Map & Elevation
About this Route
This route climbs Bowfell from Old Dungeon Ghyll by Stool End, The Band and Three Tarns, then returns the same way. The attached GPX is 10.7 km, with 783 m of ascent and a walking-time estimate of 3 hours 27 minutes. That estimate does not include stops and can feel optimistic on the boulders near the summit.
Leave the car park on the track into Great Langdale and follow it towards Stool End Farm. Pass through the signed route at the farm and continue to the footbridge over Oxendale Beck. Once across, bear left at about NY 275 056 and begin the climb onto The Band. The ridge is broad and grassy at first, with a clear path and a steady view back down the valley. Higher up the path becomes rougher and passes rockier ground as it approaches the head of the ridge.
Stay on the main path along The Band. The Climbers’ Traverse is a different line which leaves the upper ridge and crosses beneath Bowfell Buttress towards the Great Slab; it is not part of this guide. The GPX continues to Three Tarns at the col between Bowfell and Crinkle Crags. At the col, turn north for Bowfell rather than following the ridge south towards Crinkle Crags or dropping west towards Lingcove Beck.
The last climb is much rougher than The Band. Follow the worn and cairned line through loose stones and large boulders, keeping clear of the crags on either side. The summit is a compact pile of rocks at 903 m and can be surprisingly awkward to identify in cloud. Return to Three Tarns before descending The Band. Do not be tempted onto the Climbers’ Traverse on the way down unless that separate route was part of your plan and is within your experience.
A favourite of all fellwalkers, Bowfell is a mountain that commands attention whenever it appears in a view.
Alfred Wainwright
Route Waypoints
Leave on the track heading west into Great Langdale. Keep to the main valley route towards Stool End rather than paths climbing towards the Langdale Pikes.
Follow the signed right of way through the farm. Close gates and keep to the marked line around the buildings and fields.
Cross the bridge and turn left soon afterwards at about NY 275 056 to start climbing The Band. Continuing ahead leads into Oxendale.
Follow the clear path up the broad grassy ridge. The climb is steady and there are no useful water sources higher on the ridge.
The path becomes stonier and passes rocky knolls. Keep to the main crest path as the ground narrows towards Bowfell.
Ignore the separate path leaving The Band towards Bowfell Buttress and the Great Slab. This GPX stays on the ordinary walking route to Three Tarns.
At the col, turn north for Bowfell. South continues to Crinkle Crags and west descends towards Lingcove Beck, so check the direction in cloud.
Follow the worn, cairned line over loose stones and large boulders. The path changes direction around rock outcrops and is slower than the ridge below.
Reach the summit rocks at 903 m. Before leaving, identify the southward line back to Three Tarns; paths also leave towards Ore Gap and Esk Pike.
Return to Three Tarns, descend the full length of The Band and retrace the route through Stool End to the car park.
Essential Tips
The Climbers’ Traverse and Great Slab are separate from this guide. Keep to the main path along The Band until the col.
Several routes meet at the col. In poor visibility use a map and compass to confirm the turn for Bowfell and the correct descent back to The Band.
The final half-kilometre is rough, loose and much slower than the valley track. Wet or icy rock makes the return harder.
The car parks and approach road are busy. Carry water, food, waterproofs and a headtorch even though the GPX time looks fairly short.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to climb Bowfell from Great Langdale?
The estimated walking time is 4 hours 19 minutes for the 13.3 km round trip. This accounts for the 987 m of ascent, but you should allow extra time for the long, stony descent and any breaks at the summit.
Is Bowfell harder than it looks from the start?
Yes. The Band is a clear, straightforward climb, but the upper mountain becomes rocky, exposed and difficult to navigate in cloud, with boulders that can be slippery.
What is Three Tarns on Bowfell?
Three Tarns is a high col (mountain pass) below Bowfell's southern face, reached after climbing The Band. Wind can funnel across this exposed area, and it's where the route turns north onto the rougher, rockier final ascent to the summit.