Cold Pike West Top

Sitting slightly west of the main Cold Pike summit, this rocky outcrop offers a rugged, high-altitude feel characteristic of the Southern Fells. While often bypassed on the way to Crinkle Crags, it provides a superior vantage point for looking directly down the length of the Great Langdale valley.

• •The name 'Pike' derives from the Old Norse pík, describing a pointed summit, while 'Cold' likely refers to its exposed position catching the prevailing winds at the head of the Duddon and Langdale valleys.
• •As a Nuttall, this top is a mandatory visit for those aiming to summit every peak in England and Wales over 2,000 feet with a rise of at least 15 metres.
• •It is the westernmost of the three distinct rocky knolls that form the Cold Pike plateau, separated from the main summit by a short stretch of undulating, often saturated ground.
• •The summit provides an exceptional perspective on the 'Bad Step' of Crinkle Crags, allowing walkers to watch others struggle with the scramble from a safe and comfortable distance.