The summit
Esk Pike is an elusive peak. It appears in many views, but from most of the popular valleys it is hidden. On treks up the longer, more remote valleys such as Eskdale and Langstrath it appears prominently, however, and these are in all likelihood the most worthwhile approaches to the fell.
However, by far the most common method of climbing Esk Pike is to climb Bowfell first, then reach the smaller peak via Bowfell's North Ridge. This is what I set out to do on my one-day trip in October 2005. Despite the awful weather, I made good time to the summit of Bowfell, and after a little dithering about in the fog trying to find the right path, managed to see myself down as far as Ore Gap. Then the short climb to Esk Pike's summit began.
A stranger in this area, faced with dense mist and rain, will probably find this ridge of Esk Pike frustrating. I came across two false summits on my way up, each of which could only be attained by a technical scramble over wet and slippery rock. I suppose this should have clued me in on the fact that this wasn't the proper summit, but nevertheless I was disappointed both times when I found no cairn at the top of the outcrop. Still, it was fun scrambling practice!
The real summit, when it comes, is unmistakable, with a cairn of colourful stones set at the top of a little plinth of rock. Nearby is a good shelter built in the lee of a large boulder. I didn't stay in the area long on account of the weather (much too cold to sit down!), so hurried on to Esk Hause, where I made my descent back down into Langdale.
It's a shame that the weather was so bad that day, because otherwise Esk Pike would probably offer a first-class add-on ascent, or a good objective for the day in itself. The summit area is rocky and interesting, with plenty to offer for bouldering enthusiasts. I've made myself a promise that I'll return in better weather.
I have very few pictures of Esk Pike. Other than the obligatory shot of the summit, I have only two of much relevance, shown below.
 A false summit |
 Looking up to Esk Hause |
