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

Save

Add komoot as a preferred source in your Google results

Add now

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

Save

See routes here

Take Me There

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.

Routes here

Best Hikes to High Crag Summit

5.0

(1)

hikers

1. High Stile & Pillar loop from Ennerdale Water — Lake District National Park

24.6km

09:25

1,460m

1,470m

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Hard

4.8

(87)

863

hikers

2. 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.

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Hard

4.8

(78)

766

hikers

3. High Stile Summit – Buttermere loop from Buttermere

12.4km

05:02

760m

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

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Hard

Details

Informations

Elevation 710 m

Good to know

Family Friendly

yes

Wheelchair access

Dog Friendly

yes

Weather

Today

Wednesday 28 January

7°C

1°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 12.0 km/h

Most visited during

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

See routes here

Take Me There

Add komoot as a preferred source in your Google results

Add now

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

Other Popular Places to Check Out

Innominate Tarn

Burtness Wood

Dubs Hut Bothy

Brandreth Summit

Grasmoor

Scale Force Waterfall

Sourmilk Gill Waterfall

Crag Hill (Eel Crag) Summit

Dubs Quarry Tramway

Black Sail Pass

Syke Farm and Buttermere Lake View

Buttermere Reflections

High Crag Summit

1. High Stile & Pillar loop from Ennerdale Water — Lake District National Park

2. Haystacks Summit – High Stile Summit loop from Gatesgarth

3. High Stile Summit – Buttermere loop from Buttermere

Other Popular Places to Check Out

We value your privacy ⛰️

We value your privacy ⛰️