Bowfell

Hills and Mountains

24 Feb

Written By Anthony Ackers

The eastern face of Bowfell, towering above Great Langdale in the Lake District

Location: NY 245 065

Getting there: Easiest approach is from Great Langdale, via The Band.

Height (spot height near cairn on summit): 902m

Prominence: 146m

Map: OS Explorer OL6 Lake District South Western Area

OS Maps API | Basic Map ZXY (EPSG:27700) | Leaflet

One of Alfred Wainwright’s ‘best half dozen fells’, the panoramic views from the top across the entire Lake District help this mountain live up to its reputation.

The rocky summit of Bowfell in the Lake District, looking over Langdale, towards Windermere, under an Autumn sky — Looking across towards Windermere, from the summit of Bowfell.

Sporting a very traditional ‘mountain’ shape, and a pointy summit, there is very little human history of note on the fell, which is unsurprising given its height and isolation. The summit itself is a rocky affair, with no trig point and only a loose cairn to indicate that you’ve reached the top of the sixth highest mountain in England. The bleakness of the summit is soon forgotten as you take in the views - every lakeland mountain range is visible from the top on a clear day, and despite its popularity with walkers, Bowfell will be significantly quieter than its parent, Scafell Pike, visible just across the valley.

The approach to the rocky summit of Bowfell in the Lake District, over a boulder field with snow in the crevices — The rocky, distinctive summit of Bowfell

The most popular route involves ‘The Band’, a long, sloping ridge that divides Little Langdale and Great Langdale. A relatively straight-forward circuit, first entering Great Langdale, before ascending to Esk Hause, before climbing Esk Pike, then Bowfell, before descending via The Band, makes for a good day out. Of course, if you’re feeling more adventurous, you could also include Scafeel Pike, though despiteits apparent closeness, it’s further away than you think!

Youcan also approach from the ridge line to the south, via Crinkle Crags, or from paths via a number of remote valleys- Langstrath, Borrowdale, or Eskdale.

Angle Tarn in the Lake District, with Bowfell towering up behind the lake, under a calm sky — Angle Tarn, nestled into the slopes of Bowfell

If possible, it’s worth trying to include a visit to Angle Tarn on your travels - the relatively small lake is relatively deep, and trout can be found lurking within its depths. The photo here doesn’t do it justice, the towering side of Bowfell simply seems to pluge into the pool below.

A view of Scafell and Scafell Pike in the Lake District, from the rocky summit of Bowfell, under broken clouds — Scafell Pike, viewed from the summit of Bowfell.

Featured

Hi, I’m Ant…

I offer guided adventures and walkshops, for individuals and teams, to get people out of the office, and into the outdoors, giving you the time, space and inspiration to spark extraordinary thinking in extraordinary landscapes.