Hazard: Moderate
The southern outpost of the Helvellyn range, with the classic two-faced character of these Eastern Fells: smooth grassy slopes to the west, but a rugged, craggy eastern face dropping toward Grisedale. It is best known for the steep, stone-pitched zig-zag path above Grisedale Tarn — straightforward in summer but a notorious spot for slips when iced. Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team works this ground regularly, often on the long pull up from Grisedale to walkers in trouble high on the fell.
- The zig-zag path above Grisedale Tarn: A steep, stone-pitched staircase that eases the climb up the abrupt southern face. Fine in summer, but in winter it ices readily and a slip here can send you sliding down the steep slope toward Grisedale Tarn. Treat it as a serious winter descent — crampons and ice axe, and the skill to use them.
- The eastern crags above Grisedale: The eastern face is rugged and craggy, in contrast to the gentle western slopes. In mist it is easy to drift too far east off the broad ridge and onto steep, broken ground. Keep to the path and check your bearing.
- Cornices and high wind on the ridge in winter: The summit ridge is exposed to ferocious wind, and cornices build along the eastern edge in winter; they can and do collapse, and avalanche warnings apply in the range. Stay well back from the edge and don't trust snow that overhangs the drop.
Who should attempt this fell: In summer Dollywaggon Pike is a fine, well-pathed ridge walk and the zig-zags make light of the steep face. The risks rise sharply in winter, when the zig-zags ice over and cornices form along the eastern edge — that is genuinely serious terrain needing full winter kit and competence. In any season, keep to the path in cloud to avoid the eastern crags, and remember it is a long way down to Grisedale if something goes wrong.
What to watch for: Slips on the iced zig-zag path above Grisedale Tarn in winter · Walkers drifting onto the steep eastern crags in cloud · Cornice collapse and high wind on the exposed ridge · Exhaustion, injury or being benighted high on the fell, far from the valley
Local Mountain Rescue: Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team (opens in new tab)
Safety: Always check current conditions, carry proper navigation equipment, and seek qualified instruction before heading onto the fells. In an emergency, call 999, ask for Police, then Mountain Rescue.
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