Haystacks Walk

Gatesgarth - Low Wax Knott - Scarth Gap Pass - Haystacks - Blackbeck Tarn - Bell Crags - Fleetwith Pike - Gatesgarth

Haystacks is, in Lakeland terms, no giant. At 'only' 1900 feet, many people refuse to class it as a true mountain. However, what Haystacks lacks in height is more than made up for by its charm and beauty. The fine summit features rocky outcrops, small screes, and delightful little tarns.

This route begins (and ends) at Gatesgarth Farm, on the B5289 road just beyond the south-eastern end of Buttermere lake. The route from Gatesgarth Farm heads south-west through fields to Peggy's Bridge, which takes the path over Warnscale Beck and onto the lower flanks of Buttermere Fell. The well-worn path then heads south, ascending Buttermere Fell to the crags of Low Wax Knott, passing above the rocks and beneath the crags of High Wax Knott. As the path emerges from between the crags, there is a route to the right: ignore this, and continue south along Scarth Gap Pass to Scarth Gap. At the crossing of paths at Scarth Gap turn left, heading east-south-east directly up to the summit of Haystacks.

The path continues east-south-east from the summit, descending gently beside Innominate Tarn and on to Blackbeck Tarn. As the path reaches the tip of Innominate Tarn it turns left, heading north-east, crossing the upper heights of Warnscale Beck and continuing east-north-east to Bell Crags, overlooking Honistor Pass. At Bell Crags, take a left turn, and head west-north-west, rising to the summit of Fleetwith Pike, with fine views along the length of the Buttermere Valley. The path continues in the same direction, descending steeply along the dramatic ridge of Fleetwith Edge to Low Raven crag, and on a short distance to the valley floor. As it reaches the valley floor it joins the B5289, at which point it is only a matter of yards back along the road to Gatesgarth Farm.

Approx. distance: 5.4 miles
Approx. total ascent: 2576 feet
Approx. time: 2.5-3.5 hours