Cold Pike from Hell Gill Pike

Cold Pike

Height701m (2,300ft)

Prominence46m (151ft)

RegionSouthern Fells

Climbed3 Times

Standing as a rugged satellite to Crinkle Crags, Cold Pike is a peak of distinct character rising quietly above the Upper Duddon Valley. The ridge begins among an undulating cradle of rocky knolls and small, glinting tarns immediately beneath the Fifth Crinkle, before gathering profile as it steps down across a broad, grassy saddle. Though surrounded on all sides by much higher giants, it holds a prominent position when viewed from the north and east.

"Although of no great significance, Cold Pike is prominent when seen from the north and east, and it has lovely views in those directions. All around nearby, are higher fells, and they may be studied profitably from the triple peaks of this lowly one in their midst." — Wainwright 1958, Book Three

The high plateau is quite unique, possessing three widely separated summits that each meet the strict qualifications for independent Nuttall status. While the lower two are unnamed on Ordnance Survey maps—generally referred to as Cold Pike West Top and Cold Pike Far West Top—they make for a fantastic, exploratory wander well away from the heavily trodden main tracks.

The summit of Cold Pike

The true summit itself is formed by a jagged series of three rock outcrops, with the absolute highest point marked by a proud stone cairn resting directly on the bare bedrock. Pulling up a seat on this stony platform reveals a stellar vantage point. Positioned right in the centre of the action, it offers an incredibly clean, front-row perspective from which to study the massive architecture of Crinkle Crags, the sharp profiles of the Langdale Pikes, and the northern ranks of the Coniston Fells rolling across the horizon.

Trip Reports

Pike O'Blisco, Cold Pike, Crinkle Crags & Bowfell15/06/2019

Bowfell, Crinkle Crags & Cold Pike15/08/2015

Bowfell, Crinkle Crags, Cold Pike & Pike O'Blisco01/06/2013

Return to Lake District – Southern Fells