“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
A circuit of the Buttermere Valley provides a wonderful long days walking over fine ridges, taking in 8 Wainwright summits including High Stile, Haystacks, Fleetwith Pike and Dale Head.
This long horseshoe walk offers some stunning views of every changing scenery and makes a good challenge for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness.
“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. Climbing the path alongside the waterfall we will climb onto the ridge leading 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 climbing again to the summit of Haystacks, this fine rocky summit offers wonderful views over the Buttermere Valley and it's tarns along the summit ridge are a delight.
From Haystacks we will descend to Dubs, a former slate quarry from here we will climb again to the summit of Fleetwith Pike where from the summit we will be rewarded with views over Buttermere and Crummock Water to the Solway Coast on a good day.
A good track descends from the summit of Fleetwith Pike down to Honister Pass, crossing the road at the top of the pass we will climb again to the summit of Dale Head with it's picturesque cairn and views down over the Newlands Valley.
The route from Dale Head takes us west, crossing to the summit of Hindscarth before reaching the final climb of the day up onto the summit of Robinson before descending over Buttermere Moss and High Snockrigg 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
Each participant is expected to have suitable personal equipment for their activity this should include the following:
- Walking shoes / Boots
- Waterproof clothing (Jacket and trousers)
- Suitable clothing for walking (no jeans)
- Warm tops
- Packed lunch
- Spare clothing
- Water
- Hat
- Gloves
- Torch (preferably a headtorch)
- Spare batteries for the above
For winter walks (November to March) events please also bring the following:
- Spare Gloves
- Flask & Hot Drink
The Following equipment may also be useful if owned:
The following equipment will be provided by The Lake District Walker should winter conditions require:
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The Buttermere Horseshoe Review by Bernard
The Buttermere Horseshoe is a strenuous walk over 10 hours! Robbie our guide was excellent being knowledgeable of the walk and identifying all the mountains on the horizon whilst keeping us on time - not an easy task! I bagged my Wainwrights. My thanks to Robbie (Posted on 15/09/2019)
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