Lake District
Bowfell North Top
866M
2841FT
About Bowfell North Top
Positioned on the rugged ridge connecting the main summit to Esk Hause, this boulder-strewn Nuttall offers a wilder, quieter perspective than its famous neighbour. The terrain is characteristically harsh and stony, providing a magnificent vantage point over the upper reaches of Langstrath and the dramatic Crinkle Crags to the south.
Key Statistics
Rank
24th Highest in Region
Parent Range
Southern Fells
Prominence
?
17m
Nearest Town
Eskdale
Geology
You are walking on layers of volcanic ash and sand. These rocks formed from fine debris and shattered stone fragments left behind by prehistoric eruptions.
Find It
Latitude
54.4528°N
Longitude
3.1667°W
Did You Know?
- •The name Bowfell is derived from the Old Norse 'bogi', meaning bow, and 'fjall', meaning mountain. This likely refers to the distinctive arched profile the massif presents when viewed from the valley of Great Langdale.
- •This summit stands directly above Ore Gap, a high pass named for the deposits of red haematite (iron ore) found in the soil, which still stains the ground and nearby rocks a distinct rusty colour after rain.
- •While the main summit of Bowfell is a celebrated Wainwright, the North Top is classified as a Nuttall and a Synge, making it a necessary detour for those looking to complete the full list of Lake District 2,000ft summits.
- •From this vantage point, you get an unparalleled side-on view of the Great Slab on Bowfell’s eastern face—a massive, tilted sheet of rock that is one of the most iconic geological features in the fells.
- •Looking north-east, the summit offers a clear view over the deep glacial scoop containing Angle Tarn, with the sharp profile of Rossett Pike and the more distant Langdale Pikes framing the skyline.
- •The summit consists of an uncompromising collection of angular boulders, which serve as a final, ankle-turning reminder that you are standing in the heart of the Borrowdale Volcanics.