ROUTE DESCRIPTION

1 START/FINISH: centre of

Buttermere village

GR: NY175170

The walk begins in the centre of Buttermere (parking available), and takes a lane south-west out of the village. The path goes through several gates before reaching the edge of Buttermere lake. Views along the lake to Fleetwith Pike from this point are magnificent. Cross two footbridges and take the footpath following the shore south-east.

2 Just before reaching the south-eastern end of the lake, at a junction approximately 2km (1.3 miles) after starting the shoreline path, take a right-hand fork that begins climbing south. This rising traverse reaches a bouldery area where the route is marked by cairns, and soon leads to the broad saddle of Scarth Gap.

3 Take a sharp right at the cairn and climb on a pitched path towards rocky ground. The path bypasses Seat, a 561m (1841ft) minor top. There’s a small descent to a broad and relatively flat area with a small tarn, and then the path begins climbing again – gently at first and then more steeply in zigzags, sticking to the defined crest of the ridge. You won’t lose the path in good conditions but take care not to veer too far left. After tackling some looser ground near the top, arrive at High Crag (744m/2441ft) – a splendid viewpoint on a clear day.

4 Continue along the ridge. Your route veers west now – ignore paths turning off to the north. The path is less clear at first, but once the ridge along the top of White Cove and Comb Crags is begun it’s impossible to get lost. Keep going for about 1.5km (0.9 miles), on largely undulating and craggyterrain, before climbing to the summit of High Stile, 807m (2648ft).

5 High Stile is another impressive viewpoint, especially looking back along the rocky line of cliffs to High Crag, and in the other direction to the grassy hollow cradling Bleaberry Tarn (which you’ll visit on the descent). There are several tops on the crescent-shaped plateau-like summit of High Stile. Again, take care not to descend north or east; after visiting the summit take a sharp turn west, following the path near the edge of steep cliffs as you drop down through rocky ground. The col between High Stile and Red Pike is broad and grassy. Cross it, then make the ascent to Red Pike, 755m (2477ft).

6 Descend steeply north-east (loose ground) to a saddle. After making a quick ascent of Dodd (641m/2103ft) – a fantastic viewpoint for Crummock Water – drop back down to the saddle and then continue left, descending steeply on a good path to Bleaberry Tarn.

7 Cross the tarn’s outflow and descend on the path beside Sourmilk Gill, following it as it veers right and then back left on its way towards the north-west point of Buttermere lake. Cross the footbridges and retrace your steps back to the village.