Side Pike

DETAILS

Leader: Dave Hasleden.

This is a joint trip with Westmorland Geological Society.

Side Pike field itinerary

Risk Assessment

Meet at the National Trust Car Park at Blea Tarn (NY 2954 0432) at 10am. Free for NT members.

The excursion will generally follow Itinerary 2.1 ‘The Margin of the Langdale Caldera: volcanic rocks of Side Pike’ by Prof Mike Branney in the new GA Guide No.77 [Branney (2023)].

The day will start by walking round Blea Tarn on a good path to the cattle grid below Side Pike and then traversing Side Pike onto Lingmoor Fell via ‘Fat Mans Agony’ covering around 4 miles (6.5k) and 1200 ft (360 m) of ascent. The route will follow footpaths where possible but even these will involve scrambling up rock steps. The first part of the traverse will involve ascent of some steep exposed ground. Crossing heather and bracken covered tussocky ground will also be required to reach some of the exposures. Although relatively short the excursion is graded medium/hard due to the terrain and good footwear is essential.

The excursion is expected to take around 4-5 hours so please bring adequate food and drink. There are no toilet facilities at the car park or on the excursion.