Esk Pike

Esk Pike

Height: 885m (2,904ft)
Prominence: 105m (344ft)
Region: Southern Fells
Summit feature: Cairn on a rocky outcrop
Classifications: Nuttall, Hewitt, Wainwright, Birkett
Times climbed: 4
Related trip reports:
Scafell Pike from Great Langdale - 20/07/2019
An Eskdale Round - 06/08/2016
Bowfell, Esk Pike, Allen Crags & Rossett Pike - 08/02/2015
Thunacar Knott, Sergeant Man, High Raise, Rossett Pike & Esk Pike - 07/09/2013

Esk Pike's summit on a fine winter day

What Wainwright Said:

"The central height in the semi-circle of fine peaks around the lonely head of Eskdale, nameless on Ordnance Survey maps, has long been known to walkers as Esk Pike. The fell is the least prominent, not because it competes for attention with the popular favourites but rather because its top is the furthest removed from the valley and appears dwarfed in relation to the others".

Esk Pike sits in an unfortunate position. Despite being a large mountain itself (nearly 900m) it's overlooked on both sides by the higher peaks of Great End and Bowfell. Being far from any roads, any ascent of Esk Pike is considered a fair distance, certainly by Cumbrian standards.

Below Esk Pike sits the important culmination of paths on Esk Hause, the meeting point of paths from Borrowdale, Eskdale, Langdale and Wasdale. There are two passes at Esk Hause, the higher (and 'true' Esk Hause) is the highest pass in the Lake District, 50m higher than Sticks Pass at Stybarrow Dodd.

The summit is extremely stony, similar the neighbouring Scafells with a cairn on a rocky outcrop marking the highest point. Esk Pike has superlative views of Eskdale and an up-close look at the imposing Scafells, Broad and Ill Crag and Great End.

Return to Lake District – Southern Fells