Meet time: 9am
Start time: 9.30am
Estimated finish time: 4pm to 4.30pm
Distance: About 10.2 miles (16.42 kilometres).
Ascent: About 3550 feet (1082 meters).
Ramblers walk grading: A (Strenuous).
Start point: The dirt car park by St. James Church (Grid reference: NY17642 17040)
Postcode: CA13 9UZ
Car parking: The lay-by along the beginning of the Newlands Pass road that starts from Buttermere. There is also a pay and display car park in the west of the village.
It is the responsibility of each walker to make sure they understand where to park. If you are not sure where the car parking/meeting point is, you must contact the walk leader at the latest the day before the walk. You should not rely on mobile phones or postcodes. There is often no mobile reception near walk meeting points and postcodes are for the nearest place nearby but should only serve as a guideline. Please allow plenty of time to find a parking space so that walks can start promptly.
This walk starts at Buttermere village and goes along various paths running parallel to the northern shoreline of Buttermere Lake. From there it’s a steep ascent to Bleaberry Tarn and then to the first mountain/Wainwright of the day Red Pike (755 meters). This is a spectacular vantage point of Crummock Water, Ennerdale and much of the northern half of the Lake District.
After Red Pike the walk goes to the highest mountain which is High Stile (807 meters). This is where clearer views of Pillar, Great Gable and some of the tops of the Wasdale mountains can be seen. Next is High Crag, the third mountain of the walk, which comes in at 744 meters. This is amazing views of Fleetwith Pike, parts of Buttermere Lake, and of the entirety of the Ennerdale Valley.
There is a steep descent from High Crag until it comes to Scarth Gap. Tired legs can take the northern path back to Buttermere and so avoiding Hay Stacks. For those continuing on it is a steep but shorter ascent up to the lumpy, craggy and heathery Wainwright of Hay Stacks (597 meters). This has really good views of Buttermere and Crummock Water, plus Pillar and Great Gable and Fleetwith Pike really stand out.
The descent from Hay Stacks is gradual though a bit windy and it heads towards the disused spoil heaps and higher bothy of Fleetwith Pike. The path then picks up an old miner’s track that runs around the western side of Fleetwith Pike that gradually descends back to Gatesgarth. From Gatesgarth it is a leisurely stroll along the eastern side of Buttermere Lake until at last returning to the village.
Please note: If the weather is poor the alternative walk will be going around Buttermere Lake itself.
Please contact Ben via text on before 10pm on Saturday 7 June if you are coming on this walk.
Please check the weather and bring appropriate clothing (waterproofs and spare warm clothing), footwear and enough food and water. The leader reserves the right to turn away any walker not suitably equipped. The leader may cancel the walk or modify the route dependent on conditions.
Car sharing may be possible – please contact the walk leader to arrange.
New members: please note the walk leader may ask for more information about your walking experience. This is to ensure you have the fitness required to complete the walk that is planned safely.