Red Pike, High Stile and High Crag


Jenny and I had done several walks out of Buttermere village including Haystacks with a return via Scarth Pass and Mosedale by way of Scale Force. While in Buttermere I had often looked at the high peaks of Red Pike, High Stile and High Crag and, while descending from Haystacks, had a good look at Gamlin End.

Collins ramblers guide lake district said, a 4 boot walk, 8½ miles, 2,600ft ascent and 6 hours 30 minutes.

I said, why not? Jenny said, NO, but was prepared to spend the day in Buttermere and walk around the lake, while I did my own silly things. 		  I believe we went our separate ways at 09:00, although I don't have that written down anywhere. It would certainly fit in well with the time I took the first photograph. I hurried across the thin strip of land that separates Buttermere from Crummock Water and then along the back of Crummock Water. I knew what to expect because I had visited Scale Force twice before. The path is narrow, difficult underfoot and twists and turns. Later it becomes very boggy and you need to pick your route carefully.

Scale Force is the highest waterfall in the Lake District, where the water falls 52m (170ft) in a single drop.


Coffee Boulder Coffee boulder   On previous occasions the aim had been just to look at the waterfall in its deep crevice but this time I needed to climb up to the left of, and alongside, the waterfall before following Scale Beck for at least half a mile before the footpath disappeared and a broad stony track diverged to the left. I saw a prominent boulder ahead and decided on a morning coffee little realizing that I was almost at Lingcombe Edge with its views of Crummock Water, Red Pike and Buttermere village.

The cleft in the mid-distance is where Scale Beck tumbles over the waterfall. The blue water in the distance is Loweswater and the colour of the gravel in the foreground gives you just a hint as to why the first peak is called Red Pike.


I reached Lingcomb Edge at 11:40 and took the photograph of Red Pike looking almost into sun.

While taking photographs, I was joined by two walkers who cautioned me not to get too close to the edge as there had been a number of accidents and the ground was not quite as solid as it looked. I thanked them for the advice and although we did not walk together, I met them several more times during the day.

In the other direction was a fine view of Buttermere village, my starting point almost three hours earlier. 		  Red Pike Red Pike


Buttermere village from Lingcomb Edge Buttermere village from Lingcomb Edge


Peter and fellow walker on Red Pike Peter and a fellow walker on Red Pike summit   I reached Red Pike summit at 12:20 and discovered that the two walkers I had spoken to earlier were already there. The chap was kind enough to take the picture of me alongside his wife. I believe her name was Hazel, from memory.

They departed almost immediately as they were doing a longer and more ambitious walk than me, whilst I had a lunchtime sandwich. I did not expect to see them again but did, in fact, catch up with them after the descent from Gamlin End. They were continuing on over Haystacks and Fleetwith Pike whereas I would be turning left down Scarth Pass to return to Buttermere.

My next objective was the summit of High Stile and this was easily reached just 45 minutes later.


Ennerdale from Red Pike Ennerdale seen from Red Pike


High Stile seen from Red Pike High Stile seen from Red Pike   Looking back at Red Pike Looking back at Red Pike


Crummock Water seen from High Stile Crummock Water seen from High Stile


The heights of the various summits are Red Pike at 755m, High Stile at 806m or 2,644ft and High Crag at 744m. As can be seen the walk along the ridge is fairly level and quite easy going.

To reach the summit of High Crag it is necessary to leave the main footpath, which is fine in good visibility. The main foot path continues on and soon reaches the top of Gamlin End. 		  High Crag seen from High Stile High Crag seen from High Stile


Looking back at High Stile from High Crag Looking back at High Stile from High Crag   The final photograph was taken from the top of Gamlin End looking down at Haystacks and Scarth Gap Pass. It also shows the rocky outcrop called Seat, which comes just before the pass.

The descent begins near Marble Rock and crosses a large area of scree after which there is a steep descent with many stone steps. It looked as though it might be difficult so I put my camera away but, in fact, it was far less trouble than the rocky outcrop that followed.

I had promised that I would be back in Buttermere by 16:00 and descended Scarth Gap Pass as quickly as possible, walked around the back of the lake and was back just about on time, so seven hours in all.


Haystacks and Scarth Pass Gap seen from Gamlin End Haystacks and Scarth Pass Gap seen from Gamlin End

Editor: Peter J. Cosker   peter@the2coskers.com   other Lake District walks   Updated: 21/11/2016