“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
Although not the highest mountain in the Lake District Haystacks is one of the most popular, the guidebook writer Alfred Wainwright chose Innominate Tarn on the summit ridge as the place where his ashes would be scattered after his death.
Not surprisingly many have and are following choosing this delightful fell as their final resting place.
The summit ridge of Haystacks is a beautiful rambling summit with wonderful views over Buttermere, Crummock Water and Ennerdale as well as out to sea over the Solway Firth to Scotland.
Haystacks is surrounded by some of the highest mountains in England including Scafell Pike, Pillar and Great Gable and has great views of this rugged land.
“Not one of this distinguished group of mountains around Ennerdale and Buttermere can show a greater variety and a more fascinating arrangement of interesting features”
A Wainwright
Although not the longest or highest of walks this route is no less spectacular. 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.
Once we descend to Dubs Quarry we will take one of the paths that descends by Warnscale Beck back to Gatesgarth Farm.
We often extend the route a little to take in the extra summit of Fleetwith Pike, descending over Fleetwith Edge to Gatesgarth, with some of the best views over Buttermere. Please ask if you would like to do this alternate route.
Each participant will be required to bring suitable equipment for their chosen event, please see Kit List tab above.
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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A stunning walk Review by Louise
I walked this route with Angela and Angela and our guide James on 1st April. The walk was great - James was friendly and knowledgeable about the surrounding fells and happy to walk at the pace we were comfortable with. The views were spectacular and the slightly scary descent from Fleetwith Pike was managed by all with calm advice from James. A lovely day out! (Posted on 18/04/2024)
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Fantastic walk with a great guide Review by Angela
Truly beautiful walk with magnificent views over Buttermere and Crummock Water. We did the Fleetwith Pike extra which was definitely worth it. The descent of Fleetwith is steep and we found it quite challenging but James was a fantastic guide and brilliant at guiding us down. Highly recommended and many thanks to James. (Posted on 02/04/2024)
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Haystacks and Fleetwith Pike Review by Alan
Just a quick note to thank you for the walk last Friday (Haystacks and Fleetwith Pike). Could you please pass my thanks on to the leader, Chris, for a very enjoyable day.
I was doing this as a preparatory walk for Saturday's '8 Peaks Trek' for the British Heart Foundation (Rossett Pike, Scafell Pike, Bowfell etc etc) which I am delighted to say I completed. (Posted on 06/09/2018)
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Fantastic day Review by Katrina Wild
Fantastic day, led by Hannah, going up Haystacks and Fleetwith Pike. I found the climb harder than I had anticipated and Hannah was great at encouraging me and letting me find my own pace. Views were stunning. Many thanks! (Posted on 11/06/2018)
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