Rossett Pike - Allen Crags - Esk Pike - Bowfell

Joe Jackson

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This fantastic mountain challenge takes in four Wainwrights west of Great Langdale. It starts off at the National Trust car park at Old Dungeon Ghyll at the very end of the B5343, before a minor road heads south into Little Langdale. The route quickly joins the Cumbria Way and follows the valley floor of Mickleden as far as the start of Stake Pass. This is where the route turns west and starts to ascend to the col between Hanging Knotts and Rossett Pike. A quick detour to the summit of Rossett Pike ticks off the first Wainwright and then there is a short descent to the secluded but beautiful Angle Tarn. The route starts to ascend once again to the shelter below Esk Hause, with a second quick detour to Allen Crags to the north-east, ticking off the second Wainwright of the day.

A short backtrack takes you down to the shelter and then up to Esk Hause, where the path starts to head south-east to the 885m summit of Esk Pike and then the mighty 902m summit of Bowfell. There are breathtaking views down the whole of Eskdale from this lofty height as well as Great Langdale to the east and a profile of Scafell Pike to the west. A short, sharp descent brings you out at Three Tarns, followed by a gentle path heading east along The Band and back down into Great Langdale.

England - North England - Cumbria - Lake District - South West

Features

Great Views, Hills or Fells, Mountains, National Trust, Pub, Public Transport

8/27/2014 - Robert Hughes

This is a majestic walk that will truly benefit from being done on a fine day to take advantage of the many and varied views. The detours from the main route to Rossett Pike and Allen Crags are well worth it especially the later from which Great Gable looks especially impressive. The directions were excellent and the paths generally very distinct and easy to follow. The exception being near the high summits where the many cairns help over the rocky and bouldery ground. Leaving Bowfell there are several cairned paths but they all join before the main descent to Three Tarns down a badly eroded path. The much maligned Band is also best descended on a fine day where the constantly changing views of Pike O'Blisco, Crinkle Crags and the Valleys maintain interest on this 3km path. A really enjoyable day.