Haystacks, High Stile & Red Pike - part 2

Having enjoyed the views from Haystacks, we decided to extend the route to make a circular walk. This involves a couple of steep climbs, one in particular up High Crag which is seen clearly from the top of Haystacks. Having done this once before, I knew that it is as steep as it looks!  

High Crag & Buttermere from HaystacksLake District, Cumbria, UK

And, as always seems to be the case, you have to go down before you go up - the route takes you down the flanks of Haystacks and then up and over the smaller hill called Seat (front left) before a very steep climb up High Crag.  

High Crag with Ennerdale Water beyondLake District, Cumbria, UK

Looking back the way we had just come, on the way up High Crag, you can see Seat in the foreground, with a small tarn at its base. Haystacks is just beyond this to the left. You can clearly see that, at just 597m, Haystacks is dwarfed by Great Gable and surrounding hills. It just goes to show you don't have to go the top of the very highest peaks to get amazing views. 

Back towards HaystacksLake District, Cumbria, UK

At 744m, High Crag is not as high as High Stile (806m) or Red Pike (755m), but a considerable climb from the flanks of Haystacks. Once at the top though you have completed the bulk of the climbing on this walk, with the remaining 50 metres or so being a steady climb along the tops. View open up on both sides, with further views of Buttermere to your right.

Buttermere and Grasmoor rangeLake District, Cumbria, UK

Buttermere and Grasmoor rangeLake District, Cumbria, UK

To our left, we could see Ennerdale and Ennerdale Water, the sun lighting up the River Liza in the valley floor. On closer inspection of the map, the river actually enters the lake in the bottom right hand corner rather than the left.

Ennerdale LightLake District, Cumbria, UK

As you progress along the tops, the light seemed to dance across the fells on the other side of Buttermere.

Towards Dale Head & Hindscarth from High Stile RidgeLake District, Cumbria, UK

Towards Dale Head & Hindscarth from High Stile RidgeLake District, Cumbria, UK

Looking back, you can see our route along the tops.

Looking back along the ridgeLake District, Cumbria, UK

As we approached, Red Pike the view of Crummock Water stretched out ahead of us.

Crummock Water and GrasmoorLake District, Cumbria, UK

This wider view includes Bleaberry Tarn below the summit of Red Pike, and a glimpse of Loweswater behind Melbreak on the left.

Crummock Water and GrasmoorLake District, Cumbria, UK

The evening light over Ennerdale Water, and the Solway Firth beyond, was beautiful. 

Ennerdale light (from path to Red Pike)Lake District, Cumbria, UK

Ennerdale light (from path to Red Pike)Lake District, Cumbria, UK

The light over Crummock Water was lovely. Again, you can also see Loweswater in the top left corner.

Evening Light, Crummock WaterLake District, Cumbria, UK

As you come off the top of Red Pike, you get a different view of Buttermere.

Buttermere from Red PikeLake District, Cumbria, UK

4

Buttermere from Red PikeLake District, Cumbria, UK

Here, both Crummock Water (left) and Buttermere are in view again.

Buttermere & Crummock Water, descending from Red PikeLake District, Cumbria, UK

These final images show Crummock Water in the early evening light.

Evening Light, Crummock WaterDescending from Red Pike

Lake District, Cumbria, UK

Evening Light, Crummock WaterDescending from Red Pike

Lake District, Cumbria, UK

The light at the end of the day was beautiful. It had been a great day, with some great views, which we topped off with a couple of pints and a nice pub meal back down at lake level.

For the full set of images from this walk (89 in total) please go to the Haystacks, High Stile & Red Pike gallery here.