“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 Red Pike, High Stile and High Crag gives a spectacular ridge walk covering some of the best ground in this area of Lakeland.

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.

Summits included on this route:
Red Pike755 metres / 2477 feet
High Stile807 metres / 2648 feet
High Crag744 metres / 2441 feet

“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 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

Each participant is expected to bring suitable personal equipment for the event.
This should include the following:

Summer Events:
(November - March)

Walking shoes / Boots
Waterproof clothing (Jacket and trousers)
Suitable clothing for walking (no jeans)
Warm tops
Packed lunch
Spare clothing
Water
Hat
Gloves

Winter Events:
(April - October)

Walking 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
Spare Gloves
Flask & Hot Drink

The Following equipment may also be useful if owned:

Snow Goggles
Gaiters

The following equipment will be provided by The Lake District Walker should winter conditions require:

Ice Axe
Crampons

A lovely walk Review by David

Overall Experience

Another great day our with LDW. A nice ridge walk, challenging but not an ordeal. Guided by Neil, who was excellent at both guiding,
passing on interesting information and being good company - as ever. (Posted on 17/06/2018)

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Questions:

1 Answer

What is the minimum age for children on this event?

Posted by , Thursday, 12 October 2017 on product The Buttermere Fells

Question:

What is the minimum age for children on this event?

Answers:

Posted by John Scadding on Thursday, 12 October 2017

We do not have a set minimum age for this event, however, you know your child best, therefore please bear in mind this is an open event of varying ages, if you are not confident your child can complete this event then hiring a private guide could be a more suitable option.

As this is an open event all under 18's must be accompanied by an adult.

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1 Answer

What happens if the weather is bad?

Posted by , Thursday, 12 October 2017 on product The Buttermere Fells

Question:

What happens if the weather is bad?

Answers:

Posted by John Scadding on Thursday, 12 October 2017
We plan to walk whatever the weather, unless it is dangerous to do so.

Mountain weather can be a little unpredictable, but we do keep an eye on the forecasts leading up to walks, should the forecast mean that the walk is not possible then we will contact you as soon as we have the forecast and offer you the following options:
- A more suitable walk on the same date taking into consideration the weather conditions
- A transfer to the same walk on another date
- A full refund

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1 Answer

Are dogs allowed on this walk?

Posted by , Monday, 18 September 2017 on product The Buttermere Fells

Question:

Are dogs allowed on this walk?

Answers:

Posted by John Scadding on Monday, 18 September 2017

Yes, dogs are allowed on all our walks.

However we do cross farmland and common land where animals will be grazing, there will be large sections of the walk, if not all, where dogs will be required to be on a lead.

There are sections of this walk across rough ground and boulders and as such this walk may not be suitable for all dogs.

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