Bow Fell a name that conjures up visions of grandeur; one of the Lake District heads of state, one of the very best. This is one of those fells that seems to be known by everyone and it is a vision of beauty from every angle, but there is one route that stands above all others for the views alone (okay, it's a personal view but you will not be disappointed with this one.) Are you feeling fit? Good, you will need it for this walk there is a long slog through boggy Mosedale and then an arduous climb up to Esk Pike which marks the beginning of a spectacular high level traverse which is a joy from start to finish.

Starting from Cockley Beck Bridge, follow the Hardknott road for 300 meters. A wooden public footpath signpost marks the way off to the right and the path is initially good, skirting its way along the eastern base of Hard Knott. Following Moasdale Beck, the path makes it'sits way through two boggy basins with the view improving all the time. The path splits in a couple of places; keep left at these junctions to avoid the worst of the bog. When the high point is reached (spot height 395m on the O.S map) there is a wooden gate leading throughtthrough tethe electric fence. From here there is aare magnificent views with the Scafell Pikes ahead and to the right flank, Esk Pike and Bow Fell. Descend towards Lingcove Beck and carefully pick your way across at a suitable shallow point (trying not to get your feet wet of course!). Ahead lays a ridge starting with Pianet Knott with High Gait Crags being the furthest rocky protuberance. High Gait Crags are well worth the ascent for the view of Esk Buttress, shown as Central Pillar on the O.S map. From here, descend and keep right to follow the edge of Pike de Bield Moss above Yeastyrigg Gill. The steep, relentless climb follows a faint footpath and takes you to the cairned summit of Pike de Bield which offers a great view of the Scafells and along Great Moss. From here continue along the ridge; up to the left are the twin summits of Esk Pike; one is cairned as is accepted as the official' top.

This marks the northern most point of this walk and now head south east along a well worn path down into Ore Gap. Ahead lays Bow Fell and the path heads generally right and is well cairned. The yawning gap at Bowfell Buttress offers quite superb views of the Langdale Pikes and along Mickleden. From Bow Fells' rocky summit, the route used in ascent lies below and you can look along the length of Lingcove beck. To the north west, feast your eyes upon Scafell and Scafell Pike, to the south, the lumpy switchback silhouette of the Crinkle Crags, next in line for your attention.

Descend from the summit and head toward the Crinkles noting the Great Slab of Flat Crags to the left. Descend steeply to Three Tarns, the name of the junction of paths rising from The Band and Great Langdale, ignoring the fact that there are only two tarns in evidence! Ascend towards the Crinkle Crags; the first high point lying above a small tarn is not officially a Crinkle, but a separate top known as Shelter Crags. From here, the next peak is the Fifth Crinkle named Gunson Knott. The Fourth and Third Crinkles follow in rapid succession and are un-named. The highest Crinkle is the Second Crinkle named Long Top. Once here it is decision time regarding the descent as there are two routes that can be used. The first is the virtually straight down route this contains a chock stone gully known as the bad step' and can be awkward for the unwary or faint of heart! An easier but longer way is to the right of the summit; both paths lead to the same col and from here the ascending path takes you to the top of the First Crinkle.

Descend from the First Crinkle and follow the path to the right crossing another electric fence using an insulated stile and continue heading right to Stonesty Pike. Ahead likes the separate top of Little Stand with a cairned summit rock. Enjoy the views over to Grey Friar and Wet Side Edge across the Wrynose Pass road and over to Cold Pike and the Pike O' Blisco. Follow the path down the central corridor and bear right at the fork. A tricky and very steep descent lays ahead head for the stile over the stone wall and continue a descent to the wire fence at the valley bottom. Follow it to the right and head back to Cockley Beck Bridge and the start point of the walk.

Bow Fell...

Distance: 11 miles Time: 5-6 hours Map: OS Explorer OL 6 Start Point: Cockley Beck (SD 214 933)

Grading: V. Hard, good map reading skills are essential.

Warning: Do not attempt to navigate the Crinkle Crags in mist!

Terrain: Mainly grassy, clear paths.

For more photos and a detailed route map, visit StridingEdge