The east face

Steeple, technically no more than a buttress of its parent Scoat Fell, is an extraordinary mountain. It is improbably steep and shear on all sides, rising like a tower out of the depths of Ennerdale. And it's deservedly popular: for only a ten minute detour from Scoat Fell, you can enjoy a rocky scramble, an airy summit, and airliner views.

The summit is gained via a rocky spur leading from Scoat Fell known as the Steeple Arete. The path is loose and stony due to erosion, and it is probably better to stick to the crest of the ridge, where the rock is firmer. After a brief scramble, you're at the top, which is capped by a prominent cairn. The summit itself is quite small: there's only room for about a dozen people around the cairn. On the occasion I was there, people were queueing up on the arete waiting for their turn to set foot on the summit!

If I were to compare Steeple with any other mountain, I'd probably say it most resembles Tryfan on a smaller scale. The summit is very similar, only without the Adam and Eve stones, and there is a remarkable similarity between the partnership of Steeple and Scoat Fell when compared with Tryfan and Glyder Fach. Steeple's big downside is that it is completely dominated by Scoat Fell, and is almost invisible from the south. Only from Ennerdale or Scoat Fell itself is Steeple effectively seen.

The view is magnificent. Although obviously similar in many respects to the view from Scoat Fell, Steeple's advantage lies in its location and steepness. Protruding into Ennerdale, Steeple offers top-down views of the valley and is an excellent vantage point for both the dalehead towards Green Gable, and the lowlands extending from Ennerdale Water to the sea. This is also the best place for viewing Scoat Fell's impressive northern crags.

Steeple is best climbed as part of the Mosedale Horseshoe, or if you're feeling adventurous, from Ennerdale. Either way, it offers a superb climb and a spectacular summit, with an epic view to match.

From Scoat Fell	It's a busy day!
The Steeple Arete	Ennerdale Water
View into Ennerdale	Over Starling Dodd to Scotland