The dramatic summit ridge, from the north

Red Pike is a great mountain. Its craggy east face, falling steeply away from the summit ridge, gives an impression of enormous size and strength when viewed from Wasdale Head. Red Pike presents a massive western wall to the valley of Mosedale.

The other side is less dramatic. When seen from the vicinity of Over Beck or the lower slopes of Yewbarrow, the summit structure appears as a gently domed grassy pyramid, and it is from this side (or from Pillar as part of the Mosedale Horseshoe) that the mountain is usually climbed. After a steep scramble to Dore Head, or a longer, gentler walk by way of Over Beck, the climb to the summit over grassy slopes is relaxing. It's also a busy route due to the popularity of the Horseshoe.

The summit is extraordinary. A cairn is perched on the very edge of the cliff, and offers stupendously deep views across Mosedale to Pillar and Kirk Fell. This is also one of the best places for viewing the "Wasdale side" of the Scafells: just the right distance away, and perfectly proportioned, this grand mountain range presents a perfect picture. This is a view to savour over lunch, if you don't mind the crowds!

The view is less good in other directions, Haycock's bulk to the west blocking out much of the coastline, but Whin Rigg and a glimmer of Wastwater can be seen to the south.

If you climb Red Pike from south to north, take a look back along the ridge as you approach Scoat Fell. The ridge takes on the appearance of a breaking wave, gentle to the west but almost overhanging on the eastern side.

Even if the rest of the Mosedale Horseshoe isn't included in the day's plan, Red Pike is a fantastic mountain, certainly one of the best of the western Wasdale fells.

From above Dore Head	The summit cairn
From Over Beck	Whin Rigg from the summit
From Black Sail Pass	From Looking Stead