Red Screes

About Red Screes

Rising steeply above the Kirkstone Pass, this prominent Wainwright offers a sense of independence unusual for the Eastern Fells. Its name is derived from the distinctive tumble of scree on its eastern face, while the summit plateau is home to a notable tarn and exceptional views across the Fairfield Horseshoe.

Key Statistics

Find It

Did You Know?

• •The fell's name originates from the extensive slopes of scree on its eastern flank, overlooking the Kirkstone Pass. These rocks contain a high proportion of iron ore, which oxidises to give the slopes a distinctively rusted, reddish hue when caught in certain lights.
• •Alfred Wainwright was particularly fond of the summit's vantage point, describing the view of Windermere as 'a silver ribbon' stretching toward the sea. He recommended the steep, rocky ascent via Kilnshaw Chimney for walkers who enjoy a mild scramble over more conventional paths.
• •Despite being overshadowed by the higher Fairfield group, its relative isolation gives it enough prominence to be classified as a Marilyn. This independence ensures that the 360-degree panorama remains unobstructed, offering clear sightlines across the Scandale Valley to the fells of the Fairfield Horseshoe.
• •The summit plateau features a substantial permanent tarn, which is unusual for a Lake District peak of this elevation. It serves as a reliable landmark in mist and provides a stark contrast to the steep, craggy slopes that define the mountain’s eastern and southern aspects.
• •Starting an ascent from the Kirkstone Pass Inn provides one of the highest trailheads in the Lake District at 454 metres, though the brevity of the climb is offset by a gradient so unrelenting that the pub at the bottom feels significantly further away after ten minutes of walking than it did at the start.