Red Screes

Red Screes is a ridge of high ground in the English Lake District, standing between Patterdale and Ambleside. It stretches for nearly seven kilometres north-north-east from Ambleside, narrowing at both ends like an upturned boat. The fell is separated from its neighbours by Scandale Pass to the west and Kirkstone Pass to the east, giving it a distinctive independence. Two minor tops, Snarker Pike and Middle Dodd, sit on the southern and northern ridges. All streams on the northern slopes flow towards the Solway Firth, while those on the south side reach Morecambe Bay.

The fell forms part of the main Lake District watershed, with its boundaries shaped by four streams. The southern slopes rise gently from Ambleside, partly covered in mixed woodland and divided by dry stone walls. The eastern side shows steep corries and a long scree slope visible from Kirkstone Pass. The summit is a broad grassy plateau with large cairns, a triangulation column and a small tarn. Views from the top take in Helvellyn, Fairfield and the distant Coniston fells.

Well-used paths approach the summit from four directions. The southern ridge offers a gentle climb from Ambleside, passing Snarker Pike. From Kirkstone Pass, a steep winding path leads directly to the top. The western route from Scandale Pass provides an easier ascent, while the northern approach over Middle Dodd is steep and unmarked. The fell’s volcanic rocks, formed around 450 million years ago, include layers of sandstone, tuff and dacite lava.