Fleetwith Pike

Fleetwith Pike

Western Lake District

Route: Fleetwith Pike and Haystacks

Area: Western Lake District

Date of walk: 12th October 2016

Walkers: Andrew and Gilly

Distance: 5.6 miles

Weather: Bright spells at first but clouded over later

We parked in the car park at Gatesgarth Farm and walked beside the Honister Pass road for a few yards before turning off to start the climb up Fleetwith Pike. It’s a relentlesss climb around Low Raven Crag, along Fleetwith Edge and thence to the summit. The ridge looks alarming seen from below, and while there are some steep sections where hands are needed, there’s nothing to frighten the horses – it’s a delightful climb. The enjoyment was enhanced today by some good light and wonderful retrospective views over Buttermere and Crummock Water

From the summit we made our way along the knobbly hinterland of the fell across to Haystacks, Wainwright’s favourite fell. The weather had closed in a little by now but this didn’t matter as the fell has so many interesting features and is worth a visit in any weather – except mist, as it’s quite a confusing place with many steep crags

We descended steeply to Scarth Gap and then down Scarth Gap Pass to the shore of Buttermere. From there it was an easy stroll across the head of the lake back to the start

It had been a superb walk in dramatic mountain scenery

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