have trodden this route. On a clear day, it's a lovely place to catch a breather.

Terrain & Geology

Grassy with rocky sections near the summit. It's a blend of rolling hills and firmer ground as you approach the top.

The mountain consists predominantly of Skiddaw slate, a sedimentary rock formed in the Permian period, known for its distinct layering and rich mineral content.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can see the picturesque valleys of the Lake District, the shimmering waters of Ullswater, and the craggy outlines of nearby mountains like High Street and Kidsty Pike.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'St Elmo' is derived from the Spanish 'San Elmo,' referring to St. Erasmus, a protector of sailors, possibly linking the site’s historical significance to maritime folklore.

Historical Significance

St Elmo's Summer House is steeped in local legend, often associated with tales of ghostly apparitions during stormy nights, making it a favourite for storytellers.

Popular Routes

Mardale Ill Bell Route

Moderate

Starting from the small car park at Mardale Head, this route winds its way up through scenic valleys and up the gentle slopes to the summit.

6.5 km 3 hours

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Mardale Head car park is the closest, offering ample space but can be full at peak times.

Public Transport

Limited bus services run from Penrith to Haweswater, particularly on weekends during the summer months.

Nearby Facilities

There are no facilities on the mountain itself, but the nearest options in Shap include a couple of cafes and public toilets.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Some sections can be slippery, especially in wet conditions. Always watch your step, as the rocks can be as mischievous as they are beautiful.

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

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Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up St Elmo's Summer House?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around St Elmo's Summer House through the maps

Are there other walkers around St Elmo's Summer House?

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 St Elmo's Summer House search or of course create your own walk for St Elmo's Summer House

Can I organise a walk to St Elmo's Summer House?

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 St Elmo's Summer House.

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 St Elmo's Summer House?

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 St Elmo's Summer House 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