“No mountain range in Lakeland is more dramatically impressive than this, no other more spectacularly sculptured, no other more worth climbing and exploring”
A Wainwright
The ridge above Buttermere consisting of Great Borne, Starling Dodd, Red Pike, High Stile and High Crag gives a spectacular ridge walk covering some of the best ground in this area of Lakeland.
This is the extended version of ever popular Buttermere Fells walk with the additional summits of Great Borne and Starling Dodd.
Our route takes in high summits, waterfalls, lakes and spectacular views over Buttermere, Crummock Water, Ennerdale and across the Solway Firth to Scotland as well as some stunning views of many of the highest mountains in England.
“The range is magnificently carved to a simple design on a massive scale”
A Wainwright
From Buttermere we will follow the path above Crummock Water to Scale Force. From Scale Force we will climb by Floutern Tarn and onto the summit of Great Borne. We will follow the ridge east from Great Bourne crossing Starling Dodd and Middle Dodd before climbing to the summit of Red Pike.
From Red Pike we will continue along the fine ridge to the summits of High Stile and High Crag, with wonderful views over Buttermere, Ennerdale towards the higher tops of Great Gable, Pillar and Scafell Pike as well as over the Solway Coast.
From High Crag we will descend to Scarth Gap and then follow the track down to the Buttermere lake shore, following this back to Buttermere.
Each participant will be required to bring suitable equipment for their chosen event, please see Kit List tab above.
Where to meet: Outside the Bridge Hotel, Buttermere
Postcode: CA13 9UZ
Grid Reference: NY 174 169
Directions
From Keswick: Leave Keswick on the Borrowdale Road (from the mini roundabout near the co-op) Follow this road for approx 8 miles, passing through Rosthwaite to the village of Seatoller, from here the road climbs over Honister Pass, descend the eastern slopes of the pass and continue on this road until you reach Buttermere Village, Free parking will be found to the right as you reach the village, by the church or a larger pay car park will be found if you turn left next to the Bridge Hotel heading to the right of the Fish Hotel (Both hotels operate a clamping system). We will meet outside the Bridge Hotel.
From Cockermouth: Leave Cockermouth on the Lorton Road, leaving town opposite Sainsburys. Follow this road through the village of Low Lorton and continue until a road leads to the left, signposted for Buttermere, follow this road to Buttermere, a pay and display car park will be found to the right, behind the Bridge Hotel, free parking a little further on up the hill after the church. We will meet outside the Bridge Hotel.
Bus Services
A seasonal bus service runs to Buttermere from Keswick, the bus stop is behind the Bridge Hotel.
The 77/77a bus runs between Keswick and Buttermere, this is a seasonal service runnning from East to October.
Stagecoach bus timetables can be viewed here
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