Kidsty Pike is one of the most distinctive and characterful fells in England’s Lake District, known for its dramatic silhouette, commanding ridgeline, and sweeping views over Haweswater and the Far Eastern Fells. Although technically a subsidiary top of Rampsgill Head, it stands alone in appearance, personality, and visitor appeal. Many hikers treat it as an independent fell because of its remarkable position, challenging slopes, and the rewarding experience it offers to anyone who reaches its summit.
The Character and Landscape of Kidsty Pike
Kidsty Pike rises sharply above the eastern shores of Haweswater, creating an iconic triangular profile that many hikers recognise instantly. It is part of the Far Eastern Fells, a quieter and more remote region of the Lake District compared to the busy central and western hubs. This remoteness is part of its charm.
The fell reaches a height close to 780 metres, offering expansive views across Riggindale, High Street, Selside Pike, and the rugged edges that form the backbone of the Far Eastern range. From the summit, the panorama is breathtaking. Haweswater lies far below, a long serpentine reservoir framed by steep yet striking slopes that create a sense of grandeur and solitude.
The northern face of Kidsty Pike is gentler, falling gradually towards Randale. The southern side is far more dramatic, with steep crags and loose scree that drop sharply into Riggindale. This variation in terrain makes the fell appealing to a wide mix of walkers: those seeking an easier ascent and those wanting a more technical challenge.
Historical and Cultural Background
Kidsty Pike holds a number of cultural and historical associations. Although not as widely referenced as Scafell Pike or Helvellyn, it has been celebrated by fellwalkers since the early twentieth century, especially thanks to Alfred Wainwright. In his famous Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells, Wainwright labelled Kidsty Pike as one of the most distinctive points along the High Street mountain range. His writing helped bring attention to the fell’s beauty and encouraged generations of walkers to explore the Far Eastern region of the Lakes.
The fell also forms part of the Coast to Coast route, the well-known long-distance trail devised by Wainwright. For many walkers completing this route, Kidsty Pike is the highest point of their entire journey. Standing here, especially after long days on foot, gives a memorable sense of achievement.
The area surrounding Kidsty Pike also has a gripping human past. Before Haweswater was turned into a reservoir in the 1930s, a small village named Mardale Green stood in the valley. Homes, farms, a church, and a pub once stood where the water now lies. During periods of drought, remnants of the old village occasionally reappear, adding a haunting layer of history to the already dramatic landscape.
Wildlife and Nature Around Kidsty Pike
Kidsty Pike is part of a region rich in wildlife. The steep slopes and protective valleys near Riggindale long served as a sanctuary for England’s last golden eagle, which lived in the area until the mid-2010s. Although the species has not returned since, the valley remains an important location for birds of prey. Walkers often report sightings of buzzards, kestrels, and occasionally peregrine falcons patrolling the skies.
The surrounding fellside supports hardy vegetation such as heather, bilberry, cotton grass, and mosses that thrive in the cool Lake District climate. During late summer, the hillsides often bloom with purple hues as the heather opens. Deer and mountain hares can sometimes be spotted in the quieter parts of the valleys, particularly at dawn or dusk.
The area also benefits from being less crowded than more famous Lake District peaks. As a result, local wildlife tends to be more active and visible, providing nature enthusiasts with satisfying encounters during their climb.
Best Routes to Climb Kidsty Pike
There are several excellent routes to ascend Kidsty Pike, suitable for different skill levels and preferences. All of them offer beautiful scenery, but some require more stamina or confidence on steep ground.
1. Mardale Head via Kidsty Howes
This is the most popular and scenic ascent. Starting from the road end at Mardale Head, walkers follow the lakeshore path before climbing the rugged shoulder of Kidsty Howes. The route is steep in places, especially near the top of the Howes, but it offers amazing views over Haweswater the entire way. Once the ridge is reached, the summit of Kidsty Pike lies a short distance further along. This approach provides the perfect mix of effort, challenge, and reward.
2. High Street Ridge Route
For those wanting a longer day on the fells, Kidsty Pike can be approached from the High Street ridge. This route typically begins near Hartsop or Patterdale and passes over several summits, including The Knott and Rampsgill Head. Kidsty Pike becomes one highlight along a wider ridge circuit. The walking is more gentle than the Mardale route, though it is longer and requires good navigation skills, particularly in poor visibility.
3. Riggindale Horseshoe
This is a more demanding full-day circuit, taking in a sequence of summits such as High Raise, Rampsgill Head, and High Street before looping back across Kidsty Pike. This horseshoe offers unforgettable elevated views of Riggindale and Haweswater and is popular among experienced fellwalkers wanting a full exploration of the Far Eastern Fells.
Geological Features
The geological composition of Kidsty Pike tells a long and ancient story. The fell is made primarily of Borrowdale volcanic rock, one of the Lake District’s oldest and most durable materials. This rock creates the sharp edges and rugged cliffs for which the region is known.
The valley surrounding the fell bears the marks of glacial shaping. During the last Ice Age, a massive glacier occupied the Haweswater valley, carving steep slopes and creating the dramatic V-shaped outline still visible today. The movement of ice and meltwater sculpted the rocky crags and steep gullies that walkers now navigate.
Loose scree on the south side of the fell is also a result of thousands of years of erosion, with broken fragments of volcanic rock sliding naturally into the valley below. This makes some southern routes unsuitable for casual or inexperienced hikers, but contributes to the wild, untouched feel of the landscape.
Why Kidsty Pike Appeals to Walkers
There are many reasons why this peak has such a strong appeal:
Quietness and Solitude
Unlike more famous summits such as Scafell Pike, Helvellyn, or Catbells, Kidsty Pike receives fewer tourists. This creates a more peaceful walking atmosphere, making it perfect for those wanting a genuine sense of escape.
Dramatic Scenery
The view over Haweswater from the summit is one of the finest in the Far Eastern Fells. Mist rising from the water on early mornings gives the area a mystical quality that many photographers adore.
Sense of Adventure
Its approach over rugged slopes and exposed ridgelines provides a feeling of real adventure without requiring technical climbing equipment.
Coast to Coast Fame
For long-distance walkers, reaching Kidsty Pike is a major milestone on the Coast to Coast route.
Tips for Walking Kidsty Pike Safely
- Wear sturdy, waterproof boots suitable for rough terrain.
- Check the weather forecast before your walk; the ridge can be windy and visibility may drop quickly.
- Carry a map and compass or a GPS device, especially if walking the longer ridge routes.
- Bring adequate water and energy snacks, as the routes can be strenuous in places.
- Start early if completing a longer circuit to avoid descending in low light.
The Best Time to Visit
Spring and early summer offer pleasant temperatures, blooming wildflowers, and clearer trails. Autumn is another excellent season, with golden colours across the valley and dramatic skies that create excellent photography opportunities. Winter ascents should be left to experienced walkers, as ice and snow can make the higher ground treacherous.
Conclusion
Kidsty Pike stands as one of the Lake District’s most atmospheric and inspiring fells. With its striking triangular peak, breathtaking views over Haweswater, rich history, rugged terrain, and peaceful surroundings, it offers an exceptional experience to walkers of all kinds. Whether approached as part of a long-distance journey or visited as a standalone summit, Kidsty Pike leaves a deep and lasting impression. Its blend of solitude, beauty, and adventure makes it a mountain worth exploring again and again.
