Bow Fell

Hill, Mountain in Westmorland Copeland

England

Bow Fell

Rocky ground north from summit of Shelter Crags The view north from the highest point of Shelter Crags with Bow Fell the peak above the grooved cliff.
The more rounded mountains beyond are Great End and Esk Pike.
Rocky ground north from summit of Shelter Crags Credit: Trevor Littlewood

Bow Fell is a prominent hill and mountain located in the county of Westmorland, England. Situated in the southern part of the Lake District National Park, it stands at an impressive height of 902 meters (2,959 feet) above sea level. This makes it one of the highest peaks in the region and a popular destination for hikers and mountaineers.

The mountain is composed primarily of volcanic rocks, including andesite and basalt, which were formed during volcanic activity around 450 million years ago. Its distinct pyramidal shape and rugged terrain make it a striking feature of the surrounding landscape.

Bow Fell is often climbed as part of a longer hike, such as the famous Langdale Pikes circuit, which includes several other peaks in the area. The summit offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and lakes, including the nearby Scafell Pike, the highest peak in England.

The ascent to Bow Fell can be challenging, particularly in winter when the mountain is often covered in snow and ice. However, experienced climbers and walkers are rewarded with stunning vistas and a sense of accomplishment upon reaching the summit.

The mountain is also known for its diverse flora and fauna, with heather, grasses, and mosses covering its slopes, and birds such as peregrine falcons and ring ouzels frequently spotted in the area.

Overall, Bow Fell is a magnificent natural landmark that showcases the beauty and ruggedness of the Lake District, attracting outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers from all over the world.

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Bow Fell Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.447774/-3.1663098 or Grid Reference NY2406. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Rocky ground north from summit of Shelter Crags The view north from the highest point of Shelter Crags with Bow Fell the peak above the grooved cliff.
The more rounded mountains beyond are Great End and Esk Pike.
Rocky ground north from summit of Shelter Crags
The view north from the highest point of Shelter Crags with Bow Fell the peak above the grooved cliff. The more rounded mountains beyond are Great End and Esk Pike.
Rossett Pike Mid November day just passed the summit of the pike.
Rossett Pike
Mid November day just passed the summit of the pike.
Langdale – Looking west to The Band and Bowfell The background is not in doubt.  The camera position is uncertain showing a view obtained while climbing up the side of the valley to the Langdale Pikes. I thank Ian Taylor for his great help in locating the image.
Langdale – Looking west to The Band and Bowfell
The background is not in doubt. The camera position is uncertain showing a view obtained while climbing up the side of the valley to the Langdale Pikes. I thank Ian Taylor for his great help in locating the image.
Little Gill
Little Gill
Bow Fell and the Great Slab Taken from near Rossett Pike. I suspect that the party ascended the rough path on the right. The slab is just left of centre.
Bow Fell and the Great Slab
Taken from near Rossett Pike. I suspect that the party ascended the rough path on the right. The slab is just left of centre.
The Scafell range from Bow Fell The grassy hill in the middle distance is Pike de Bield. On the skyline are Sca Fell (in cloud), the gap at Mickledore, and Scafell Pike (clear), with Ill Crag on the right.
The Scafell range from Bow Fell
The grassy hill in the middle distance is Pike de Bield. On the skyline are Sca Fell (in cloud), the gap at Mickledore, and Scafell Pike (clear), with Ill Crag on the right.
Crinkle Crags from Pike of Stickle The ridge ascending to the right across the image is The Band, leading to Bow Fell just out of shot. The dip on the horizon left of Bow Fell is at Three Tarns.
Crinkle Crags from Pike of Stickle
The ridge ascending to the right across the image is The Band, leading to Bow Fell just out of shot. The dip on the horizon left of Bow Fell is at Three Tarns.
Bow Fell from Rossett Pike If heading for Bow Fell from here, there is a descent of only 80m or so to Angle Tarn before the climb begins.
Bow Fell from Rossett Pike
If heading for Bow Fell from here, there is a descent of only 80m or so to Angle Tarn before the climb begins.
The Great Slab of Bow Fell Looking south-east towards Windermere.
The Great Slab of Bow Fell
Looking south-east towards Windermere.
The Bow Fell crags From near the top of the Great Slab.
The Bow Fell crags
From near the top of the Great Slab.
Bow Fell from Shelter Crags The route along the ridge from Crinkle Crags to Bow Fell was a popular one, as evidenced by the scar of the path on the right.  It remains so:  it is an obvious round from the Langdale valley.
Bow Fell from Shelter Crags
The route along the ridge from Crinkle Crags to Bow Fell was a popular one, as evidenced by the scar of the path on the right. It remains so: it is an obvious round from the Langdale valley.
At the Three Tarns From the col between Crinkle Crags and Bow Fell, looking to the Scafell range.
At the Three Tarns
From the col between Crinkle Crags and Bow Fell, looking to the Scafell range.
The 'Bad Step' on Crinkle Crags It is interesting to see that this route was already badly eroded back in 1965.

Competent scramblers will take a route immediately right of the chockstone. There is clearly an easier route to the right of the huge central slab. But mere hillwalkers, as I am, used a path on the left, out of shot.
The 'Bad Step' on Crinkle Crags
It is interesting to see that this route was already badly eroded back in 1965. Competent scramblers will take a route immediately right of the chockstone. There is clearly an easier route to the right of the huge central slab. But mere hillwalkers, as I am, used a path on the left, out of shot.
The crags on the east side of Crinkle Crags
The crags on the east side of Crinkle Crags
Crinkle Crags from Great Knott
Crinkle Crags from Great Knott
Crinkle Crags and Bow Fell From the Red Tarn path.
Crinkle Crags and Bow Fell
From the Red Tarn path.
Crinkle Crags Crinkle Crags on the fourth Crinkle looking to the fifth and on to in the distance Bowfell
Crinkle Crags
Crinkle Crags on the fourth Crinkle looking to the fifth and on to in the distance Bowfell
Rainbow over Black Crags
Rainbow over Black Crags
Show me another place!

Bow Fell is located at Grid Ref: NY2406 (Lat: 54.447774, Lng: -3.1663098)

Administrative County: Cumbria

District: Copeland

Police Authority: Cumbria

What 3 Words

///condense.releases.strumming. Near Ambleside, Cumbria

Nearby Locations

Bow Fell Bow Fell

Related Wikis

Bowfell

Bowfell (named Bow Fell on Ordnance Survey maps) is a pyramid-shaped mountain lying at the heart of the English Lake District, in the Southern Fells area...

Angle Tarn (Langstrath)

Angle Tarn is a tarn to the north of Bowfell in the English Lake District. It drains into Langstrath Beck. This should not be confused with Angle Tarn...

Rossett Pike

Rossett Pike is a fell in the English Lake District. It is located at the head of Mickleden, one of two tributary valleys of Great Langdale. == Topography... ==

Esk Pike

Esk Pike is a fell in the English Lake District, one of the cirque of hills forming the head of Eskdale. == Topography == The Southern Fells include the...

Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 54.447774,-3.1663098
Man Made: cairn
Lat/Long: 54.4469589/-3.1619164
Slate Crag
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 54.4464378/-3.1728454
Hart How
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 54.4438175/-3.1660862
Bowfell
Ele: 902
Natural: peak
Source: GPX
Wikidata: Q599892
Wikipedia: en:Bowfell
Lat/Long: 54.4477667/-3.1662567
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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