~Fleetwith Pike to Haystacks~
17th September 2022
Molly on top of Fleetwith Pike
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I arrived at Gatesgarth Farm at 0915hrs and found the car park about 75% full. What used to be an early start, is no longer. For 9am, read 8am to be sure of a parking space at many popular spots. It remains £4 to park here and I'm grateful for that, it feels as though the farmer is on our side and in return we should treat his territory and animals with immense respect. Of course, those who prefer not to pay to park can fill up the little lay-bys at this end of the Honister Pass.
Buttermere
It's just over 10 years since I last climbed Fleetwith Pike "up the nose". It's a great climb, one of the best, proper mountaineering!
Haystacks
We will climb Fleetwith Pike and then make our way around to Haystacks. A simple and relatively short, but immensely enjoyable mountain climb and walk. It's easier to show views behind us than ahead as we are clmbing in shadow.
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Buttermere |
The High Stile Range |
No navigational problems on the way up here. The High Stile Range extends on the south-west side of Buttermere. Another new one for Molly and she is typically delighted to reach the summit.
Molly on top of Fleetwith Pike 2,126ft asl
For the record, it took us 1hr and 18mins to go from the bottom to the top, 1750ft of ascent. One chap overtook us with ease and we didn't encounter anyone else on the ascent.
To Black Star
And now for some easy walking across the top of Fleetwith Pike to the top of Honister Crag, known as Black Star.
Molly on Black Star
We walked across the messy quarry areas to pick up the dismantled tramway which ran from Dubs Quarry to Honister Works. The quarry is in use and a crusher is set up to make fines for the horticultural and building industries. I witnessed two couples staring into their phones, clearly wondering where they were and where they were going. On a fine day like this I decided it was better to let them get on with it, what can possibly go wrong?
On the Tramway
We are now heading for Haystacks, with Pillar dominating the skyline further away.
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Dubs Bothey |
Great View! |
It's a great day for fellwalking. Cool, but not windy and plenty of sunshine.
Blackbeck Tarn
If you look carefully, you will see a squadron of wild swimmers near to the water. You might even spot a dog's nose.
Innominate Tarn
Molly on top of Haystacks 1,959ft asl
I have gone with the modern value for the height of Haystacks. Wainwright offered 1900ft approx. The OS map puts their spot height at the southern end of the summit ridge and it looks higher to me. Here Molly is at the northern end of the summit ridge.
Summit Tarn, Haystacks
High Crag stands prowdly beyond Haystacks. We now have a difficult and rocky descent to Scarth Gap.
Fleetwith Pike
Walkers should be in no doubt that the descent from Haystacks summit to Scarth Gap is steep and difficult in places. Anyone with less able or large dogs should bear this in mind. I think this will be the last time I bring Molly down this way; more than once I had to gather her up and lower her down a "bad step". Generally I find it safer to take Molly up a steep rocky climb than to get her down.
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Scarth Gap Pass |
Gatesgarth Farm |
All downhill from here....
Peggy's Bridge
Into Warnscale Bottom and across Peggy's Bridge for an easy stroll back to Gatesgarth.
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Gatesgarth Parking
How long before charging points for EV's appear here?
Walkers: Me n' Molly
Time taken: 4hr 10mins over distance of about 6 miles; 2576ft of ascent.
Route: Gatesgarth Farm, Fleetwith Edge, Fleetwith Pike Summit, Black Star, Honister Quarry, dismantled tramway, Dubs Quarry, Blackbeck Tarn, Innominate Tarn, Haystacks Summit, Scarth Gap, Scarth Gap Pass, Peggy's Bridge to Gatesgarth Farm.
Weather and Conditions: Sunny and coolish.
Greetings: One on the way up Fleetwith Pike; immense thereafter!
All photos copyright Richard Ratcliffe 2022 ©
Take me back to the start ....