Eastern Fells · Book 1

Nethermost Pike

Nethermost Pike is a Wainwright, one of the 214 Lake District fells in Alfred Wainwright’s Pictorial Guides. At 891 m (2,923 ft) it is the 9th highest of the 214 and the 2nd highest in the Eastern Fells.

Height: 891 m; 2,923 ft
Rank: 9; of 214
In area: 2; of 35
Difficulty: Moderate

Nethermost Pike in the Eastern Fells of the Lake District — Photo: Jim Barton via Geograph, CC BY-SA 2.0

About Nethermost Pike

A broad top on Helvellyn's south ridge, often linked with Dollywaggon Pike. The path from Wythburn and the Helvellyn traverses avoid the exposure of the edges, while the east ridge from Grisedale is a rocky climb. From the top you look into Ruthwaite and Nethermost Coves and along the length of the range.

Between Helvellyn and Dollywaggon Pike the range widens into a broad, stony triangle, and that is the top of Nethermost Pike. The highest point is towards the northern corner, set a little back from the edge above Nethermost Cove, among scattered stones and small cairns.

From the west it is an easy climb. Park at the Wythburn car park by Wythburn Church, on the east side of Thirlmere, and take the wide track heading for Helvellyn. At Swallow Scarth turn off right for the summit. It's steady going on a big, busy path, with smooth moorland slopes and forestry below.

The Grisedale side is much rougher. From Glenridding or Patterdale, walk up Grisedale past Ruthwaite Lodge. A ridge rises between Ruthwaite Cove and Nethermost Cove, climbing in a series of rocky steps for about three quarters of a mile, straight to the top. It is an easy scramble but exposed, with long drops into both coves, so you need a head for heights. Below the ridge, Hard Tarn sits on a rock shelf in Ruthwaite Cove and is one of the hardest tarns in the Lakes to find.

From the top, you can see most of the Lake District. Only the view north is blocked, by Helvellyn.

Miners worked lead and zinc at Ruthwaite Lodge and Eagle Crag from the sixteenth century until 1880, and their dumps are still there. The eastern coves are protected for their arctic alpine plants, including about a third of England's downy willow.

In winter

The top is a broad plateau, and the highest point sits close to the drop into Nethermost Cove, so in snow or cloud stay well back on the western side. The east ridge is a steep rocky climb above big drops and in winter it is only for walkers with an axe, crampons and the experience to use them.

Ridge Walk
Great Views
Potentially Dangerous
Dog Friendly

Sources: Wikipedia: Nethermost Pike, 10Adventures: Nethermost Pike via East Ridge. Updated 24 September 2026.

Summit

OS grid ref: NY 343 142
Latitude: 54.51898° N
Longitude: 3.01542° W
Area: Eastern Fells

Walking up Nethermost Pike

The nearest car park on foot is Wythburn Car Park, 3.4 km (2.1 miles) from the summit along mapped paths. Directions to the car park

Route from Wythburn Car Park

Distance: 3.4 km; 2.1 miles, one way
Ascent: 702 m; Total climb to the summit
Time up: 1 h 47 min; Allow 1 to 3 hours

Height in metres along the path from Wythburn Car Park 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.

Nethermost Pike questions

Is Nethermost Pike a Wainwright?

Yes. Nethermost 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 Nethermost Pike?

Nethermost Pike is 891 metres (2,923 feet) high. That makes it the 9th highest of the 214 Wainwrights and the 2nd highest in the Eastern Fells.

Where do you park for Nethermost Pike?

The nearest car park on foot is Wythburn Car Park, 3.4 km (2.1 miles) from the summit along mapped paths.

How long does it take to climb Nethermost Pike?

From Wythburn Car Park it is 3.4 km with 702 m of ascent. Naismith's rule, with Langmuir's corrections, puts the climb at about 1 h 47 min, so allow 1 to 3 hours to reach the summit at your own pace, plus the walk back down.

How hard is Nethermost Pike?

Upfell rates Nethermost Pike as moderate, and parts of it can be dangerous in poor weather or visibility. Check the mountain weather forecast before you set out and carry a map and compass.

Which Wainwrights are near Nethermost Pike?

The closest are Helvellyn (950 m, 0.9 km N), Dollywaggon Pike (859 m, 1.2 km S) and Catstycam (890 m, 1.7 km N).

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

The summit is at OS grid reference NY 343 142, or 54.51898, -3.01542 in latitude and longitude.