Rossett Pike

About Rossett Pike

Wainwright acknowledged that Rossett Pike should strictly be regarded as the north east shoulder of its parent peak, Bowfell. However, with an elevation of 651 m (2,136 ft) and a prominence of around 35 m (~115 ft), it is listed as a Hewitt and a Nuttall; and Wainwright recognised it separately because of the pronounced sharp rise across the saddle of Rossett Pass. It stands at the head of Mickleden, one of two tributary valleys of Great Langdale.

The summit is marked by a small cairn on a rocky outcrop and offers impressive views of the Langdale Pikes and Lingmoor Fell, although the vista is interrupted by Bowfell in views to the west. A lower cairn is a good vantage point for views down into the head of Mickleden.

Climbing Rossett Pike

The main path is from Great Langdale via Rossett Gill heading past Angle Tarn to Esk Hause and up to Rossett Pike’s summit. Wainwright found this route distasteful in his Pictorial Guide because of its over-use, although it has now been much improved. However, it is still well worth seeking out the old pony track he recommends as an alternative, which passes an old sheepfold out of sight from the valley below and the grave of a packwoman preserved for over two centuries.

Rossett Pike can also be summited as an addition to a round of Great Langdale, visiting any or all of Crinkle Crags, Cold Pike, Pike of Blisco and Bowfell.