High Pike

High Pike stands in the Eastern Fells of the English Lake District, five kilometres north of Ambleside. It is a modest fell, rising only about five metres above its ridge, yet it appears as a lone peak when seen from the south near High Sweden Bridge. The fell is sometimes called Scandale Fell, though this name really refers to the high ground at the head of Scandale. Alfred Wainwright and Bill Birkett both mention High Pike in their guides to the Lakeland fells. The crest of the ridge consists of volcaniclastic claystone and siltstone, with dacitic welded lapilli tuff beneath. The fell is often climbed as part of the Fairfield horseshoe walk, starting from Ambleside. The route passes Low Sweden Bridge and follows a dry stone wall over Low Pike before descending to a depression at 480 metres. From there, the path climbs to the flat grassy summit, marked by a cairn on the edge of crags overlooking Scandale. The summit offers views of the Far Eastern Fells over Scandale Pass and a clear view of Ambleside and Windermere’s head. The fell’s modest height means much of the view is blocked by higher fells, yet the outlook remains rewarding. The summit’s flat grassy area contrasts with the steep crags below. Walkers on the Fairfield horseshoe often include High Pike as a minor but scenic part of a longer route. The fell’s quiet ridges and open fell provide a peaceful alternative to busier Lakeland peaks. Its inclusion in Wainwright and Birkett’s guides ensures it remains a recognised, if lesser-known, destination.