Pike of Blisco

Pike of Blisco also appears on some maps as ‘Pike o’Blisco’, a name preferred by Wainwright. It stands between the Great Langdale and Little Langdale valleys in the Langdale area of the Lake District, at an elevation of 705 m (2,313 ft) and with a prominence of 177 m (581 ft). Additionally listed as a Marilyn, a Hewitt and a Nuttall, it is a satellite of Scafell Pike.

Unlike many peaks in the Lake District, the summit is clearly visible from the valley below. Where in Wainwright’s time it was marked with a tall, conical cairn, this has now been vandalised and a slightly smaller one stands in its place, still seen from Great Langdale below. The summit area also offers a fine panorama of the surrounding landscape, especially of the Langdales.

Climbing Pike of Blisco

Dungeon Ghyll at the head of Great Langdale is a popular starting point for walkers, especially if following the Oxendale Beck and up to the top via Red Tarn. This walk tours round the entire foot of the fell, giving great views upwards. There are alternative routes from Little Langdale, including beginning at Wrynose Bridge.

There is a circular Wainwright route from Great or Little Langdale which also visits the summit of neighbouring Cold Pike. For those in search of a longer walk, and to ‘bag’ more than just one or two Wainwrights in one day, Pike of Blisco is often included in a circuit around the head of Great Langdale, taking in Crinkle Crags, Bowfell and sometimes Rossett Pike and the Langdale Pikes too.