Haystacks

• Rugged fell of great character
• Easy access to the summit area
• Views across the highest fells

stunning-summit-tarn-haystacks

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Haystacks and Wainwright go together like Everest and Mallory and I have very little to add to his various descriptions of his favourite mountain. My favourite Lakeland fell is in fact Blencathra but apart from that I agree with everything else that the great Lakeland rambler said. Wainwright describes the fell as a ‘shaggy terrier amongst hounds’ and he is absolutely right. It is smaller than its neighbours but the mile or so of summit plateau is a great mix of rocky outcrops, tranquil tarns and hidden hollows – that perfect combination which so characterises the Lake District. I am not sure why Wainwright suggests the walks in his guide books start from Gatesgarth as I prefer the extra mile along the shores of Buttermere with the well constructed path that leads to Scarth Gap and the avoidance of the steep tracks up to the Red Pike ridge.

Recommend: I would suggest carrying on beyond the normal exit down Warnscale and up the quarry road to the slate mines of Fleetwith Pike and the vertigo inducing summit – rarely is there such a feeling of being perched on the precipice of a valley.

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OS Map:	O/S 1.25,000. OL4 The English Lakes North West. Buy Map
Start Point:	NY 175170. Buttermere. There is pay and display in the village but streams of traffic park road side on the Newlands road. The start is past the Fish Inn and down to the lake.
Height to Climb:	531 ms (1,742 feet)
Terrain:	Even the paths are excellent on Haystacks. No fears in any way.
Eating & Drinking:	I like the Bridge Hotel walkers bar as I have failed to find the Beauty of Buttermere in the Fish Inn! There are also 2 tea shops.
Similar Walks Nearby:	High Stile Ridge Mellbreak and Crummock Water Fleetwith Pike from Buttermere
Places to Stay:	Midtown Cottages, High Lorton