Esk Pike
Esk Pike | |
---|---|
Lake District National Park
| |
Location | Cumbria, England |
Parent range | Lake District, Southern Fells |
OS grid | NY236074 |
Topo map | OS Landrangers 89, 90, Explorer OL6 |
Esk Pike is a fell in the English Lake District, one of the cirque of hills forming the head of Eskdale.
Topography
The
To the north-west of Esk Pike is the depression of Esk Hause, a broad saddle carrying a number of important paths. The ‘true’ Esk Hause—so named by
South-east of the summit of Esk Pike is Ore Gap, the
Southward from the summit, Esk Pike throws out a long descending ridge into the uninhabited fastness of Upper Eskdale. This divides the Esk from its major upper tributary, Lingcove Beck, which has its beginnings at Ore Gap. Two miles (3.2 km) in length, this ridge falls over a series of craggy steps to the confluence of the two streams at Lingcove Bridge. An old Packhorse Bridge, this is a focal point for those approaching from the south, particularly when the Esk is in spate. The south ridge has a number of subsidiary tops which are recognised by some guidebooks,[3] the principal summits being Pike de Bield 2,657 feet (810 m), Scar Lathing 1,440 feet (440 m) and Throstlehow Crag 1,325 feet (404 m). Scar Lathing is particularly impressive, presenting sheer cliffs above a bend in the Esk. Although of minor significance Pianet Knott on the eastern side of the ridge also has a very striking appearance from lower down the valley.
Geology
Laminated
Summit
The summit area is extremely stony, striking pale rocks being much in evidence.[5] A series of steps rise up from Ore Gap whilst the approach from Esk Hause is rough and eroded. A small cairn on the highest craggy outcrop marks the highest point. Esk Pike's central position above Eskdale gives it glorious views of the Scafells, with the Eastern and Northern Fells also forming a fine panorama. Derwentwater and a section of Windermere complete the scene. A little to the south, Pike de Bield provides an intimate view of the upper Esk.[5]
Ascents
Being far from any roads, all ascents of Esk Pike involve considerable distance by Cumbrian standards. From Brotherilkeld on the Eskdale road the climber can choose between Ore Gap, Esk Hause and the south ridge, all of these options being around five and a half miles (9 km). Borrowdale gives a choice of starting points, either making for Esk Hause from
References
- ISBN 0-7112-2457-9
- ISBN 0-9543904-1-5
- ISBN 0-00-218406-0
- ^ British Geological Survey: 1:50,000 series maps, England & Wales Sheet 38: BGS (1998)
- ^ ISBN 0-00-711368-4