The High Stile Ridge

[MarkyMark10]

Our 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.

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 

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[johnkaysleftleg]

Some cracking shots Mark, your phone looks to have done a fine job I'm sure I can see us on Kirk fell
We did the round the other way and came down Red Pike, it is truly horrible.

[trailmasher]

A great ridge walk in a beautiful location with great pics and report on a family day out. Well done to all of you

[ChrisW]

Great to see a family out there loving it, these are the days they'll remember (it's always blue skies when you're a kid) I notice the lads are always out in front mate....who's leading the way here No need for the camera by the look of these shots, the phone did just fine

[MarkyMark10]

I think I will zoom that picture in on Kirk Fell I think its amazing we were so close JohnKaysLeftLeg.

The boys certainly were leading the way. If anything I was slowing them down up High Crag.