Join us for an ascent of Bowfell (903m), one of the most impressive mountains in the Lake District and the sixth-highest summit in England. Rising dramatically above Great Langdale, Bowfell is a true mountain in every sense, offering rugged terrain, magnificent panoramas and a real sense of high mountain adventure. ]
Starting from Old Dungeon Ghyll in the heart of Great Langdale, we follow the classic route via The Band, a broad ridge that steadily climbs from the valley floor towards the high mountain col of Three Tarns. As height is gained, superb views open across the surrounding fells including the iconic Langdale Pikes, Crinkle Crags and Pike of Blisco.
Standing proudly at 903 metres, Bowfell occupies a central position amongst the highest mountains of the Lake District. Its distinctive pyramidal summit conceals a vast mountain mass stretching towards Eskdale, Langdale and the Scafell range. The mountain is renowned for its rocky summit plateau, rugged character and outstanding views.
The final ascent from Three Tarns involves exciting rocky terrain and easy hands-on sections as we make our way through boulder fields to the summit. Whilst not a scramble, the route provides a genuine mountain experience and an excellent introduction to higher Lakeland terrain.
The dramatic landscape surrounding Bowfell was created by ancient volcanic activity over 450 million years ago, later sculpted by powerful glaciers during the Ice Ages. Deep valleys such as Great Langdale, Eskdale and Oxendale were carved by glacial ice, leaving behind the rugged ridges, corries and rocky buttresses that define the mountain today.
For climbers, Bowfell is equally famous. Its eastern flanks contain classic rock-climbing venues including Bowfell Buttress, Cambridge Crag and the legendary Great Slab, a huge inclined sheet of rock that has become one of Lakeland’s most recognisable geological features.
From the summit we can enjoy spectacular panoramas across:
Meeting Time: 09:30
Meeting Point: Old Dungeon Ghyll National Trust Car Park, Great Langdale, LA22 9JY
Parking is available at the National Trust Pay & Display Car Park at Old Dungeon Ghyll, with additional overflow parking available nearby at New Dungeon Ghyll.
Towering above Great Langdale, Bowfell delivers everything that makes Lakeland mountain walking so special: dramatic scenery, rugged terrain, fascinating geology and breathtaking views from one of England’s great mountain summits.
