Lingmoor Fell & Side Pike

Walked on 22/03/2024

Walking Diary 2024

Start Point: Blea Tarn Car Park (NY 296 043)

Blea Tarn – Bleatarn House – Lingmoor Fell – Lingmoor Tarn – The Squeeze – Side Pike – Blea Tarn

Distance: 5.7 km Total Ascent: 365 metres Time Taken: 2 hours Start Time: 10:10

Weather: Cold wind, clear spells, 5°C

This is a great little walk, the scenery is fabulous throughout with the Langdale Pikes dominating the scene for most of the time. The view from Side Pike is possible the best view you can get of the Langdales and well worth squeezing through ‘The Squeeze’ to get to it. Blea Tarn is ever popular and offers great views with an easy path around it.

Lingmoor Fell and Side Pike route map.

Straight from the car park above Blea Tarn, there is a great view of the Langdales from the Side Gates road.

Heading a little further down the road towards Bleatarn House, there is a large stone next to the road known as the echo stone.

Looking across Blea Tarn to Blake Rigg on the eastern side of Pike o' Blisco.

Bowfell and The Band.

A fabulous view to Mickleden and the Langdale Pikes from the larches looking over Bleatarn House. Blea Tarn and Bleatarn House are described in Wordsworth's 1814 poem 'The Solitary' (which itself is part of a longer poem 'The Excursion': ...to the south Was one small opening, where a heath-clad ridge Supplied a boundary less abrupt and close; A quiet treeless nook, with two green fields, A liquid pool that glittered in the sun, and one bare Dwelling; one Abode, no more ! It seemed the home of poverty and toil Though not of want: the little fields, made green By husbandry of many thrifty years, Paid cheerful tribute to the moorland House.

Side Pike with the Langdales beyond.

Fletcher basking in the sunshine.

Blake Rigg and Pike o' Blisco across Blea Tarn. Crinkle Crags are silhouetted beyond.

Looking south to the Coniston fells with Wetherlam dominating and the long ridge of Wet Side Edge leading to Great Carrs.

Looking directly along Mickleden - what a view!

It doesn't look as though I am alone of this fell today! I passed this large group on the final part of the ascent,

Lingmoor Fell summit.

The Langdale Pikes and Lingmoor Tarn, the next target.

Down at Lingmoor Tarn.

The Langdlae pIkes are looking larger as I descend.

The 'Great Wall of Lingmoor' leads to Side Pike. It looks impenetrable from here but there is a way to get through.

Getting closer.

Looking back to Lingmoor Fell.

This is the key to climbing Side Pike - known as The Squeeze for obvious reasons. This is taken from the far side of it; it required bag removal and a deep breath to get through here!

A great view of Blea Tarn from the path skirting the foot of Side Pike.

Pike o' Blisco seems close from here.

There is probably the best view of the Langdale Pikes from Side Pike.

From Bowfell to Esk Pike.

A wide view of Oxendale and Mickleden.

A beautiful panorama from the top of the Blea Tarn Pass.

The Langdale Pikes across Blea Tarn.

Footnote: A then and now photo - Fletcher sitting on the very same stone that Mr A.Wainwright himself sat on in 1990!

Wainwright photo © Chris Butterfield/Estate of Kenneth Shepherd.
Check out Chris Butterfield’s fantastic Alfred Wainwright Books & Memorabilia website, it is a mine of useful information about all things Wainwright related!

Side Pike

Height: 362 metres / 1187 feet Grid reference: NY 29310 05367

Side Pike from the Blea Tarn path

The Langdale Pikes from Side Pike

Lingmoor Fell

Walked on 08/12/2014

Start Point: Blea Tarn Car Park (NY 296 043)

Blea Tarn – Bleatarn House – Lingmoor Fell – Lingmoor Tarn – Side Pike – Blea Tarn

Distance: 3.2 miles Total Ascent: 390 metres Time Taken: 2 hours Start Time: 08:00

Weather: Cold wind, clear spells, 5°C

Dougal was in for the op that any male wouldn’t like to think too much about today (gulp!) so it was down to young Fletcher to be #1 Fell Dog for the day. They were big paws to fill but Fletcher had no problems carrying it off – today he experienced snow and ice for the first time. Winter has struck on the high ground and the wind was icy cold, through to the bone on the tops but when the leaden skies cleared, what fabulous views there were to be had.

A brief sunny spell at the start of the walk lights up Blea Tarn.

Blake Rigg across Blea Tarn.

Wetherlam and a burst of sunshine through a stormy sky.

Bowfell and Rossett Pike across a sunny Oxendale Pass road.

The snow clad Lansdale Pikes set off Side Pike quite nicely from the climb.

Bleatarn House below looking to Bowfell.

It looks a bit ominous over Coniston way.

A cold climb to the summit...

...and even colder when we got there with a raw wind blowing - not a place to hang around today.

The view to Windermere.

Looking across Lingmoor Tarn and the Langdales are in for more snow.

Mono Langdales.

A strange hue across Oxendale.

Pike o' Blisco.

Side Pike and Bowfell.

As if by magic...on the climb to Side Pike through the squeeze, the sun came out. That's better Fletcher.

The Langdale Pikes.

Clearing skies.

Looking from the end of Side Pike, along the wall to Lingmoor Fell.

The view from Side Pike top.

Close up on the Langdales.

The fabulous view across Blea Tarn. Later, on the way home I expected a decent sunset so went over Wrynose (where cars were turning back because of the icy conditions) and up Hardknott Pass for a quick climb to Border End.

Harter Fell.

The end of day glow over the Scafells.

Looking into Upper Eskdale.

A penny for them, Fletcher.

Scafell and Scafell Pike.

At the end of the day.

Dying embers.

Lingmoor Fell

Walked on 28/05/2012

Start point: Blea Tarn Car Park (NY 296 043)

Blea Tarn – Bleatarn House – Lingmoor Fell – Lingmoor Tarn – Side Pike – Blea Tarn

Distance: 3.2 miles Total Ascent: 390 metres Time Taken: 2 hours Start Time: 09:30

Weather: Sunny and warm. 25°C

Wow, what a scorching weekend it has been and today continued in the same way. So it was sun cream on and plenty of drinks for the climb to Lingmoor Fell, the diminutive fell with the XL views!

The Langdale Pikes across Blea Tarn.

It was really warm here today, the dogs were straight in (after the reflection shot, naturally!).

Bowfell beyond Blea Tarn House.

Looking back down the steep climb.

Blea Tarn.

A clear day without a cloud in the sky.

Blake Rigg and Pike o' Blisco over Blea Tarn.

The Coniston fells.

Brown How, the summit of Lingmoor Fell.

Descending to Lingmoor Tarn.

The Langdales across Lingmoor Tarn.

I came across this sheep stuck in a bog - the poor thing couldn't move so I did my good deed for the day and hauled it out. It is amazing how heavy sheep are when laden with mud and water and I think it must have been there for quite a while as it couldn't walk for a good 10 minutes or so. You can imagine what Casper and Dougal thought of me fraternising with the 'enemy'!

The wall to Side Pike.

There are still the odd clumps of bluebells around.

The Langdales across the wall.

The impenetrable looking wall of Side Pike.

Casper following the path, this is the only way through...

...only skinny dogs can manage this one! What do you mean 'how did I manage then'?

Mickleden.

The Langdale Pikes.

Great Langdale.

A hot day for Dougal and Casper.

Oxendale, with Crinkle Crags at its head.

Bowfell and The Band.

Pike o' Blisco.

Back at Blea Tarn, there are a few more clouds around then there was first thing this morning.

Lingmoor Fell

Walked on 07/03/2011

Start point: Blea Tarn Car Park (NY 296 043)

Blea Tarn – Bleatarn House – Lingmoor Fell – Lingmoor Tarn – Side Pike – Blea Tarn

Distance: 3.2 miles Total Ascent: 390 metres Time Taken: 2 hours Start Time: 09:40

Weather: Overcast. 2ºC

It was a grey old day in the south Lakes today even though the morning had promised much with bright sunshine everywhere. I had a walk to Lingmoor Fell with friend Ken and the views ended up being non-existent but it was really quite calm and pleasant despite the cool temperature.

Lingmoor Fell route map.

Bleatarn House.

Blake Rigg and Blea Tarn.

Side Pike through the gap in the wall, the Langdale Pikes beyond are lost in mist.

Casper and Dougal on Brown How, the summit of Lingmoor Fell.

Dougal checks out Lingmoor Tarn.

Time for a dip.

Lingmoor Tarn.

Heading for Side Pike. There is already a group of walkers up there.

Ken tries to push the rock out of the way but can't quite manage it.

Breathe in and form an orderly queue at the squeeze.

Looking back towards Blea Tarn and the Coniston fells.

Mickleden.

Back at Blea Tarn.

Blea Tarn reflections.

Lingmoor Fell

Walked on 19/08/2010

Start point: Blea Tarn Car Park (NY 296 043)

Blea Tarn – Bleatarn House – Lingmoor Fell – Lingmoor Tarn – Side Pike – Blea Tarn

Distance: 3.2 miles Total Ascent: 390 metres Time Taken: 2 hours Start Time: 09:50

Weather: A mixed bag. 13C

I’ve been very busy of late and it’s been a little while since I was out on the fells but I managed to make it up onto Lingmoor Fell today. The weather was mixed and it felt a little fresh up there but it was good to be out in the fresh air with only my thoughts for company (plus Dougal and Casper of course!).

Lingmoor Fell route map.

The Langdale Pikes lost in a shower beyond Side Pike.

Blake Rigg and Blea Tarn.

Side Pike above Bleatarn House.

Looking back from the climb.

Blea Tarn during a shower.

The Langdale Pikes appear from the mist.

Dogfight over Mickleden.

Wet Dougally Doo looks happy to be out.

Wetherlam and the Coniston fells.

Pike o' Blisco above Blea Tarn.

Dougal demonstrates how a fell dog scales obstacles.

Mucky pups on Lingmoor Fell.

The Langdale Pikes from Lingmoor Fell.

Looking the other way, towards the Coniston fells.

Ling on Lingmoor Fell.

Descending to Lingmoor Tarn.

It's clearing nicely over the Langdales now.

Langdale close up.

The view across Lingmoor Tarn.

Sunshine and showers.

It's not called Lingmoor Fell for nothing.

Side Pike.

The wall leads to Side Pike which looks pretty well impenetrable from below...

...but there is a way with just a Beardie-width gap to get through. Lay off the pies before you go for this one.

The view over Blea Tarn from the other side of the squeeze.

There is a great view of the Langdales from Side Pike - that campsite looks busy below but there was no one up here this morning.

Mickleden - Rossett Pike is visible at its head but Bowfell's top still has its head in the clouds.

'Which way did those geese go?'.

Lingmoor Fell

Walked on 25/05/2007

Start point: Blea Tarn Car Park (NY 296 043)

Blea Tarn – Bleatarn House – Lingmoor Fell – Lingmoor Tarn – Side Pike – Blea Tarn

Distance: 3.2 miles Total Ascent: 390 metres Time Taken: 2 hours

Weather: Sunny with a cool breeze. 13oC.

Sunshine and blue skies again today for a short walk up to Lingmoor Fell, one that is short in stature but offers really fine views of the surrounding high fells. Casper and Angus both came today, Angus being particularly fond of this walk as there are two opportunities for a decent swim (the hardy soul!).

Blake Rigg above Blea Tarn.

Bleatarn House - described by Wordsworth in The Solitary - with Bow Fell beyond.

Blea Tarn and Blake Rigg from the climb up to Lingmoor Fell.

The Langdale Pikes and Side Pike from the climb, Bleatarn House is bottom left.

Wetherlam framed by a fallen tree.

Wetherlam.

The Coniston fells.

Pike o' Blisco above Blea Tarn with Crinkle Crags and Bow Fell to the right.

Angus and Casper on the summit of Lingmoor Fell.

There is a great view from here.

Looking over to Helvellyn and Fairfield.

Wetherlam, Swirl How and Great Carrs from the summit of Lingmoor Fell.

Pike o' Blisco, Crinkle Crags and Bow Fell.

Descending to Lingmoor Tarn, the Langdale Pikes lit by the sun.

A quick dip for these two.

Bow Fell and The Band beyond Side Pike.

Harrison Stickle.

Pike o' Stickle, Loft Crag and Thorn Crag.

Bow Fell.

Crinkle Crags.

Bow Fell and The Band.

Casper on Side Pike.

The Langdale Pikes from Side Pike.

Mickleden.

Oxendale.

Great Langdale.

Pike o' Blisco.

Crinkle Crags towering over Oxendale.

Side Pike from the Blea Tarn path.

Side Pike across Blea Tarn, a nice place for a spot of fishing for one family.

Blea Tarn and the Langdale Pikes.

Lingmoor Fell

Walked on 05/07/2006

Start point: Blea Tarn Car Park (NY 296 043)

Blea Tarn – Brown How on Lingmoor Fell – Lingmoor Tarn – Side Pike – Blea Tarn

Distance: 5.7 miles Total Ascent: 602 metres Time Taken: 5 hours

Weather: Very hot and still. 28oC.

It was even hotter today than yesterday, the heat was stifling with barely a hint of a breeze for a walk up to Lingmoor Fell – and of course it was very hazy. We were accompanied by Roger and Ann Hiley with their dogs Harry and Bethan today – the Loweswater team were on tour in the south Lakes!

Roger, Ann and the dogs head off down the road at Side Gates, the Tilberthwaite fells beyond.

Blake Rigg from Side Gates.

The Coniston fells and Little Langdale from the steep climb to Lingmoor Fell.

Little Langdale Tarn and Great Intake, Wetherlam behind.

A hazy view of Elter Water and Windermere.

Hot, hot, hot on Lingmoor Fell.

Come on in, the water's lovely!

The wall that crosses Lingmoor Fell and divides Little Langdale from Great Langdale.

Pike o' Blisco, Crinkle Crags, Bow Fell and the Langdale Pikes from the summit of Lingmoor Fell.

Heading down to Lingmoor Tarn.

Cooling off in Lingmoor Tarn with the Langdale Pikes as a nice backdrop.

Bow Fell across Lingmoor Tarn.

The wall continues to Side Pike.

A tight squeeze for Roger, but at least the hat makes it through the gap in the rock on the way to Side Pike.

All four still at once! Angus, Bethan, Harry and Casper have a rest on Side Pike.

Bow Fell and The Band with Mickleden to the right from Side Pike.

Great Langdale.

The Langdale Pikes.

...and closer up.

Pike o' Blisco - where we were yesterday.

Looking back to Side Pike on the way to Blea Tarn.

Cooling off in Blea Tarn.

Blea Tarn, the Langdale Pikes and Side Pike.

Lingmoor Fell

Walked on 25/11/2005

Start point: Blea Tarn Car Park (NY 296 043)

Blea Tarn – Brown How on Lingmoor Fell – Lingmoor Tarn – Side Pike – Blea Tarn

Distance: 5.7 miles Total Ascent: 602 metres Time Taken: 2 hours 20 minutes

Weather: Clear with an icy wind, 3oC.

The sun was shining again this morning for a walk up to Lingmoor Fell, but there was an icy wind, perhaps bringing snow with it as forecast; the clouds had certainly gathered over the fells by the end of the walk. There are great views from this little fell, nestling in between the Langdales and the Coniston fells.

Blake Rigg from Side Gates.

Little Langdale Tarn.

Swirl How and Great Carrs, visited yesterday.

The view to the north-east from the climb up to Lingmoor Fell.

Fairfield and St. Sunday Crag, centre.

Angus.

Pike O' Blisco, the Crinkle Crags and Bow Fell.

Closing in on Bow Fell.

Pike O' Stickle and Loft Crag.

Panoramic view from Lingmoor Fell summit. Select on the image for a larger version (see if you can spot Angus!).

On the summit of Lingmoor Fell.

The Langdale Pikes across a frozen Lingmoor Tarn.

Lingmoor Tarn.

The Langdale Pikes.

I can make it through, you might not! It's the only way to get up to Side Pike.

Mickleden from Side Pike. The clouds are closing in on Bow Fell now.

You've got to be kidding Angus - it's f-f-freezing! The Langdale Pikes across Blea Tarn.

Lingmoor Fell

Walked on 16/08/2004

Start point: Blea Tarn Car Park (NY 296 043)

Blea Tarn – Brown How on Lingmoor Fell (138) – Side Pike (139) – Blea Tarn

Weather: Showers with sunny spells.

Today’s walk is a lovely circuit of Lingmoor Fell taking in Side Pike and Blea Tarn. There are magnificent views of the nearby Langdale Pikes from here; in fact it is arguably the best view you can get of them.

There is a car park conveniently situated for this walk on the Side Gates road adjacent to Blea Tarn. From the car park, I turned left and followed the tarmac until just above the lower cattle grid, a grassy track bears left over a low wooden barrier and follows the contour for some distance. The first obstacle was a beck; I crossed it and followed the path to the right, following the wall along the contour until the sharp ascent up to Lingmoor began.

Little Langdale Tarn and Wetherlam from the ascent of Lingmoor Fell. Once onto the ridge, the path passes some old mine workings; the stone wall leads all the way to the summit from here.

The summit ridge and the wall leading to Brown How, the summit of Lingmoor Fell. The Langdale Pikes are behind. There is a stile to cross on the summit fence and the large summit cairn lies beyond.

The Langdale Pikes from the summit of Brown How on Lingmoor Fell.

Lingmoor Tarn...

and Blea Tarn from Lingmoor Fell. The path carries on from the summit and descends quite sharply to a shoulder beneath the large, rocky knoll of Side Pike.

Pike O' Blisco emerges from the clouds from Lingmoor Fell.

Side Pike looms ahead along the wall. From the shoulder, the path bears left, behind a narrow rock flake (breathe in!) and then ascends to the summit of Side Pike. It feels as though you can touch the Langdale Pikes from here.

The Langdale Pikes from the summit of Side Pike.

Mickleden from Side Pike with The Band, left, Rossett Pike at the Head of the valley and the Langdale Pikes to the right. I descended to the main road, across by the cattle grid and then followed the path to the little wood behind Blea Tarn. Once through the wood, the path leads around Blea Tarn to the start point of the walk.

The Langdale Pikes and Side Pike across Blea Tarn.