As Usual I set off from Lancashire very early to be in the lakes for an early start, got there, parked up and ready for off by half six. Unfortunately the bad weather traveled up with me again and I set off in the cloud and wet. Fleetwith Pike looks very steep from the bottom and I cant see the top because of the cloud it's a series of steep steps covered in purple heather the view back to Buttermere when the clouds part and the sun shines through is absolutely stunning. Once at the top it looks quite flat but as you can see from the views back later in the walk it's got a bit of a peak to it.
I carried on from the top down through the quarries some of them still being worked others not. the landscape on this part of the walk is rugged and rocky with big outcrops, old workings, it has a lost forgotten feel to it even though it is a very popular walk.
On to Haystacks, although I enjoyed the walk very much I wouldn't say it was spectacular perhaps I'm missing something, the weather was quite dull. Some great views of Pillar and the high style range. I walked back down to the car through Scarth Gap, there's is quite a scrabble down from the peak I was quite surprised to see people taking very young children up there, perhaps i'm getting old lol.
Warning
Please note that hillwalking when there is snow lying requires an ice-axe, crampons and the knowledge, experience and skill to use them correctly. Summer routes may not be viable or appropriate in winter. See winter information on our skills and safety pages for more information.