“This is in fact the best fell-top of all - a place of great charm and fairyland attractiveness.... One can forget even a raging toothache on Haystacks”
A Wainwright
A wonderful route climbing Great Gable from the Buttermere Valley, taking in the summits of Haystacks, Green Gable, Brandreth, Grey Knotts and Fleetwith Pike, one of the most spectacular ways of climbing Great Gable with stunning and varied views throughout.
“Great Gable is a favourite of all fellwalkers, and a first favourite with many”
A Wainwright
Starting at Gatesgarth Farm we cross the fields to climb the good path to Scarth Gap, the pass between Buttermere and Ennerdale, from here we turn onto the ridge to climb to the rocky summit of Haystacks. A wonderful rocky mountain with great views of the higher Mountains on all sides.
From the summit of Haystacks we will follow the ridge east around several of the lesser tops, taking time to find all the best views of the surrounding land and taking in some of the tarns along the ridge, including Innominate Tarn, the final resting place of Alfred Wainwright.
From Innominate Tarn we continue to the equally picturesque Blackbeck Tarn before taking the path up alongside Great Round How to climb by the fence to the Moses Trod path, an old smugglers route that takes us across the fellside above the head of the Ennerdale Valley, with stunning views out to the Solway Coast.
The Moses Trod path brings us gently up to Beck Head, the pass between Great Gable and Kirk Fell, here we will have our first views down the Wasdale Valley to Wastwater, on a good day we can see the Isle of Man from here.
From Beck Head our route climbs steeply to the summit of Great Gable, a few easy rocky scrambles will bring us up onto the summit of Great Gable.
On a good day it's well worth the slight detour from the summit of Great Gable to take in the Westmorland Cairn, one of the best views in the Lake District and a great spot for lunch.
Back over the summit of Great Gable and we take the path descending towards Windy Gap, a rocky short descent will bring us down onto the red rock of Windy Gap and the short climb to the summit of of Green Gable.
The views from Green Gable to Great Gable can be spectacular, with the summit towering above us and a great view of Gable Crag, the view down the length of the Ennerdale Valley is equally spectacular.
From Green Gable the path continues down to Gillercombe Head and then the easy ascent up onto Brandreth.
From Brandreth the route follows the fenceline to the summit of Grey Knotts, with barely any ascent to Grey Knotts take the time to admire the wonderful views to the west, over Buttermere and Crummock Water to the Solway Coast beyond.
From Grey Knotts we will descend to the north west to drop down onto the Moses Trod path again, following the track down to the Drum House, crossing the tramway to climb up by the Honister Quarries to meet the ridge by Black Star and follow it along to the summit of Fleetwith Pike.
From Fleetwith Pike we descend west, dropping down Fleetwith Edge, a spectacular descent with the views down towards Buttermere and Crummock Water ever changing as we descend the ridge by Low Raven Crag and then down by the war memorial to the roadside just above Gatesgarth Farm.
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Where to meet: Gatesgarth Farm, Buttermere
Postcode: CA13 9XA
Grid Reference: NY 194 149
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 to Gatesgarth Farm, a car park will be seen on the opposite side of the road from the farm, there is a charge for this car park. We will meet by the bridge.
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 and continue past Buttermere. After the road passes alongside the lake a farm will be reached on the right, park in the car park opposite (there is a charge for this car park), we will meet by the bridge.
Bus Services
The 77 / 77a bus stops at Gatesgarth Farm, right opposite the meet point..
The 77 / 77a runs from Keswick to Buttermere over Honister Pass and Whinlatter.
Stagecoach bus timetables can be viewed here
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