Kidsty Pike

About Kidsty Pike

Lying in the Far Eastern Fells range of the Lake District, Kidsty Fell is really a subsidiary peak of Rampsgill Head, but was recognised as a separate fell by Wainwright because of its distinctive peaked profile. Standing at an elevation of 780 m (2,560 ft), its prominence is around 15 m (49 ft) and it is therefore also classified as a Nuttall.

Views from the grassed summit include the southernmost tip of the Haweswater Reservoir, while to the east, there is a stunning outlook over the Eden Valley to the Pennines beyond. To the north lies High Raise and to the west, Rampsgill Head, both of which loom larger than Kidsty Pike and obscure the view beyond.

A small cairn marks the summit.

Climbing Kidsty Pike

The only direct route of ascent to the summit of Kidsty Pike is from the road at Mardale Head at the head of the Haweswater Reservoir valley. Follow the lakeshore to the ruins of Riggindale Farm, from whence an old path up the ridge runs via Kidsty Howes.

Its proximity to several other Wainwright fells, however, means an ascent is often combined with climbing other nearby peaks. One common combination is to begin with High Street and follow with Kidsty Pike. For a longer, more challenging walk, energetic hikers can begin with The Knott, followed by Ramspgill Head, High Raise and Rest Dodd before moving onto Kidsty Pike and High Street.