Causey Pike
Causey Pike at 637 metres is the fell that looks best from below. Approaching up the Stair valley from Braithwaite, it presents a clean conical profile with a narrow ridge connecting it north to Scar Crags and south to Eel Crag. The summit is a genuine rocky spike — the final short climb to the top involves a hands-on scramble. The view from the summit is out of proportion to the height. Derwentwater spreads north-east with Keswick beyond it. Skiddaw fills the northern skyline. The Grisedale Pike ridge curves away to the north-west. East, Blencathra. The compact geography of the north-western fells makes every summit feel well-connected. Causey Pike is the southern end of the Coledale Horseshoe when started from Braithwaite — most walkers doing the circuit in anticlockwise direction end on Causey Pike before descending back to the valley. It is also the natural end of a half-day circuit from Stair that takes in Scar Crags and the top of the Coledale ridge.
Walking
The Stair approach (CA12 5UN) takes the path directly up the fell from the hamlet, gaining the ridge at around 500 metres before the final rocky summit scramble. Around 5 miles return from Braithwaite (or 4 from Stair) with 700 metres of ascent. Allow 4 to 5 hours from Braithwaite. The ridge north from Causey Pike to Scar Crags is the natural extension — easy walking on a good path with the Coledale valley below. Continuing to Eel Crag completes the main ridge. This is a half-day done in full, around 6 miles from Stair. Causey Pike fits naturally as the final summit on the full Coledale Horseshoe from Braithwaite. Most walkers arrive here having already done Grisedale Pike, Hopegill Head, and Eel Crag, so the final scramble to the top is hard on tired legs. It is worth it.
Routes
Braithwaite via Stair
Braithwaite village
Tips
A half-day option from Braithwaite or Stair that gives a proper fell experience without the commitment of the Coledale round. The scramble to the summit is short but requires hands. Combine with Scar Crags for a better day. The Royal Oak at Braithwaite (CA12 5SY) is the natural end-of-day option.