Lake District
Red Pike (Buttermere)
755M
2478FT
About Red Pike (Buttermere)
Red Pike is the prominent peak overlooking Buttermere, famous for its distinct reddish hue. Most hikers tackle the steep, direct ascent from the village, which passes the dramatic Bleaberry Tarn. It forms part of the classic High Stile ridge, offering some of the best views toward Great Gable and Pillar.
Key Statistics
Rank
107th Highest in Region
Parent Range
Western Fells
Prominence
?
41.3
Nearest Town
Buttermere
Geology
You’re walking on layers of soft mud rock from the Buttermere Formation, a patch of granite from the Ennerdale Intrusion, and broken volcanic fragments from the Birker Fell Andesite.
Find It
Latitude
54.5274°N
Longitude
3.2985°W
Did You Know?
- •The fell’s name and distinctive color come from the presence of syenite, an intrusive igneous rock similar to granite but lacking quartz, which creates a vibrant red subsoil visible on eroded paths.
- •On its northern slopes sits Scale Force, which features a single vertical drop of 170 feet, making it the highest waterfall in the Lake District.
- •Despite sharing the name, this Red Pike is actually 46 metres lower than its namesake near Wasdale, though Alfred Wainwright argued that the Buttermere peak was far more deserving of the title.
- •The term 'Pike' stems from the Old Norse 'pík', meaning a pointed mountain top, reflecting the area’s Viking heritage and the summit’s sharp profile when viewed from the valley floor.
- •The direct descent back to Buttermere is essentially a vertical beach of loose red scree, perfect if you enjoy 'boot-skiing' and spending the drive home shaking half the mountain out of your socks.