Western Fells · Book 7

Steeple

Steeple is a Wainwright, one of the 214 Lake District fells in Alfred Wainwright’s Pictorial Guides. At 819 m (2,687 ft) it is the 28th highest of the 214 and the 5th highest in the Western Fells.

Height: 819 m; 2,687 ft
Rank: 28; of 214
In area: 5; of 33
Difficulty: Difficult

Steeple in the Western Fells of the Lake District — Photo: Mick Knapton via Wikimedia Commons

About Steeple

A narrow, dramatic outpost of Scoat Fell with a tiny perch of a summit and a real sense of exposure. Short in distance but big on atmosphere, with superb lines over Ennerdale. A Western Fells highlight for lovers of airy ridges.

From Wasdale, Steeple is an out-and-back spur off Scoat Fell. From Ennerdale it is the first top of the day, and the sharpest. Start at the Bowness Knott car park at the end of the public road (NY 109 153). Follow the lake track over the Irish Bridge, cross Woundall Beck by a footbridge and turn up through a gap in the trees. The path climbs steeply between forest fences to Lingmell End and into rough heather. Beyond the ford on Low Beck a line of cairns marks a faint path through boulders onto Long Crag, with a short, easy gully to clamber up. The final narrow ridge to the summit looks alarming but is straightforward. There is no exposure as long as you keep away from the crag edge, although at the top the ground drops away all round.

The summit is a sharp point with barely room for a cairn, and it gets crowded. You look down into Mirk Cove and Mirklin Cove and out to Ennerdale Water. Higher fells to the south and east cut off the rest of the view.

To Scoat Fell

Steeple rises only about 21 m above the gap to Scoat Fell, and it earns its place in the list through its sharp peak and steep crags. The arete between them drops to 798 m. Its path is worn, stony and loose, so keep to the firmer rock on the crest where you can. Walk Lakes carries on to Scoat Fell, whose summit cairn stands on the Ennerdale wall, then Haycock and Caw Fell, and comes back down the ridge between Silvercove Beck and Deep Gill. It is 17.9 km with 1,034 m of ascent.

On the Mosedale Horseshoe from Wasdale Head, add Steeple as a short detour north from Scoat Fell.

In winter

The arete to Scoat Fell is narrow, stony and loose, and the summit falls away on every side, so both are serious under snow or ice. The Ennerdale round is close to 18 km, a long day against winter daylight.

Great Views
Potentially Dangerous

Sources: Wikipedia: Steeple, Walk Lakes: Steeple, Scoat Fell, Haycock, and Caw Fell from Ennerdale. Updated 24 September 2026.

Summit

OS grid ref: NY 157 116
Latitude: 54.49337° N
Longitude: 3.30215° W
Area: Western Fells

Walking up Steeple

The nearest car park on foot is Lake Head Car Park, 6.0 km (3.7 miles) from the summit along mapped paths. Directions to the car park

Route from Lake Head Car Park

Distance: 6.0 km; 3.7 miles, one way
Ascent: 950 m; Total climb to the summit
Time up: 2 h 39 min; Allow 1 to 4 hours

Height in metres along the path from Lake Head 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.

Steeple questions

Is Steeple a Wainwright?

Yes. Steeple is one of the 214 fells Alfred Wainwright described in his Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells, in Book 7, The Western Fells.

How high is Steeple?

Steeple is 819 metres (2,687 feet) high. That makes it the 28th highest of the 214 Wainwrights and the 5th highest in the Western Fells.

Where do you park for Steeple?

The nearest car park on foot is Lake Head Car Park, 6.0 km (3.7 miles) from the summit along mapped paths.

How long does it take to climb Steeple?

From Lake Head Car Park it is 6.0 km with 950 m of ascent. Naismith's rule, with Langmuir's corrections, puts the climb at about 2 h 39 min, so allow 1 to 4 hours to reach the summit at your own pace, plus the walk back down.

How hard is Steeple?

Upfell rates Steeple as difficult, 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 Steeple?

The closest are Scoat Fell (841 m, 0.3 km SE), Red Pike [Wasdale] (826 m, 1.3 km SE) and Pillar (892 m, 1.4 km E).

What is the grid reference for the summit of Steeple?

The summit is at OS grid reference NY 157 116, or 54.49337, -3.30215 in latitude and longitude.