The High Stile Ridge
Posted: Mon Aug 24, 2015 6:58 pmOur annual (wish it was more) trip to the Lakes led to the Matty and Will requesting some scrambling and a long ridge walk. The High Stile Ridge walk looked perfect for this especially as we hadn’t walked this area before.
We parked in the Gatesgarth Farm Car Park near Buttermere in glorious weather. Blue skies and clear summits. Perfect.
The initial climb was stunning with views of Haystacks, Fleetwith Pike and Buttermere itself, and also a clear view of the ridge of High Crag, High Stile and Red Pike to come.
First aim for the day was to reach Scarth Gap which lies between Haystacks and Seat. A tough haul up but gaining altitude quickly. At the crossroad on Scarth Gap we turn right for our scramble up Seat. This was fairly challenging due to the loose scree but the boys loved it and definitely an interesting way up Seat.
The view of High Crag from Seat makes it look a challenging and scree climb.
However, the good zig zag path soon gains height although tough in the heat. There is some scree towards the top to finish the climb.
Obligatory Summit Shot
Lunch on top of High Crag with glorious view of Ennerdale and the Scafells.
Next objective is High Stile, highest point of the days climb at 2,644ft. Lovely walk in this weather over craggy ground and Eagle Crags overlooking Buttermere.
The climb up the back of High Stile is quickly sorted for more views in fantastic weather.
With the last peak of the day in Red Pike in sight , the boys didn’t like that we had to lose altitude climbing down crags to get off High Stile. However, once down it’s a pleasant walk up to the summit of Red Pike.
The descent from Red Pike to Bleaberry Tarn was possibly the hardest part of the day. Very steep and loose rocks made this very slow going. Red dust getting everywhere. I kind of wished we had carried on to Starling Dodd and come down another way as it was so bad.
Bleaberry Tarn was crystal clear and we spent time watching for fish.
The path down to Buttermere was good but hard on tired legs. However, the stroll beside Buttermere back to Gatesgarth Farm raised spirits again, and what a fantastic days walking we had.
Traditional Ice cream and pint of coke in Keswick before returning to the North East, tired and a bit sunburnt. What a day!
PS. All photos taken on my phone. Unfortunately, someone left the camera at home
We parked in the Gatesgarth Farm Car Park near Buttermere in glorious weather. Blue skies and clear summits. Perfect.
The initial climb was stunning with views of Haystacks, Fleetwith Pike and Buttermere itself, and also a clear view of the ridge of High Crag, High Stile and Red Pike to come.
- Haystacks
- Fleetwith Pike
First aim for the day was to reach Scarth Gap which lies between Haystacks and Seat. A tough haul up but gaining altitude quickly. At the crossroad on Scarth Gap we turn right for our scramble up Seat. This was fairly challenging due to the loose scree but the boys loved it and definitely an interesting way up Seat.
- Steep Scramble to Seat
- Maybe not that way
The view of High Crag from Seat makes it look a challenging and scree climb.
- Up there
However, the good zig zag path soon gains height although tough in the heat. There is some scree towards the top to finish the climb.
- Path up HIgh Crag
- Scree to the Summit
Obligatory Summit Shot
- On Top of High Crag
Lunch on top of High Crag with glorious view of Ennerdale and the Scafells.
- Scafells in the distance
- Beautiful View
Next objective is High Stile, highest point of the days climb at 2,644ft. Lovely walk in this weather over craggy ground and Eagle Crags overlooking Buttermere.
- Towards High Stile
- High Stile from the Crags
- High Stile
The climb up the back of High Stile is quickly sorted for more views in fantastic weather.
- Lads on High Stile
With the last peak of the day in Red Pike in sight , the boys didn’t like that we had to lose altitude climbing down crags to get off High Stile. However, once down it’s a pleasant walk up to the summit of Red Pike.
- Views to Red Pike
- Tired but summit 3 of the day
The descent from Red Pike to Bleaberry Tarn was possibly the hardest part of the day. Very steep and loose rocks made this very slow going. Red dust getting everywhere. I kind of wished we had carried on to Starling Dodd and come down another way as it was so bad.
- Some very steep dusty moments
Bleaberry Tarn was crystal clear and we spent time watching for fish.
- Crystal Clear
The path down to Buttermere was good but hard on tired legs. However, the stroll beside Buttermere back to Gatesgarth Farm raised spirits again, and what a fantastic days walking we had.
- Beautiful Buttermere
- The Path back to Gatesgarth
Traditional Ice cream and pint of coke in Keswick before returning to the North East, tired and a bit sunburnt. What a day!
PS. All photos taken on my phone. Unfortunately, someone left the camera at home
I'm sure I can see us on Kirk fell 