Stony Cove Pike

Location and Topography

Stony Cove Pike is a sprawling fell located in the Far Eastern part of the English Lake District, standing on the opposite side of Kirkstone Pass from Red Screes and connected to High Street by a ridge. It is characterized by its wide and varied topography, with six ridges branching out from the summit area.

To the east, there is a rocky descent to Threshwaite Mouth followed by a steep climb to Thornthwaite Crag.

Towards the north, there is a grassy ridge that leads to Hartsop Dodd.

In the west, the plateau narrows slightly towards Caudale Moor/John Bell’s Banner.

To the south, a short spur extends into Trout Beck valley before descending sharply over Doup Crag.

The topography of Stony Cove Pike offers an intriguing mix of terrain for outdoor enthusiasts. From rocky descents and steep climbs to grassy ridges and narrow plateaus, this fell has something for everyone. The different ridges provide various routes for exploration and navigation.

Additionally, there are small tarns scattered between the two main tops of Stony Cove Pike, adding to its picturesque charm. Walls follow the ridges in certain areas, making it easier to navigate through this complex ridge system.

Overall, Stony Cove Pike’s diverse topography makes it an exciting destination for hikers and nature lovers seeking freedom and adventure in the English Lake District.

Alternative Names

There is considerable variation in the naming of the fell known as Stony Cove Pike, with alternative names such as Caudale Moor and John Bell’s Banner being used to refer to different parts of the fell. This has led to some confusion among hikers and map readers who may encounter different names depending on their source of information.

To shed light on this issue, it is important to understand the different names associated with Stony Cove Pike:

1. Stony Cove Pike: This name refers to the main summit of the fell and is commonly used on Ordnance Survey maps. It is the highest point and serves as a recognizable landmark for those navigating through the area.

2. Caudale Moor: This name is often used by Alfred Wainwright in his Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells when referring to the entire fell. It encompasses both the main summit and other adjacent areas.

3. John Bell’s Banner: This name specifically refers to the southwest ridge that descends from Caudale Moor towards St Raven’s Edge. It is named after John Bell, a local individual who has been associated with this part of the fell.

Understanding these alternative names can help hikers better navigate through Stony Cove Pike and appreciate its diverse topography. Whether one chooses to use Stony Cove Pike, Caudale Moor, or John Bell’s Banner, each name provides a unique perspective on this fascinating landscape in the English Lake District.

Summit and Surroundings

The summit area of the fell features a grassy terrain with several small tarns, surrounded by walls that follow the ridges to Hartsop Dodd, St Raven’s Edge, and Threshthwaite Mouth, providing easier navigation through the complex ridge system.

The main summit is marked by cairns and there is a further cairn topped by a wooden cross to the southwest of Caudale Moor. This cross is known as Mark Atkinson’s monument.

Despite the somewhat dreary nature of the top, there are considerable areas of crag surrounding the plateau. Caudale Head between the northern ridges is one such area, and more crags can be found north and south of Threshthwaite Mouth at the heads of Pasture and Trout Becks.

In order to provide a visual representation of Stony Cove Pike’s summit and surroundings, here is a table highlighting some key features:

This information provides a glimpse into what visitors can expect when exploring Stony Cove Pike’s summit area. The grassy landscape dotted with tarns creates an idyllic scene while the presence of walls aids in navigating through this intricate ridge system. Additionally, the cairns serve as markers for important locations on the fell. Notably, Mark Atkinson’s monument adds an interesting feature to explore near Caudale Moor. Finally, visitors will find themselves surrounded by craggy formations that add character to their experience on this picturesque fell in the Lake District.

Ascents and Routes

One way to reach the summit of Stony Cove Pike is by making a small circuit from the Patterdale valley, ascending the steep north ridge to the top, continuing across Threshthwaite Mouth, and climbing up Thornthwaite Crag. This route offers a challenging and rewarding ascent for those seeking adventure in the English Lake District.

Starting in the picturesque Patterdale valley, hikers can begin their journey by tackling the steep north ridge of Stony Cove Pike. As they ascend, they will be met with rocky terrain and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The rugged beauty of this section sets the tone for what lies ahead.

After reaching the summit of Stony Cove Pike, hikers can continue their circuit by traversing across Threshthwaite Mouth. This involves descending into a deep col before embarking on an equally steep climb up Thornthwaite Crag. The sense of accomplishment upon reaching this second peak is immense.

From Thornthwaite Crag, hikers can complete their circuit by following its north ridge known as Gray Crag. This leads them back towards Patterdale valley, offering stunning panoramic views along the way.

Overall, this small circuit route provides a thrilling and varied experience for outdoor enthusiasts who desire freedom and exploration. It showcases both the ruggedness and beauty of Stony Cove Pike and its surrounding peaks, making it a must-try route for adventurous hikers in the Lake District.

References

References play a crucial role in providing reliable and authoritative sources of information for readers seeking to deepen their understanding of a topic. In the case of Stony Cove Pike, there are several references that can be consulted for further information and exploration.

One such reference is Bill Birkett’s ‘Complete Lakeland Fells,’ published by Harper Collins in 1994 (ISBN 0-00-218406-0). This comprehensive guidebook provides detailed descriptions and routes for climbing the various fells in the Lake District, including Stony Cove Pike.

Another valuable reference is Alfred Wainwright’s ‘A Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells, Book 2‘ (ISBN 0-7112-2455-2). Wainwright’s iconic guidebooks are known for their meticulous attention to detail and stunning illustrations, making them a favorite among hikers and nature enthusiasts.

These references not only provide practical information on ascents and routes but also offer historical context, geological insights, and captivating descriptions of the landscape. By consulting these references, readers can expand their knowledge and appreciation of Stony Cove Pike while planning their own adventures in this beautiful part of the English Lake District.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Stony Cove Pike, also known as Caudale Moor or John Bell’s Banner, is a prominent fell situated in the Far Eastern part of the English Lake District.

With its wide and sprawling landscape, multiple ridges, and grassy summit area dotted with small tarns, it offers a captivating experience for hikers and nature enthusiasts.

Accessible from the Patterdale valley or Wansfell and Ambleside, this hill provides various routes for ascent.

While the view from the top may be somewhat restricted, the surrounding fells are still visible, adding to its allure.