Red Pike, Ennerdale - Coast to Coast
More Articles in the Ennerdale Bridge to Rosthwaite subsection
Path to Red Pike from Bleaberry Tarn. Dodd is on the right.
Red Pike from Ennerdale and Buttermere, Coast to Coast Routes
Red Pike (755 m) is a striking Lakeland fell on the ridge between Herdus and Haystacks, offering commanding views over Ennerdale Water, the High Stile range, and across to the Scafells. For Coast to Coast walkers, it provides a demanding but rewarding detour from the main route between Ennerdale and Honister. The fell can be reached from the Coast to Coast path via a firebreak through Ennerdale Forest near High Gillerthwaite, climbing steeply onto the ridge. Alternatively, it can be approached from Buttermere, where a pitched stone path rises sharply to Bleaberry Tarn before a challenging ascent via Dodd to the summit. This upper section is steep and loose underfoot, with scree that can be treacherous in wet weather.
Grassy Firebreak to Starling Dodd
A steep grassy firebreak cuts between the dark conifers of Ennerdale Forest, rising from High Gillerthwaite towards the open ridge below Starling Dodd. From here, Coast to Coast walkers can take a high-level alternative over Red Pike, High Stile, and High Crag to Black Sail, trading the shaded forestry road for sweeping views across the valley.
Carol on the South Flank of Red Pike
Leaving the shelter of Ennerdale Forest, the path rises across the open south flank of Red Pike, winding between low clumps of bilberry and heather. From the 130-metre contour at High Gillerthwaite, the route gains height steadily toward the 755-metre summit, with the Ennerdale Valley and the winding River Liza falling away into the distance.
Approach to Red Pike Summit
From the lower slopes, Red Pike’s 755-metre summit stays coyly out of sight, masked by intervening crags and outcrops. As the gradient eases, the path winds between strewn rocks, ferns, and low vegetation, yet is often confused by sheep-walks that mimic its course. In mist, these false trails make the final approach a careful test of navigation.
Towards Red Pike from Buttermere
From the Buttermere valley, the north face of High Stile rises steeply, its flanks cloaked in the dark greens of Burtness Wood. Above the treeline, Little Dodd stands in the foreground with Red Pike looming beyond, the ascent tracing a relentless incline that only eases upon reaching the ridge before Bleaberry Tarn.
Red Pike from Bleaberry Tarn
From the still waters of Bleaberry Tarn, the stony path climbs towards The Saddle between Dodd and Red Pike. Beyond the col, the trail to Red Pike steepens sharply, its loose stones shifting underfoot, making the final ascent a demanding challenge even in clear weather.
The Saddle from Little Dodd
From the shoulder of Little Dodd, the narrow dip of The Saddle (col) comes into view — the link between Little Dodd and Red Pike. Beyond it, the final climb rises steeply once more, the promise of an easy ridge walk proving short-lived on this eastern approach.
Ennerdale Water from Red Pike
Looking back from the slopes of Red Pike, Ennerdale Water glints to the south-west, framed by the wooded rise of Latterbarrow within Latterbarrow Forest. Beyond the lake, the valley stretches westward towards the distant coast, its length and stillness contrasting with the steep climb behind.
Hiking the Coast to Coast trail guide
Hiking the Coast to Coast is a digitally enhanced eBook designed to accompany you on your journey along the Coast to Coast path. Available on Apple Books for iPhone, iPad and Mac, the guide includes:
• Mapping with interactive features
• Step-by-step route directions
• Hundreds of colour photographs
• Route conditions in different weather
• Historical and cultural points of interest
Whether you’re planning your trip or already on the trail, it’s a practical and beautifully illustrated resource to carry with you.
