Low Pike

Low Pike

Height508m (1,667ft)

Prominence28m (91ft)

RegionEastern Fells

Climbed3 Times

"Low Pike is well seen from the streets of Ambleside as the first prominent peak on the high ridge running northwards. Low Pike is sufficiently elevated above the deep valleys of Scandale and Rydale to give an impression of loftiness which exaggerates its modest altitude." — A. Wainwright

Rising roughly three kilometres north of Ambleside, Low Pike stands as the first prominent, unmistakable waypoint along the eastern branch of the celebrated Fairfield Horseshoe circuit. Although it registers a modest altitude of just 508 metres, its dramatic positioning directly above the deep glacial trenches of the Scandale and Rydale valleys grants it an imposing sense of mountaineering stature, with its graceful ridge line extending clearly toward its partner peak, High Pike, visible from the town streets below.

The fell serves as an exceptional introductory scramble for walkers beginning the classic eight-Wainwright loop from the south. The southern approach paths challenge hikers with a series of minor, rocky steps and steep, winding gradients across the lower turf, offering an engaging, hands-on ascent before the terrain opens up onto the higher reaches of the main massif.

The summit of Low Pike

The absolute geographical summit is an intimate rocky outcrop crossed cleanly by a historic, beautifully constructed drystone wall. Because this monumental stone barrier runs directly over the highest rocks of the outcrop, it leaves virtually no space for a traditional summit cairn, forcing walkers to locate the true maximum height directly alongside the wall's baseline. While the towering massifs at the head of the valley naturally truncate the long-range vistas to the north, looking south splits the landscape wide open, treating climbers to a glorious, drop-down view tracking over the rooftops of Ambleside and down the shining expanse of Windermere winding into the southern sky.

Trip Reports

The Scandale Horseshoe15/09/2018

The Fairfield Horseshoe & Stone Arthur21/11/2015

The Fairfield Horseshoe23/04/2013

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