Arthur's Pike: 533m Height, Walks and Ullswater Views

Arthur's Pike stands above the eastern shore of Ullswater, where open moorland meets a much steeper, craggier lakeside edge. At 533m, it is a modest summit beside the higher Far Eastern Fells, but its position gives it a generous outlook over the lake and surrounding country. Often paired with neighbouring Bonscale Pike, it rewards walkers who enjoy broad grassy ground as much as a well-placed viewpoint.

Open fell above Ullswater

Arthur's Pike belongs to the upland country east of Ullswater, towards the northern end of the High Street range. Its character changes according to where you look from: the approaches across the moorland reveal a rounded, grassy fell, while the slopes facing the lake are steeper and broken by crags. That contrast between an open top and a more rugged lakeside face is central to its appeal.

The summit reaches 533m, or 1,749ft, at grid reference NY460206. The highest ground sits back from the steep edge, so the summit and the fullest lake views are not quite the same thing. Ullswater is the main attraction in the outlook, with the fells beyond its western shore giving depth to the scene. Clear weather makes a considerable difference here: much of the pleasure lies in reading the wider landscape rather than inspecting a dramatic summit structure.

Arthur's Pike in the Far Eastern Fells

Wainwright included Arthur's Pike in Book Two of his pictorial guides, The Far Eastern Fells. It ranks 157th by height among the 214 Wainwrights. Its relatively low position in that list says little about the quality of its setting; the drop towards Ullswater gives the fell a stronger sense of elevation than the gently rising ground inland might suggest.

Bonscale Pike is its close neighbour, with Swarth Beck separating the two fells. Loadpot Hill and Wether Hill belong to the higher moorland extending southwards, while Steel Knotts is another nearby Wainwright above the Howtown area. Together, these summits show the variety within this part of the district: compact rocky tops close to the lake, then broader ridges and more extensive upland ground farther inland.

Walks and the appeal of the lake edge

Arthur's Pike is commonly combined with Bonscale Pike, and features in walks from the Howtown and Pooley Bridge areas. Longer outings connect it with Loadpot Hill and the wider High Street ridge. These are useful relationships to understand when choosing a dedicated route guide, rather than treating the summit as an isolated destination.

Its appeal rests chiefly on position and outlook. There is no sharp summit ridge here: instead, walkers find spacious fell country above one of Lakeland's best-known lakes. Despite the rounded terrain, the upper ground remains exposed to wind and low cloud, and the craggy lake-facing slopes deserve respect.

Where Arthur's Pike stands

Summit at grid reference NY460206 · open full map

The real Arthur's Pike

Walking Arthur's Pike

We make artwork, not route guides — these are the guides we'd point a friend to:

• Guide links to be curated.

Weather on Arthur's Pike

Conditions estimated at summit height (533 m) via Open-Meteo. For a walker's forecast, use the Mountain Weather Information Service.

Arthur's Pike on your wall

A painting of Arthur's Pike can hold the contrast that makes this fell memorable: open moorland above, craggy slopes below, and Ullswater stretching away beyond. On a wall at home, it offers a quiet connection to a familiar walk and the wider Far Eastern Fells.

Own “Arthur's Pike Sweeping Ridge Shadow” — our painting of Arthur's Pike → or browse all Fells & Mountains artwork

Neighbouring Wainwrights in The Far Eastern Fells

• Bonscale Pike 524 m
• Loadpot Hill 672 m
• Wether Hill 672 m
• Steel Knotts 432 m

Part of our guide to all 214 Wainwrights — see the full index.