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Lake District Entertainment > About The Lake District > The Fells Of The Lake District > Nethermost Pike
Nethermost PikeAt, or near, the extreme southern end of the string of Easter Fells situated along the Helvellyn range rests the Nethermost Pike, which is named so for the obvious reason that it is near the end, although in actuality, it isn’t the southernmost in the line. High Crag is appended to Nethermost Pike slightly to the southeast, and Dollywaggon Pike is even further south. Still, Nethermost Pike is probably the most outstanding of the natural formations in this particular area for several significant reasons—geologically and historically.At 891 metres, Nethermost Pike is the second-highest of the Eastern Fells, just under the northernmost fell of Helvellyn itself. For this reason, Nethermost Pike is registered as a Nuttall, since it features considerably more than a proven minimum altitude of 610 metres. Nethermost Pike is situated, like many other fells in the eastern region, between Thirlmere to the west and Ullswater to the east, although the tail-end of the former merges with the extreme western portion of Nethermost Pike. This is where, among other features, Thirlmere Forest stretches along. As a matter of fact, the planted conifers on the western foot of Nethermost Pike extends into that forest, so Thirlmere can arguably be a part of Nethermost Pike and vice versa. Like other Helvellyn fells and formations, the western flank of Nethermost Pike is primarily of green growth—much like a carpet—and the east predominantly rock. The interesting consideration about the geology of Nethermost Pike, however, is that some growth flourishes on the east side as well. Arctic-alpine and tall-herb vegetation is so recognized and valued by the scientific world of England, let alone the Lake District, that the eastern flank of Nethermost Pike is rendered protected and acknowledged as a site of Special Scientific Interest for the various geological and biological conditions that exist there. Throughout the last few hundred years, mining for lead galena has been an on-and-off practice along the eastern slopes of Nethermost Pike. As far back as the 17th century, up through as late as 1880, mining was undertaken for this ore at Ruthwaite Cove, off the southeast flank of Nethermost Pike, where, now, a Lodge bearing the name Ruthwaite and various open mines are still left as a lasting remainder of the importance of the place and the activity that took place there. This might be one reason why many people, Lake District residents and visitors alike, might like to traverse and explore the area. No paths exist (except, perhaps, for one, along the western flank of Nethermost Pike), but there are plenty of accesses from both sides. The wide track from Wythburn, to the west, follows the flank northerly toward Helvellyn and provides a cut-off to the right at Swallow Scarth, which leads travellers to Nethermost Pike. From the east, travellers can reach Nethermost Pike by way of Eagle Crag Mine, Ruthwaite Lodge or the Hard Tarn, the latter of which is shallow, but because of its black algae, appears deeper than it actually is. This feature has also become an interesting place to visit because it is essentially a body of water on a rock shelf, not too far from, Nethermost Pike. Therefore, access to the pike in question can feasibly be made from here as well. The summit of Nethermost Pike is triangular in formation, strewn with stones and features manmade cairns, with a border of rough grass around the edges—especially at the western side—and boasts some nice panorama. An elevation on High Crag nearby can give way to a bit more in terms of vistas. No matter where the fells are located in the Lake District, excellent views are given and in abundance. |
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