Image shared for Steeple

Steeple

819m Elevation
21m Prominence
England Country
Find walking friends Explore routes

Good walks are even better shared.

Overview

Steeple Mountain: A Hidden Gem in the Lake District

Steeple, standing proudly at 862 meters, is a true gem in the heart of the Lake District. While it may not be the tallest mountain in the area, its unique shape and striking views make it a rewarding climb for hikers of all levels.

Geology

The rocky face of Steeple is primarily formed from Skiddaw Slate, giving it a dark, textured appearance that contrasts beautifully with the lush greenery surrounding it. The rugged terrain includes sections of scree that can be a bit tricky underfoot. Don't worry, though – a little adventure only adds to the tale of your hike!

Routes

There are several routes up Steeple, with the Routeness Pass Route being particularly popular. This moderate trail spans 10.5 kilometres and takes about 5 hours to complete. Along the way, you'll enjoy stunning vistas and the thrill of advancing towards the summit.

For those seeking a more challenging trek, the Mosedale Route is the way to go. This 8.0 km hike can be completed in about 4 hours, but it’ll get your heart racing and muscles working!

Summit Features

When you reach the summit, you're greeted by a classic stone cairn that provides the perfect backdrop for a celebratory photo. The panoramic views of Ennerdale Valley, Great Gable, and the nearby Scafell massif are nothing short of spectacular. Just be ready for your friends to steal your packed lunch in excitement!

Terrain and Hazards

Steeple's terrain can be a mixed bag: rocky slopes, patches of grass, and some inevitable scree to navigate. Keep an eye out for steep drops near the summit, and mind those loose rocks, especially if it’s been damp recently – nothing ruins a hike quite like an unintentional slip!

Access and Facilities

Getting to Steeple isn’t as daunting as climbing it. Nearest parking can be found at Bowness Knott car park, just a stone's throw from the A5086 highway. Public transport is also a feasible option, with buses servicing the route to Ennerdale Bridge, the closest village, where small amenities like a café and public toilets can be found.

Conclusion

So, don your hiking boots, pack your snacks, and make your way to Steeple for an unforgettable adventure in the Lake District. Who knows? You might even discover a new favourite hiking haunt that leaves you grinning like the Cheshire Cat!

Explore routes near Steeple

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

Scafell Pike via Brown Tongue and Hollow Stones

8.1 km ~4h Hard

View route

Steeple, Scoat Fell and Haycock from Ennerdale

View route

Scafell Pike from Seathwaite via the Corridor Route

14.1 km ~7h Hard

View route

Whinlatter dark skies walk

View route

Route planning notes

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

Routeness Pass Route

A scenic approach from Routeness Pass that meanders through lush valleys and gives hikers a hearty challenge.

10.5 km ~5 hours Moderate

Mosedale Route

An engaging hike up from Mosedale, perfect for those looking to test their mettle with a bit of elevation gain.

8 km ~4 hours Challenging
Browse more walks on the map

Make a day of it, together

Find someone to share the walk with, or organise a day out along a route you like.

Find walking friends Plan a walk here
Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Nuttall Subsimm Wainwright Birkett Synge Fellranger

Elevation

819m

2,687 ft

Prominence

21m

Coordinates

54.4934, -3.3022

NY157116

OS Map

89

Explorer: OL4S

At the Summit

The summit of Steeple features a classic stone cairn and spectacular views over the surrounding fells, making it a perfect spot for a selfie with your packed lunch.

Terrain & Geology

Rocky and grassy with sections of scree that can challenge even seasoned hikers.

Steeple is primarily composed of Skiddaw Slate, known for its dark grey colour and layering. This sedimentary rock can sometimes give way to spectacular scree slopes.

Views & Scenery

Stunning views of the Ennerdale Valley, Great Gable, and the Scafell massif are just a few of the incredible sights from the top. If you're lucky, you might even spot the Lake District's famous red squirrels.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Steeple' reflects its steeple-like shape when viewed from certain angles, reminiscent of a church spire.

Historical Significance

Steeple is a lesser-known gem in the Lake District, beloved by local walkers for its rugged beauty and relative solitude.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

The nearest parking is available at the Bowness Knott car park along the A5086, approximately 4 miles from the trailhead.

Public Transport

Regular bus services operate to Ennerdale Bridge from Whitehaven, making it fairly accessible for public transport.

Nearby Facilities

There are limited facilities in Ennerdale Bridge, with a small café and public toilets near the village green. Bring your own snacks to avoid disappointment.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Steep drops near the summit, potential for loose rocks and slippery paths, particularly in wet 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 Steeple?

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

Are there other walkers around Steeple?

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 Steeple search or of course create your own walk for Steeple

Can I organise a walk to Steeple?

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 Steeple.

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 Steeple?

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 Steeple 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

Steeple location map

Grid reference: NY157116

View on OpenStreetMap

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

Nearby Hills

Pillar

Pillar

892m

High Stile [Grey Crag - High Stile]

806m

Fleetwith Pike

649m

Grasmoor

852m

 Great Gable

Great Gable

899m
See 5 more nearby hills