Bonscale Pike

Bonscale Pike is a fell in the English Lake District. It stands above Howtown on Ullswater, marking the northern end of a spur that runs north-north-west from Loadpot Hill on the main ridge of the Far Eastern Fells. The ridge narrows as it approaches the fell, first crossing a marshy area and then Swarth Fell, an intermediate top 545 metres high. The ground beyond Swarth Fell is covered in fell grass and easy to traverse. Bonscale Pike’s craggy western face sets it apart from other fells and draws attention from Howtown or from steamers on Ullswater. The fell is recognised for its two fine beacons, columnar cairns that stand on the rim of the crags. Bonscale Tower is the lower of the two. The actual summit is marked by a small cairn on a grassy mound, a short distance behind the beacons. The view from the top is blocked to the south by Loadpot Hill, but the Helvellyns are clearly visible across Ullswater. The contrast between the grassy slopes and the steep crags makes the fell distinctive. The usual ascent starts from Howtown, following a path that slants up across the fell’s breast. Walkers can choose to round the crags to the north via the beacons or take a more direct route to the south, though the latter has no clear path. A fair path runs along the ridge to Loadpot Hill, crossing the High Street Roman road south of Brock Crag. Old boundary stones can be seen along this route, and a traverse to Arthur’s Pike is possible by crossing Swarthbeck Gill near its source.