The fell forever associated with arguably the most legendary of all hillwalkers, hikes to Haystacks take you to Alfred Wainwright’s favourite summit and the tarn where his ashes were scattered. It rises beautifully at the head of the Buttermere Valley. On a still day there are few sights in Lakeland as evocative as Haystack’s rocky form reflected in Buttermere’s serene waters.

This Highlight is in a protected area

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Lake District National Park

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Location: Buttermere, Allerdale, Cumbria, North West England, England, United Kingdom

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Trail Magazine

December 2, 2019

Hiking

Alfred Wainwright’s favourite fell and final resting place, Haystacks is achingly pretty: a place where rocky, craggy coarseness meets the quaint charm of tarns and streams in perfect harmony. Alf described the peak as a ‘wonderful cure’ to the everyday worries of life. If you’re feeling stressed, go climb Haystacks.

David Howells

June 15, 2021

Hiking

Hay Stack is not even 600m but it has views of a giant. On a sky blue day like I had today hiking this historic Wainwright was just pure joy. I took the route up Warnscale Beck and came behind it via Green Crag. Every step was a delight. The views of Fleetwith Pike, High Crag and Buttermere were stupendous.

Yvonne

January 25, 2020

Hiking

Wainwright's mountain and a pure delight.

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Best Hikes to Haystacks Summit

4.8

(87)

863

hikers

1. Haystacks Summit – High Stile Summit loop from Gatesgarth

13.5km

05:33

890m

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

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Hard

4.9

(74)

714

hikers

2. View of Buttermere – Innominate Tarn loop from Gatesgarth

8.39km

03:19

520m

510m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

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Moderate

4.9

(40)

364

hikers

3. Innominate Tarn – View of Buttermere loop from Buttermere

8.84km

03:45

640m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

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Moderate

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Elevation 580 m

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Family Friendly

yes

Wheelchair access

Dog Friendly

yes

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Location: Buttermere, Allerdale, Cumbria, North West England, England, United Kingdom

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View of Buttermere

View of Buttermere and Crummock Water

Haystacks Summit

1. Haystacks Summit – High Stile Summit loop from Gatesgarth

2. View of Buttermere – Innominate Tarn loop from Gatesgarth

3. Innominate Tarn – View of Buttermere loop from Buttermere

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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