Grisedale Pike and the sweeping ridge of Kinn

Grisedale Pike

Height791m (2,595ft)

Prominence189m (620ft)

RegionNorth Western Fells

Climbed3 Times

Rising immediately west of Keswick, Grisedale Pike presents a remarkably striking profile, particularly when viewed from the eastern side of the national park. This fine, pyramidal mountain forms a natural focal point for anyone arriving in the valley. The main bulk of the fell links across to Hopegill Head via a high-altitude neck, and it throws down two prominent ridges that extend toward the valley floor below. Much like Grizedale Forest and nearby Grasmoor, the fell draws its name from the Old Norse word "grise", meaning wild boar. Standing at the head of Grisedale itself, its naming clearly reflects its local topography rather than the adjacent Coledale valley.

“All visitors to Lakeland who come to walk on the hills turn their footsteps to Grisedale Pike. It is seldom a prime objective but the graceful peak piercing the western sky is a nagger of conscience and cannot long be ignored.” — Wainwright 1957, Book Two

Thanks to its classic, tapering summit cone, the peak is incredibly easy to distinguish from almost any direction. The highest point is marked by a neat, compact stone cairn. The panoramic views from the top are exceptional, with the absolute highlight being the impressive, shattered rock profile of Hopegill Head—the next magnificent peak beckoning you along the ridge line.

Grisedale Pike's summit plateau and impressive view

Trip Reports

A Hobcarton Round05/03/2017

The Coledale Round16/04/2016

The Coledale Round11/08/2013

Return to Lake District – North Western Fells