High Gait Crags
Enjoy quiet moorland and spectacular views on this wilderness walk into the heart of Lakeland’s highest mountains.
At a modest height of 560m, High Gait Crags often goes unnoticed on the way to the more popular giants of the Eskdale fells. It’s a pity, as this lesser-known hilltop offers up some of the most dramatic and close-up views of England’s highest mountains.
This route begins with a pleasant valley walk beside the deep clear pools of the River Esk. After reaching the upper reaches of the valley and crossing the ancient stone Lingcove Bridge, an energetic climb follows.
The path soon disappears as the landscape quickly changes into unfrequented wild fell.
A test of navigation ensues to pass Long Crag and Low Gait Crags before reaching the little cairn which sits atop High Gait Crags. From here enjoy some of the best views that Lakeland has to offer of Scafell Pike, Dow Crag, Bowfell and Crinkle Crags.
After descending into the vast expanse of Great Moss near the headwaters of the River Esk, the return route crosses the river and continues on fair paths below the great cliffs of Esk Buttress. Finally, walkers pass the cascade of Cam Spout and Sampson’s Stones before reaching Taw House Farm to re-cross the river to Brotherilkeld Farm.
1
NY213011 Start from the limited parking area by Jubilee Bridge at the foot of the Western end of Hardknott pass. Follow the road downhill to cross the cattle grid and turn immediately right at the antiquated red telephone box into the entrance of Brotherilkeld Farm. Proceed along the farm track and pass through the farmyard via a series of gates. Head across the field path and pass through a stone wall. Continue north-east to traverse the base of Yew Crags, before crossing another stone wall using a ladder style. The path now rises gently along the valley, with views ahead of Bowfell. It makes for an enjoyable walk adjacent to the impressive River Esk until the picturesque Lingcove Bridge where the river splits.
2
NY227036 Cross over the arched stone bridge and follow the main path beside the River Esk for a short distance before taking a faint rocky path on the right which rises steeply up the left bank of Lingcove Beck. Upon reaching more level ground the path soon disappears, entering into the heart of some very wild country. Pay particular close attention to navigation from here onwards. Continue north-easterly across rough moorland past the rocky outcrops of Throstle Garth and below Throstlehow Crag. Now keep ahead towards the prominent rocky lump of Pianet Knott. After rounding a little shoulder, the line of cliffs of Long Crag appear to the left. Shortly after passing a grassy hause between Long Crag and Pianet Knott, turn left.
3
NY233047 Head north-west, climbing up the ridge towards Long Crag. At the base of the crag head north to cross a green basin to the foot of Low Gait Crags. Continue ahead until reaching the tiny summit cairn of High Gait Crags which nestles amongst boulders.
Enjoy the fine views in every direction including Scafell Pike, Scafell, Bowfell and Crinkle Crags.
4
NY229057 From here begin the descent downhill across grassy slopes towards the infant River Esk and boggy expanse of Great Moss. As the slope flattens out, head in a northerly direction upstream (which can be boggy at times) to cross the river at Bield below the foreboding Dow Crag. Turn left to follow the well-defined path along the northern bank of the River Esk, with the huge cliffs of The Scafells ever present. Pass the cascade of Cam Spout before reaching the giant Sampson Stones.
5
NY218053 As the river tumbles away to the left, continue ahead on the path descending past Silverybield Crag and Rowantree Crags before the path steepens to arrive at Scale Bridge. Head forward on the path, crossing the ladder stile, and descend a grassy slope which turns into a bridleway and brings you to Taw House Farm. From the farmyard turn left through a gate to cross the field path to the footbridge over the River Esk to reach Brotherilkeld Farm again. From here retrace your steps back to the parking area at Jubilee bridge.