Bowfell Hike: A Challenging Lake District Walk via The Band & Climbers’ Traverse
Updated: Oct 26
Bowfell Overview
Location: Great Langdale Valley, Lake District, Cumbria
Route Type: Circular walk
Distance: ~13 km (~8 miles)
Time: ~5 hours (depending on pace and stops)
Difficulty: Challenging
Wainwright Summits: Bowfell and Rossett Pike
Terrain: Rocky with steep ascents
Start/Finish Point: Old Dungeon Ghyll Car Park (LA22 9JY) - click to see on Google Maps.
Facilities: Old Dungeon Ghyll Pub, Toilets, Sticklebarn pub now known as Lanty Slee, nearby National Trust campsite
Planning a few days out? Join the National Trust for free parking at most National Trust car parks, which could work out better than paying each time separately. See here!
Preparing for the Bowfell Hike
Route Map & GPX: Download the GPX file below to use with the Ordnance Survey app (or a similar app), and pair it with a paper map to ensure safe navigation.
Introduction: Why Bowfell Is Special
Bowfell (902 m / 2,959 ft) stands as one of the Lake District’s most majestic peaks, with its pyramid-shaped summit and panoramic views that stretch across Langdale, Borrowdale, Eskdale and beyond, a sight to behold. This hike demands fitness, care, and respect — but in return, it delivers grandeur, rugged beauty, and a real sense of achievement.
More Hiking Routes:
The Route: From Valley to Summit & Back
Setting Off: Begin at Old Dungeon Ghyll, crossing the bridge over Great Langdale Beck, then follow the path to Stool End Farm. This opening section is moderate and scenic, helping you warm up for what’s ahead.
The Band: At Stool End, turn right to take the route known as The Band. This ridge climb is steady, offering increasingly stunning views of the Langdale Pikes and surrounding fells.
Climbers’ Traverse & Great Slab: After The Band, you branch off along the Climbers’ Traverse — a narrower, rockier section along the northern edge, with occasional scree or boulders. Then comes the Great Slab — a tilted slab of rock that’s dramatic and memorable (though caution is needed depending on the weather)
Summit Push: From there, continue the ascent through rocky terrain. The climb becomes steeper and more rugged as you get closer to Bowfell’s summit. Once on top, expect sweeping 360-degree views of valleys, ridges, other peaks, and lakes — a real reward for the effort.
Descent: Descend via Ore Gap toward the north, aiming for Angle Tarn for a midday rest if weather and timing allow. From there, descend further toward Rossett Pike, descend along Rossett Gill, then follow the Cumbria Way back. The final stretch returns you across Great Langdale Beck to your starting point.
What to Expect: Highlights & Challenges
Terrain: Mixed: well-trodden path, rocky surfaces, boulder fields. Parts become loose and require surefootedness. The Great Slab and the Climbers’ Traverse, in particular, require special attention.
Views: Spectacular. On a clear day, you’ll see the Langdale Pikes, Crinkle Crags, Borrowdale, Eskdale — even valleys hidden from many routes. The summit is the payoff.
Use SELK-GOINGSOLO15 for 15% off Flora, Fauna & Nature Moments: You may spot upland birdlife (eg, ring ouzels), hear the streams, see tarns, and see dramatic rock formations. The Great Slab itself feels like a geological stage set.
Fitness & Gear: Good fitness is essential. Hiking boots, layers, waterproof gear, and trekking poles can be helpful. Be prepared for variable weather, slippery rock, and a moderately sustained climb.
When to Go & Safety Tips
Aim for dry, stable weather — wet rock (especially on slabs) can be dangerous.
Start early to avoid afternoon weather shifts and to maximise daylight.
Carry enough water, food, and warm/wet-weather gear.
Always check current rights-of-way, trail conditions, and weather forecast. Terrain or access may have changed.
Final Thoughts on Hiking Bowfell
The Bowfell hike isn’t the easiest mountain in the Lakes, but it’s one of the most rewarding. The route combines rugged terrain, striking landscapes, and those moments of pure wilderness that make you feel alive. If you accept its challenge, you’ll leave the hike with more than just tired legs — you’ll take memories of expansive vistas, wild terrain, and that triumphant summit feeling.
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