Haystacks from Gatesgarth
Wainwright's favourite fell: a craggy, tarn-studded summit above Buttermere.
- Distance
- 6.3 km
- Ascent
- 520 m
- Time
- 2.5–3 h
- Grade
- Moderate
- Route
- Circular
- High point
- 597 m
Drag along the profile to see where you are on the map.
Offline navigation is coming in the TRXO app. Hear when it launches.
Route mapped on from OpenStreetMap paths, with heights from EU-DEM terrain data; not yet checked on the ground by TRXO. Added to TRXO on . For planning only: always navigate with an up-to-date map such as OS Explorer or Harvey. How we make our routes.
About this walk
Haystacks from Gatesgarth is a moderate 6.3 km circular walk with 520 m of ascent, taking 2.5 to 3 hours. It starts at Gatesgarth, Buttermere (grid reference NY 194 151). It climbs Haystacks (Buttermere) (597 m), a Wainwright.
Haystacks isn't high, but it's one of the most loved fells in the Lake District, a jumble of crags, knolls and tarns. Alfred Wainwright's ashes were scattered by Innominate Tarn, as he asked. From Gatesgarth, the route climbs to Scarth Gap and up a rocky path to the summit.
From the top, it wanders past Innominate Tarn and Blackbeck Tarn before descending. The views over Buttermere and Crummock Water are superb.
Route
-
1
Scarth Gap
Cross the valley and climb the path to Scarth Gap.
-
2
The summit
Climb the rocky path to Haystacks' summit.
-
3
Innominate Tarn
Wander past Innominate Tarn and Blackbeck Tarn, then descend.
Summit
597 m
Questions about this walk
- How long does Haystacks from Gatesgarth take?
- Most walkers take 2.5–3 hours for the 6.3 km route, which has 520 m of ascent. That allows for short stops; give yourself longer in winter, in poor weather or with a group.
- Where does the walk start, and where can I park?
- It starts at Gatesgarth, Buttermere (grid reference NY 194 151). Pay car park at Gatesgarth Farm.
- Can I get there by public transport?
- Not easily: there's no regular bus or train to the start, so you'll need a car, a lift or a long walk in.
- How hard is it?
- It's graded moderate. Good path to Scarth Gap; rocky, knobbly ground on top with some hands-on steps.
- Which hill does it climb?
- Haystacks (Buttermere) (597 m, Wainwright).
- Can I take my dog?
- Yes, dogs are welcome on this walk. Before you go: Sheep graze the fells and moors: keep dogs on a lead near livestock, especially at lambing time (March to May).
Walked this? Tell the next walker
No reviews, condition reports, walkers' photos or trip reports for this walk yet. Yours would be the first.
Walks nearby
All walks near Wasdale Head
Red Pike (Buttermere), Starling Dodd, High Stile and High Crag (Buttermere)
Gatesgarth
15.3 km · 1060 m · 5.5–7 h
