Editing Nethermost Pike

{{Short description|Fell in Cumbria, England}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}
{{Infobox mountain
| name = Nethermost Pike
| photo = Nethermost Pike.jpg
| photo_caption = Nethermost Pike from Grisedale
| elevation_m = 891
| elevation_ref = 
| prominence_m = 22
| prominence_ref = 
| parent_peak = [[Helvellyn]]
| listing = [[List of Wainwrights|Wainwright]], [[Nuttall (hill)|Nuttall]]
| location = [[Cumbria]], [[England]]
| range = [[Lake District]], [[Eastern Fells]]
| coordinates = {{coord|54.51882|N|3.01646|W|type:mountain_scale:100000|format=dms|display=inline,title}}
| grid_ref_UK = NY343142
| topo = [[Ordnance Survey|OS]] ''Explorer'' OL5, ''Landranger'' 90
| map = United Kingdom Lake District
| map_caption = Location in Lake District, UK
}}

'''Nethermost Pike''' is a [[fell]] in [[Cumbria]], England, and a part of the [[Lake District]]. At {{convert|891|m|ft|0}} it is the second highest [[List of Wainwrights|Wainwright]] in the [[Helvellyn range]], the highest of which is [[Helvellyn]] itself. It is located close to the southern end of the ridge, with Helvellyn to the north, and [[High Crag (Helvellyn)|High Crag]] and [[Dollywaggon Pike]] to the south. Nethermost Pike, along with many of the [[Eastern Fells]], lies between [[Thirlmere]] in the west and the [[Ullswater]] [[Drainage basin|catchment]] in the east. The closest villages are [[Glenridding]] and [[Patterdale]] on the shores of Ullswater, over {{convert|8|km|sigfig=1}} away.

Like most fells in the Helvellyn range, Nethermost Pike has grassy western slopes and rocky outcrops on the eastern side. Geologically, Nethermost Pike belongs to the [[Borrowdale Volcanic Group]]. [[Lead]] was once mined on its eastern slopes, resulting in [[Open-pit mining|open workings]] and [[Shaft mining|underground mines]]. The eastern slopes are protected as part of a [[Site of Special Scientific Interest]] because of the Pike's geological and biological features, which include some of England's best [[Tundra|arctic-alpine]] and tall-herb vegetation.

==Classification==
Mountains are often [[Hill lists in the British Isles|classified]] according to their heights. At {{Convert|891|m|ft}} Nethermost Pike is listed as a [[Nuttall (hill)|Nuttall]], which requires an elevation of {{Convert|2000|ft|m|order=flip}}. However, with a prominence of {{convert|22|m|ft|0}} it is not counted as a [[Hewitt (hill)|Hewitt]] or [[Marilyn (hill)|Marilyn]] which require prominences of {{convert|30|m|ft|0}} and {{convert|150|m|ft|0}} respectively. Nethermost Pike is also counted as a [[List of Wainwrights|Wainwright]] because it was given a chapter in [[Alfred Wainwright]]'s ''[[Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells]]''. It is the second-highest of the [[Eastern Fells]], and the ninth highest of all the [[Wainwrights]]. South of Nethermost Pike is High Crag {{convert|884|m|ft|0}}, which is separated from Nethermost Pike by a very limited depression. Most guidebooks follow Alfred Wainwright in considering [[High Crag (Helvellyn)|High Crag]] to be a part of Nethermost Pike. This convention is not universally followed however, with author Bill Birkett preferring to differentiate between the two fells.<ref name="birkett">{{cite book |title= Complete Lakeland Fells|last= Birkett|first= Bill|year= 1994|publisher= Collins Willow |isbn= 0-00-218406-0}}</ref>

==Topography==
[[File:Nethermost Pike Map.jpg|thumb|right|300px|1925 map showing Nethermost Pike and its surrounding features]]
The [[Helvellyn range]] runs broadly north-south for about {{Convert|11|km|mile|0|abbr=off}}, remaining above {{Convert|600|m|ft|round=10}} throughout its length. Nethermost Pike is toward the southern end of this ridge, with [[Helvellyn]] itself to the north and [[Dollywaggon Pike]] to the south. In common with much of the Helvellyn range there is a marked contrast between the western and eastern slopes of Nethermost Pike. In Wainwright's words: "The grassy western slope trodden by the multitudes is of little interest, but the fell should not be judged accordingly: it is made of sterner stuff. From the east, Nethermost Pike is magnificent, hardly less so than Helvellyn."<ref name="wainwright">{{cite book |title= [[A Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells]]: Book 1 [[Eastern Fells|The Eastern Fells]]|last= Wainwright|first= Alfred|author-link= Alfred Wainwright|author2=Chris Jesty|year= 2005|chapter= Nethermost Pike|publisher= Frances Lincoln|edition= 2nd |orig-year= 1955|isbn= 0-7112-2454-4}}</ref>

The western slopes fall smoothly to the head of Thirlmere reservoir, and the tiny church at Wythburn. There are rougher areas, High and Comb Crags in particular, but these do little to change the overall impression of high moorland. The lower slopes have been planted with conifers as part of the Thirlmere Forest, but above this is a sense of wide open space. Nethermost Pike's toehold on the valley is shifted a little to the south, relative to its position on the ridge. This is because Whelpside and Birkside Gills, its boundary streams, both run south-west, rather than flowing straight down the slope.<ref name="wainwright"/>

[[File:Nethermost Pike from Dollywaggon.jpg|thumb|right|[[High Crag (Helvellyn)|High Crag]] and Nethermost Pike seen from [[Dollywaggon Pike]]]]
On the east, the first impression is all of rock. The long [[strath]] of Grisedale runs north-eastward to Ullswater, cutting off a series of [[hanging valley]]s which fall from the Helvellyn range. To the south east of Nethermost Pike, below the summit of High Crag, is Ruthwaite Cove. Surrounded by crag on three sides, this [[Cirque|corrie]] contains Hard [[tarn (lake)|Tarn]], a small pool on a rock shelf. This is one of the most difficult mountain tarns to locate, and its black algal bed and clear water combine to give the false impression of great depth.<ref name="blair">{{cite book |title= Exploring Lakeland Tarns|last= Blair|first= Don|year= 2003|publisher= Lakeland Manor Press|isbn= 0-9543904-1-5}}</ref><ref name="richards">{{cite book |title= Near Eastern Fells|last= Richards|first= Mark|year= 2003|publisher= Collins|isbn= 0-00-711366-8}}</ref> Ruthwaite Cove is now the site of Ruthwaite Lodge, a climbing hut. It was formerly the setting for more industrial activity, with the remains of several [[Shaft mining|underground mines]] and some shallow [[Open-pit mining|open workings]] visible near the Lodge.

Between Ruthwaite and Nethermost Coves, Nethermost Pike sends out a fine rocky ridge. This [[arête]], although not as imposing as [[Striding Edge]] across Nethermost Cove, ascends by a series of rocky steps for three quarters of a mile, making straight for the summit. It is from this angle, rather than from the west, that the fell earns the sobriquet of "Pike", meaning peaked mountain. At the bottom of the ridge is Eagle Crag, standing above Grisedale Beck and forcing walkers to take a detour from the ridgeline.<ref name="wainwright"/>

[[File:Nethermost Cove in winter.jpg|thumb|right|Nethermost Cove]]
North from Nethermost Pike is the depression of Swallow Scarth, above the head of Nethermost Cove. From here the ridge climbs again, turning to the west as the long plateau of Helvellyn top is reached. Southwards the ridge steps down over High Crag, and narrows as it swings east around Ruthwaite Cove to Dollywaggon Pike. A heavily eroded path runs along the ridge, but actually bypasses the top of Nethermost Pike to the west, as it leads to Helvellyn.<ref name="wainwright"/>

The summit area is triangular in plan with ridges running to the north, south and east. The actual top is toward the northern corner and set back a little from the drop to Nethermost Cove. There is a rash of stones on the summit although the surroundings are mostly covered in rough grass, and several small [[cairn]]s have been built. Other than northward, where the bulk of Helvellyn intervenes, the view is extensive, with much of the Lake District visible. Further ground is brought into view from the summit of High Crag.<ref name="wainwright"/>

==Ascents==
The Lake District receives over 12&nbsp;million visitors a year, many of whom come to climb the mountains. The closest villages to Nethermost Pike are [[Glenridding]] and [[Patterdale]], {{convert|8|km|mile|0}} to the east, close to the shores of [[Ullswater]]. Both are common starting points for climbing Nethermost Pike or other fells in the Helvellyn range.<ref>{{cite web|title=Enjoying the National Park - 3. Around Ullswater |url=http://www.lake-district.gov.uk/index/enjoying/planningyourvisit/whistlestop/aroundullswater.htm |work=Lake District National Park Authority |access-date=3 January 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090108125324/http://www.lake-district.gov.uk/index/enjoying/planningyourvisit/whistlestop/aroundullswater.htm |archive-date=January 8, 2009 }}</ref> The best ascents from the east is the east ridge, reached either from the path to Eagle Crag Mine, or via Ruthwaite Lodge and Hard Tarn.<ref name="wainwright"/> There are no settlements of note close to Nethermost Pike to the west, and many walkers start from a car park at Wythburn, close to [[Wythburn Church]]. This is a popular route which follows a wide track to Helvellyn before branching off right at Swallow Scarth. Alternatives are possible on the smooth flanks of the fell, but all are pathless.<ref name="wainwright"/>

Because of its close proximity to the higher Helvellyn, Nethermost Pike receives fewer visitors. When climbing from the west many people traverse the western slopes on their way to Helvellyn.<ref name="wainwright"/> Despite this the summit does still receive a large number of walkers, who use a large number of footpaths. The large number of footpaths causes significant disturbance to the summit vegetation, which could be greatly reduced by using fewer footpaths.<ref name="unit 11">{{cite web | title=Information for Helvellyn and Fairfield - Unit 11 | url=http://www.sssi.naturalengland.org.uk/special/sssi/unit_details.cfm?situnt_id=1018590 | work=Natural England | access-date=3 January 2009}}</ref>

==Geology==
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:Helvellyn range from fairfield.jpg|thumb|right|Southern end of [[Helvellyn range]] seen from [[Fairfield (Lake District)|Fairfield]]: (left to right :[[Dollywaggon Pike]], Nethermost Pike, [[Helvellyn]])]] -->
Geologically the summit of the fell forms part of the Deepdale Formation, (principally volcaniclastic sandstone) underlain by the dacitic [[lapilli tuff]] of the Helvellyn Formation.<ref>{{cite book |title= Geology of the Keswick District: A Brief Explanation of the Geological Map Sheet 29 Keswick|last= Woodhall|first= D G|year= 2000|publisher= British Geological Survey|isbn= 978-0-85272-375-3}}</ref> The geology of much of the Lake District is the [[Borrowdale Volcanic Group]], of which Nethermost Pike is part, and is late [[Ordovician]] in age.<ref>{{cite web|title=Geology factsheet |url=http://www.lake-district.gov.uk/lake_district_docs95/factsheet_geology.pdf |format=PDF |work=Lake District National Park Authority |access-date=3 January 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061124105904/http://www.lake-district.gov.uk/lake_district_docs95/factsheet_geology.pdf |archive-date=24 November 2006 }}</ref> The eastern cliffs of the range, including those of Nethermost Pike, are rich in base [[minerals]]. When these rocks [[erosion|weather]] they form areas of fertile soil, which together with the area's inaccessibility and climate provide suitable conditions for plants of biological importance.<ref name="SSSI">{{cite web | title=Helvellyn and Fairfield citation sheet| url=http://www.english-nature.org.uk/citation/citation_photo/1002237.pdf |format=PDF| work=Natural England | access-date=3 January 2009}}</ref>

Mining was carried out in Ruthwaite Cove, and the remains of several levels and some shallow open workings are visible near Ruthwaite Lodge. These excavations were made in a search for lead-bearing [[galena]], and are believed to have been worked in the 16th century. Further leases were taken out in 1784 and 1862; the last known operation was in 1880.<ref name="adams">{{cite book |title= Mines of the Lake District Fells|last= Adams|first= John|year= 1995|edition= 2nd|publisher= Dalesman|isbn= 0-85206-931-6}}</ref>

North-east of the summit the scene is repeated in Nethermost Cove, where the Eagle Crag Mine was mined for its lead and [[zinc]]. The [[vein (geology)|vein]] which was exploited forms a visible gully on Eagle Crag, and was worked both above and below ground over an altitude of {{convert|300|m}}. The vein is surrounded by rocks from the [[Borrowdale Volcanic Group]], which dates from the [[Ordovician]]. Large dumps of veinstone are found in the area as a result of the mining. They contain, among other minerals, crystallised [[tetrahedrite]], which is not believed to be able to be seen or collected anywhere else in Britain.<ref name="SSSI"/> Eagle Crag Mine has a history of working similar to that of Ruthwaite Lodge.<ref name="adams"/>

==Biological interest==
[[File:Salix lapponum L.jpg|thumb|right|One third of the English population of ''Salix lapponum'' is found in Nethermost Cove.]]
The summit and surrounding areas of Nethermost Pike contain many species and communities which are of biological interest. North east of the summit is Nethermost Cove which contains some of England's best [[tundra|arctic-alpine]] and tall-herb vegetation, including one third of the English population of [[Salix lapponum|Downy Willow]] (''Salix lapponum'').<ref>{{cite web | title=Information for Helvellyn and Fairfield - Unit 13 | url=http://www.sssi.naturalengland.org.uk/special/sssi/unit_details.cfm?situnt_id=1018592 | work=Natural England | access-date=3 January 2009}}</ref> Similarly Ruthwaite Cove contains Arctic-alpine and tall-herb communities, and it is believed that the cove may contain very rare species of plants in very small, and therefore precarious, populations.<ref>{{cite web | title=Information for Helvellyn and Fairfield - Unit 14 | url=http://www.sssi.naturalengland.org.uk/special/sssi/unit_details.cfm?situnt_id=1018595 | work=Natural England | access-date=3 January 2009}}</ref> The lower eastern slopes form Grisedale Common, a large expanse of dwarf shrub heath.<ref name="unit 15">{{cite web | title=Information for Helvellyn and Fairfield - Unit 15 | url=http://www.sssi.naturalengland.org.uk/special/sssi/unit_details.cfm?situnt_id=1018598 | work=Natural England | access-date=3 January 2009}}</ref> The lower slopes are grazed by sheep, which has a significant effect on the type of vegetation which grows. Certain areas, such as Eagle Crag, are inaccessible to sheep due to their steep slopes.<ref>{{cite web | title=Information for Helvellyn and Fairfield - Unit 16 | url=http://www.sssi.naturalengland.org.uk/special/sssi/unit_details.cfm?situnt_id=1018601 | work=Natural England | access-date=3 January 2009}}</ref>

The summit and eastern slopes of Nethermost Pike are part of the [[List of Sites of Special Scientific Interest in Cumbria|Helvellyn and Fairfield]] [[Site of Special Scientific Interest]] (SSSI). This SSSI covers {{convert|2418.8|ha}} centred on the Helvellyn range and Fairfield, and was designated in 1975 because of the area's geological and biological features.<ref name="SSSI"/><ref>{{cite web | title = Helvellyn and Faifield site map | url = http://magic.defra.gov.uk/MagicMap.aspx?startTopic=Designations&activelayer=sssiIndex&query=HYPERLINK%3D%271002237%27 | website= Defra.gov.uk MAGIC map | access-date = 9 August 2014}}</ref> [[Natural England]], which is responsible for choosing SSSIs, tries to ensure that the management and use of the area is sustainable.

[[Overgrazing]] by sheep in Grisedale Common has damaged the vegetation to the extent that it has needed careful management. Since 2003 grazing has been limited to one [[Domestic sheep|ewe]] per hectare ({{Convert|1|ha|acre|1|disp=out}}) in summer and 0.6 ewe in winter. In summer sheep are also flushed from the coves, (Nethermost and Ruthwaite) as they contain vegetation which is susceptible to damage from summer grazing. The vegetation structure has started to improve; however, recovery is slowest on the higher land and the summit is still heavily grazed.<ref name="unit 15"/> The summit suffers erosion from the large number of walkers who climb Nethermost Pike. The use of fewer footpaths would help reduce the disturbance to the summit species.<ref name="unit 11"/>

==References==
{{Commons}}
{{reflist}}
{{Eastern Fells}}

{{good article}}

[[Category:Fells of the Lake District]]
[[Category:Nuttalls]]
[[Category:Patterdale]]