Steeple is located in the mountains designated by Wainwright as his Western Fells, one of the fells on a walk he rated very highly, The Mosedale Horseshoe. Technically a subsidiary peak of Scoat Fell, Wainwright designated it a separate fell because of the summit, which he described as 'springing out of the murky depths, a slender pinnacle of lofty and delicate proportions which justify its name'. Steeple walks are as interesting for the view of the summit on the ascent as the are for the views from the top, and few of the Lakeland fells can have been named so appropriately.
Direct routes to the top can be made by Wainwright walkers from Ennerdale or Wasdale, while the Mosedale Horseshoe is the most popular way to see Steeple in conjunction with other Wainwright Fells. Another interesting walk which ticks boxes on Wainwright maps, and includes some of the lesser known Wainwrights begins at the car park beneath Bowness Knott on the shores of Ennerdale. From here, the long ascent to Steeple begins, after which the path moves on to Scoat Fell. Following on are the Wainwright peaks of Haycock and Caw Fell, before the route returns to the starting position. This is an interesting way for Wainwright baggers to take in some less popular fells, and see the Lake District's varied scenery all at once, from lakeside shores to green rolling hills by way of the steep and rocky crags of Steeple and Scoat Fell.
From Steeple's summit, which can be quite a squeeze on busy days at there isn't much to stand on at the top, the views are very interesting. While Scoat Fell and in particular Pillar, block some of the views - it is an excellent vantage point for the splendid scenery down Ennerdale and off towards the coast. Skiddaw can be seen too, as can Blencathra and across to the North Pennines that flank the Eden Valley, far to the East.
Further information about Steeple, walks in the area and Mosedale Horseshoe maps can be found in Book Seven: The Western Fells, by A. Wainwright, a volume of the Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells
Plan and record your progress through the Wainwright Fells of the Lake District