Rossett Pike, Angle Tarn, Esk Pike and Bowfell

Follow the track into Mickleden. After about 3 km, cross the stepping stones and footbridge, then climb the pitched path beside Rossett Gill to its cairn and Rossett Pike. Drop to Angle Tarn, cross its outflow, and climb over Tongue Head to the crossroads near Esk Hause. From there, visit Esk Pike, descend to Ore Gap, and cross the boulder field to Bowfell. Retrace the upper path to the cairned turn for Three Tarns, then descend the rough, intermittently pitched Band to Stool End Farm and walk back to the car park.

The valley approach is a clear, established track, but the character changes above Rossett Gill. Expect steep pitched sections, open fell, cairned paths, loose stone, and a real boulder field around Bowfell. The summit is a jumble of large blocks rather than a neat viewpoint. In return, you get a remarkably varied mountain day: Mickleden and the Langdale Pikes below, Angle Tarn as a quiet high-level pause, and wide views toward the Scafells, Eskdale, and the surrounding ridges.

Choose a settled forecast and plenty of daylight. Clear weather makes the route much easier to follow and gives the high-level scenery its value; cloud can hide the landmarks and make the cairned ground harder to navigate. Early starts are usually calmer and leave time in hand. Spring through autumn is the straightforward season, while snow, ice, short days, and poor visibility make this a serious mountain outing. There are no facilities on the high route and no dependable water supply, so carry food, water, warm layers, and waterproofs.

Dogs may use the route, but cattle can be present in Mickleden and around Stool End Farm. Keep a dog close and on a lead when livestock is nearby. The exposed boulders on Bowfell are awkward and potentially hazardous for dogs, so this is a poor choice for an inexperienced or poorly controlled dog.

For a shorter but still rewarding mountain day, Bowfell via the Great Slab and Whorneyside Force is a more focused outing. It gives up the Rossett Pike and Angle Tarn circuit, but has a stronger single destination and less high-level mileage.