Pike O’Blisco – Lake District Walks
February 27, 2021
Pike O’Blisco (or Pike OF Blisco on OS maps) as Wainwright says in his Southern Fells book is “well worth climbing from any direction“. So we did just that, taking a route up from Dungeon Ghyll in December and last weekend approaching from Blea tarn via Wrynose Pass. I agree with Mr. Wainwright, a great fell top and two very enjoyable walks.
The routes up Pike O'Blisco
Between the ups and downs on our two walks we covered most of Wainwright’s suggested ascents. The first, up from Dungeon Ghyll via Stool End. This is a very pleasant up, mostly stepped to Red tarn, before a rocky path to the summit. The route down to Wall End can be a bit hairy (in snow especially) as there are 2-3 ravines that had to be scrambled down (hands and bottoms required – short legs may be a problem), but after that an easy stepped path.
On our second route we started from Blea tarn and a very beautiful walk around the base of the fell before heading up to the top from Wrynose Pass. We headed off-piste in search of “The Needle” on Black Crag, which Wainwright describes as “a smooth and slender pinnacle from the face of Black Crag, precariously balanced on a massive plinth of rock, 12ft high“. It was slightly harder to spot than we anticipated, but it’s still there and looking exactly the same as Wainwright’s drawing.
“He will be a good man who can stand erect on the point of the needle”
Mr Wainwright also said he was “rather proud of this ‘discovery'” and “hopes people will not write to claim (i) a knowledge of the pinnacle, (ii) that they have climbed it and (iii) stood for hours on its point (on their heads)”. This quote alone says so much about Mr Wainwright and how he thinks. I often chuckle to myself when I’m reading his books.
Join us on our walk
We’d love to have friends and family out with us sharing our experiences. It isn’t possible at the moment, but we thought some might enjoy a little walk with us and see why we are in love with walking in the lakes…
The Summit of Pike O'Blisco
Apparently the summit used to have a large shapely edifice, but unfortunately it has been somewhat demolished.
Mr Wainwright asks “if all readers who visit this summit will replace one stone firmly, please, the cairn may in time again look as it does in the Pike O’Blisco chapter”
I did my bit…we might need to go a few more times before it looks complete.
Things to look out for
- The Three Shire Stones – On the brow of Wrynose Pass we came across a plaque that stated “Three stones have traditionally marked the adjoining counties of Cumberland, Westmorland and Lancashire on this site”. Cumberland and Westmorland were combined in the seventies to become Cumbria. We found the ‘L’ stone and the ‘W’ stone…couldn’t locate the “C” – perhaps it’s well hidden under grass?
- The Needle – a little tricky to find but a good excuse for some off-piste exploring.
- Replace a stone on the cairn at the summit of Pike O’Blisco – as per Mr Wainwright’s request.
- A stroll around Blea Tarn – great spot for a walking snack (or picnic when they’re allowed again).
Love the movie it works really well , well done . Would I manage this work !!!!
I don’t think so xx