Kentmere Pike: 730.5m Height, Walks and Fell Views

Kentmere Pike is a broad-backed fell on the ridge dividing Kentmere from Longsleddale. At 730.5m, it brings substantial height to the eastern arm of the Kentmere Horseshoe without the sharp profile of the fells opposite. Its appeal is in the spacious upland walking, the long views and the contrast between its grassy summit country and the steeper ground falling towards Longsleddale.

A broad summit between two valleys

Kentmere Pike stands between the upper Kentmere valley to the west and Longsleddale to the east. Its summit reaches 730.5m, or 2,397ft, at grid reference NY465077. A trig pillar and a dry-stone wall are recognisable features of the summit area, where the ridge opens into broad, grassy ground rather than a narrow rocky crest. The name suggests a pointed top, but the experience underfoot is generally one of space and rounded contours.

The fell has a more rugged eastern face, with craggy slopes above Longsleddale. That contrast is part of its character: the summit itself can feel unassuming, while the valley below reveals the scale of the ridge. Across Kentmere, the opposing skyline includes Yoke, Ill Bell and Froswick. Looking northwards, the higher ground around Harter Fell and High Street places Kentmere Pike within a much larger sweep of upland.

Kentmere Pike in the Far Eastern Fells

Alfred Wainwright included Kentmere Pike in The Far Eastern Fells, the second book of his Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells. It ranks 72nd by height among the 214 Wainwrights. Its position is useful for understanding this part of the district: it belongs to the long ridge enclosing Kentmere on the east, with Harter Fell to the north and Shipman Knotts to the south.

Beyond Longsleddale, Branstree and Tarn Crag belong to the neighbouring uplands. These fells share the quieter, more open character associated with much of the Far Eastern Fells, where broad ridges and extensive grassland often take precedence over sharply defined rock architecture. Kentmere Pike is a good example of why a fell need not have a dramatic summit to make a rewarding place to walk.

Its place on the Kentmere Horseshoe

Kentmere Pike is best known as one of the summits on the Kentmere Horseshoe, the established high-level circuit around the valley. On that round, it forms part of the eastern ridge rather than an isolated objective. Walks also approach the fell from Longsleddale, giving it a connection with both valleys.

The horseshoe is a substantial mountain walk, and Kentmere Pike's rounded summit should not be mistaken for sheltered ground. Its height and open position leave it exposed to wind and cloud. Dedicated walking guides are the right place to compare routes, distances and navigational demands before setting out.

Where Kentmere Pike stands

Summit at grid reference NY465077 · open full map

The real Kentmere Pike

Walking Kentmere Pike

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

• Kentmere Pike walk (lonewalker.net)
• Kentmere Pike (walklakes.co.uk)
• Sadgill and Kentmere Pike Circular, Cumbria, England (alltrails.com)

Weather on Kentmere Pike

Conditions estimated at summit height (730 m) via Open-Meteo. For a walker's forecast, use the Mountain Weather Information Service.

Kentmere Pike on your wall

A painting of Kentmere Pike can bring back more than the summit: the wall across open ground, the ridge towards Harter Fell, the changing light above Longsleddale. As a print or canvas, that familiar outline gives a remembered walk a lasting place at home.

Own “Vibrant Pastures Below Kentmere Pike” — our painting of Kentmere Pike → or browse all Fells & Mountains artwork

Neighbouring Wainwrights in The Far Eastern Fells

• Harter Fell (Mardale) 779 m
• Shipman Knotts 587 m
• Branstree 712 m
• Tarn Crag (Longsleddale) 664 m

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