Steeple (Lake District)

Infobox Mountain
Name = Steeple
Photo = Steeple_from_Wind_Gap.jpg
Caption = Steeple seen from Wind Gap between Scoat Fell and Pillar
Elevation = 819 m (2687 ft)
Location = Cumbria, ENG
Range = Lake District, Western Fells
Prominence = 21 m
Topographic
OS "Landranger" 89, OS "Explorer Outdoor Leisure" 4
First ascent =
Easiest route =
Grid_ref_UK = NY157116
Listing = Wainwright, Nuttall
Translation =
Language =
Pronunciation =

Steeple is a fell in the English Lake District. It is situated in the mountainous area between Ennerdale and Wasdale and reaches a height of 819 metres (2687 feet). Steeple is really part of Scoat Fell, being just the rocky northern projection of that fell, however because of its prominent peak and steep crags it has earned the reputation of being a separate fell. Lake District writer Alfred Wainwright rated Steeple and its name very highly saying, "“Seen on a map, it commands the eye and quickens the pulse, seen in reality it does the same“".

Topography

Steeple’s close proximity to Scoat Fell robs it of being one the best fells in the area; the two fells are linked by the Steeple arête with a lowest height of 798 metres. The arete is stony and loose underfoot due to erosion and it is better to stick to the firmer rock along the crest. Scoat Fell is only 22 metres higher than Steeple but the short distance between them means that the higher dominates the lower significantly.

Ascents

Steeple can be ascended from Wasdale or Ennerdale; it’s usually climbed in conjunction with other nearby fells such as Pillar, Scoat Fell and Red Pike as part of the Mosedale Horseshoe walk. It can be climbed directly from Ennerdale by a public footpath that leaves the valley at grid reference gbm4ibx|NY151138 and goes south through the forest to reach the open fell and climbs the north ridge of Steeple to reach the summit.

ummit and View

The top of the fell is a sharp peak with hardly room for a cairn, in fact there is only room for a few people and often there is a queue to stand at the highest point. The ground falls away sharply on all sides especially to Windgap Cove to the east. The view is limited by higher fells to the south and east but there is an excellent view of Ennerdale Water and an opportunity to examine the nearby cliffs and hollows of Mirk and Mirklin Coves.

References

* A Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells, The Western Fells, Alfred Wainwright, ISBN 0-7112-2460-9
* Complete Lakeland Fells, Bill Birkett, ISBN 0-00-713629-3