Bowfell
The sixth-highest mountain and one of the most popular of the Lake District fells.
Plan Around Bowfell
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Bowfell Details
Bowfell, named Bow Fell on Ordnance Survey maps, is a pyramid-shaped mountain that Alfred Wainwright's lists as one of his "best half dozen" Lake District fells. This is a serious route and shouldn't be attempted by inexperienced walkers. In addition to Eskdale, Bowfell has a footing in two other well-known valleys. It stands at the head of Great Langdale, it's east ridge dividing the two branches of Mickleden and Oxendale--while to the north is the Langstrath branch of Borrowdale. From all of these valleys Bowfell presents a striking profile with a conical top resting upon a wider summit plateau. The Band from Great Langdale provides the most popular ascent. Other routes from Langdale climb via Rossett Gill and Three Tarns. Bowfell can also be reached from Stonethwaite in Borrowdale via Angle Tarn although the way is long. Equally time-consuming although perhaps more picturesque is the long march up Eskdale from Brotherikeld, gaining the ridge at either Ore Gap or Three Tarns. Indirect climbs can also be made via Crinkle Crags, Esk Pike or Rossett Pike. The summit can also be reached from the top of Wrynose Pass by following the right of pay starting close to the Three Shire Stone and heading north-westerly. This route takes in the summits of Cold Pike and Long Top. To the north-west of Bowfell the main ridge drops to the depression of Ore Gap, named after its reddish soil, rich in haematite. Below the col on the northern side is Angle Tarn. This round water body occupies a corrie beneath Hanging Knotts, small trout lurking in its 50 ft depths. Its outflow is a tributary of the Langstrath Beck, making for Stonethwaite. To the south of Ore Gap runs Yeastyrigg Gill, the main headwater of Lingcove Beck, flowing into upper Eskdale. Southward of Bowfell the ridge falls steeply to Three Tarns, the col separating it from Crinkle Crags. The depression takes its name from a number of small pools, often two, but sometimes more after rain. Grid Reference: NY 24500 06400
Difficulty
Low
Distance
N/A
Estimated time
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Region
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Nearby Parks Around Bowfell
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Nearby Points of Interest Around Bowfell
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Bowfell while the map context is still fresh.
0.8 mi away
Esk Pike
Esk Pike is one of the great cirque of hills forming the head of Eskdale.
1.5 mi away
The Langdale Pikes
The north side of the Great Langdale valley is comprised of the Langdale Pikes, a series of peaks that includes the Pike of Stickle, Loft Crag, Harrison Stickle, and Pavey Ark.
1.6 mi away
Great End
Great End is the most northerly mountain in the Scafell chain.
