The abrupt, conical profile of Outerside

Outerside

Height596m (1,955ft)

Prominence70m (229ft)

RegionNorth Western Fells

Climbed2 Times

Outerside, displaying a distinctive, broadly conical profile, is a heather-covered fell that sits as part of a subsidiary ridge running parallel to the grander crests of Scar Crags and Causey Pike, separated from them by the peat-moss depression of High Moss. Seldom targeted as an isolated objective on its own, the mountain is most frequently conquered as part of a scenic, lower-level ridge route taking in Barrow and Stile End, or incorporated as a final, dramatic high point on the classic Coledale Round before starting the ultimate descent.

"Unlike the steep, unbroken slope of Grisedale Pike, Causey Pike is accompanied by a lower and parallel ridge-like inner balcony, the fall to the valley thereby being interrupted. The main eminence of this ridge is the abrupt summit of Outerside.” — Wainwright 1957, Book Two

The true summit of this abrupt little giant features no more than a simple, small stone cairn perched neatly atop a rocky outcrop. Despite its low-altitude enclosure deep within the bowl of the Coledale Valley, the vantage point behaves like a natural amphitheatre. It commands surprisingly magnificent and intimate views looking straight up into the rugged face of Eel Crag, over to the crumbling depths of Force Crag, and across to the sweeping wall of Grisedale Pike.

The rocky crest of Outerside, presenting a fantastic vista across to the distant slopes of Skiddaw

Trip Reports

The Coledale Round16/04/2016

The Coledale Round11/08/2013

Return to Lake District – North Western Fells