Eastern Fells · Book 1

Low Pike

Low Pike is a Wainwright, one of the 214 Lake District fells in Alfred Wainwright’s Pictorial Guides. At 508 m (1,667 ft) it is the 172nd highest of the 214 and the 29th highest in the Eastern Fells.

Height: 508 m; 1,667 ft
Rank: 172; of 214
In area: 29; of 35
Difficulty: Moderate

Low Pike in the Eastern Fells of the Lake District — Photo: Mick Knapton via Wikimedia Commons

About Low Pike

A small rocky top at the southern end of the Fairfield Horseshoe's eastern arm, directly above Ambleside. The climb from Low Sweden Bridge follows a high stone wall along the ridge, rough and wet underfoot in places, with a short rocky pull to the top. It pairs with High Pike and Dove Crag for a longer day, with views over Windermere and to the Langdale and Coniston fells.

A drystone wall runs right over the top of Low Pike, and there is no room left beside it for a cairn. The summit is a small rocky peak, and the last few metres need a hand or two, though a path round the north side avoids the rock.

Ambleside is the start. Park in the Rydal Road car park, cross to Smithy Brow and follow Nook Lane out of town to Nook End Farm. Go through the farmyard and bear left down to Low Sweden Bridge, where you cross Scandale Beck. Sheep pastures lead up to the ridge, and from there you follow the tall wall for about two kilometres along the spine to the summit. It is about four kilometres from the town, with 450 metres of climbing.

Below the top, the wall passes Sweden Crag and a pair of rocky outcrops called Low and High Brock Crags. The rock step on Sweden Crag is about ten feet high. You can climb it direct or take a grass ledge round it. Near the summit there is a marshy stretch with a warning sign, and paths go round it.

The higher Fairfield fells cut off the view to the north. To the south you look straight down on Ambleside and the head of Windermere, and over the low ground to the Langdale and Coniston fells.

For a short round, come back by High Sweden Bridge, a stone packhorse bridge higher up Scandale, and follow the beck down to town. Low Pike is also the first summit on the Fairfield Horseshoe when you walk it clockwise.

In winter

The ten foot rock step on Sweden Crag and the rocky knobs just below the top are the slippery parts when iced, and both have easier ways round, by a grass ledge and a path on the north side. A signed marshy patch near the summit freezes or stays wet all winter.

Great Views
Family Walk
Dog Friendly

Sources: Wikipedia: Low Pike, Wainwright Routes: Low Pike from Ambleside. Updated 24 September 2026.

Summit

OS grid ref: NY 373 078
Latitude: 54.46206° N
Longitude: 2.96796° W
Area: Eastern Fells

Walking up Low Pike

The nearest car park on foot is Rydal Hall Overflow, 4.0 km (2.5 miles) from the summit along mapped paths. Directions to the car park

Route from Rydal Hall Overflow

Distance: 4.0 km; 2.5 miles, one way
Ascent: 528 m; Total climb to the summit
Time up: 1 h 35 min; Allow 1 to 2 hours

Height in metres along the path from Rydal Hall Overflow to the summit.

Times use Naismith’s rule, 5 km/h on the flat plus extra time for the climb, with Langmuir’s corrections. It’s a rule of thumb for the way up only, so add stops, weather and the walk back down.

The route follows paths mapped by OpenStreetMap contributors and isn’t a guided line. Check the mountain forecast before you go and carry a map and compass.

Low Pike questions

Is Low Pike a Wainwright?

Yes. Low Pike is one of the 214 fells Alfred Wainwright described in his Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells, in Book 1, The Eastern Fells.

How high is Low Pike?

Low Pike is 508 metres (1,667 feet) high. That makes it the 172nd highest of the 214 Wainwrights and the 29th highest in the Eastern Fells.

Where do you park for Low Pike?

The nearest car park on foot is Rydal Hall Overflow, 4.0 km (2.5 miles) from the summit along mapped paths.

How long does it take to climb Low Pike?

From Rydal Hall Overflow it is 4.0 km with 528 m of ascent. Naismith's rule, with Langmuir's corrections, puts the climb at about 1 h 35 min, so allow 1 to 2 hours to reach the summit at your own pace, plus the walk back down.

How hard is Low Pike?

Upfell rates Low Pike as moderate. Check the mountain weather forecast before you set out and carry a map and compass.

Which Wainwrights are near Low Pike?

The closest are High Pike [Scandale] (656 m, 1.0 km N), Heron Pike (612 m, 1.8 km W) and Nab Scar (450 m, 1.9 km W).

What is the grid reference for the summit of Low Pike?

The summit is at OS grid reference NY 373 078, or 54.46206, -2.96796 in latitude and longitude.