Buttermere is dominated by a mountain wall containing wonderful combs and a triptych of towering summits. Hikes to High Crag conquer the western peak of the three. It rises abruptly to the south of Gatesgarth farm; throwing a craggy, intimidating ridge down towards the lake, whilst its southern aspect is a steep waste of scree. Fortunately for you, there are ways onto this glorious lofty viewpoint from the east and west.

A steep-sided sentinel boasting glorious views

This Highlight is in a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Lake District National Park

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

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Tips

Alex Foxfield

August 2, 2022

Hiking

High Crag is the easternmost of the High Stile range's great summits. From Haystacks, it looks a grand, pyramidal peak and the ascent from this direction, via Gamlin End, is suitably steep and rough. The views more than compensate for any effort though, with the muscular bulk of Pillar to the south and the graceful ridgelines of the North Western Fells strutting their stuff to the north.

Tom

June 17, 2019

Hiking

This is a very open mountain, and as above the winds can be very bad, if you do decide to go up in high winds please do stay to Eastern side of the ridge when the path becomes less visible, the cairn on the top does provide resbite as well. This mountain provides some spectacular views on the good days so do not be put off.

Explorer: Future & The Past

February 18, 2019

Hiking

Please check weather before you get to the top of High Crag. It can get exreme dangerous conditions with 60m/h wind and rain blowing you tawords the edge of the mountain leading to a fatal accident. Good waterproof required to cover top and bottom to keep you dry.It can get very foggy any time, very poor visibility can lead to a confusion.

Nearby routes

Best routes near High Crag Summit

5.0

(1)

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1. High Stile & Pillar loop from Ennerdale Water

24.6km

09:25

1,460m

1,470m

This difficult 15.3-mile hiking loop from Ennerdale Water offers challenging terrain and spectacular views of the Lake District fells.

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4.8

(81)

814

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2. High Stile Summit – Buttermere Lake loop from Buttermere

13.3km

05:19

790m

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

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Hard

5.0

(3)

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3. Innominate Tarn – High Stile Summit loop from Gatesgarth

24.3km

08:43

1,220m

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

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Hard

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Informations

Elevation 710 m

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Family Friendly

yes

Wheelchair access

Dog Friendly

yes

Weather

Today

Sunday 15 March

7°C

2°C

95 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 31.0 km/h

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Take Me There

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

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View of Buttermere Lake

High Crag Summit

1. High Stile & Pillar loop from Ennerdale Water

2. High Stile Summit – Buttermere Lake loop from Buttermere

3. Innominate Tarn – High Stile Summit loop from Gatesgarth

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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