Steeple

Steeple

Steeple is an 819m Wainwright in the western Lake District, rising above Ennerdale beside Scoat Fell. Its small rocky top and narrow connecting ridge give it a character quite different from the broader ground behind it. The summit is a rock about 2m north-east of the cairn, at grid reference NY157116.

This is a mountain walk for people comfortable with rough ground, route-finding and steep drops. A visit from Ennerdale involves a substantial walk in and out, so the summit height alone is a poor guide to the effort involved. The valley approach is part of the day, not a short transfer between the car and the climb.

A complete circuit from Ennerdale

The Steeple, Scoat Fell, Haycock and Caw Fell circuit starts and finishes at Bowness Knott car park. WalkLakes measures its Steeple-first circuit at 17.9km with 1,034m of ascent. Its published 5 hours 19 minutes is a minimum estimate, not a suggested allowance for a relaxed day. Allow for your own pace, navigation, rests and the conditions, with enough daylight for the whole return.

Follow the north-shore track to the Irish Bridge at Char Dub. Cross into the south-side forest tracks, then climb Lingmell End. Beyond the Low Beck ford, find the faint uphill branch towards Long Crag; a short rocky clamber leads to the ridge and Steeple.

Descend the loose slope from Steeple towards the saddle, then climb the narrow link to Scoat Fell. Visit its summit before following the wall west over Great Scoat Fell to Haycock. Continue via Little Gowder Crag to Caw Fell. Retrace a short way from Caw Fell to find the descent between Silvercove Beck and Deep Gill. Follow this ridge down, cross the footbridge and rejoin the forest tracks. Return over the Irish Bridge and along the north shore to Bowness Knott.

Use a detailed map and the full WalkLakes route guide for junctions. This outline is not a substitute for navigation, particularly where the path disappears among heather and rocks.

The summit ridge and conditions

The connection with Scoat Fell is narrow and rough, with loose ground on the Steeple side. There is little space on the summit. Keep away from the crag edges and do not treat the short link as an easy add-on in strong wind or poor visibility. If approaching from Scoat Fell, you must be prepared to cross it again to return there.

The Ennerdale circuit also needs a safe crossing of Low Beck, which can rise quickly after rain. Do not attempt a swollen ford. Reconsider the route before setting off in wet conditions, rather than relying on finding an improvised crossing. Forest paths and high-level paths have different difficulties: easy progress beside the lake says little about the ground above.

Check a mountain forecast before departure. Snow or ice can turn a summer walk into a winter mountaineering day requiring suitable skills and equipment. Carry waterproofs, warm layers, food, sufficient drinking water, a torch and dependable navigation. Leave your route and expected return time with someone. In an emergency call 999 or 112 and ask for Police, then Mountain Rescue.

Getting there

Bowness Knott is reached on minor roads through the Ennerdale area. Forestry England operates the car park and parking charges apply. Check the current tariff and payment arrangements before visiting. There is no general vehicle access farther up the valley, and overnight stays in the car park are not permitted.

The car parks and trails are normally open year-round, but forestry work can close individual areas. Read the notices before starting and follow any signed diversions or closures. Keep dogs under close control around livestock and wildlife; the steep ground and obstacles on this circuit also need consideration before bringing a dog.

Do not rely on a regular bus to the start. Forestry England lists no public transport connection to Ennerdale. Plan and confirm both legs of any taxi or onward transfer before travelling, including the journey home after a long walk. Bring what you need for the hill day rather than depending on facilities along the route.