Buttermere Circular

A spectacular lakeland hike offering dramatic scenery from multiple Wainwrights including the much loved Haystacks

Welcome to Freshwalks. This classic hike event is part of our own vibrant business community programme and everyone is welcome to join us for a day of hiking and networking in the great outdoors. Feel free to come alone - most Freshwalkers do - and you'll be warmly welcomed or invite a colleague or client along for company.

Route description

This challenging circular hike from Buttermere offers dramatic Lake District scenery. The route climbs steeply to Red Pike before following the rugged ridge over High Stile and High Crag, with sweeping views of Crummock Water and surrounding fells. Descending toward the iconic, rocky landscape of Haystacks, hikers pass near Innominate Tarn, a favourite of Alfred Wainwright. The trail then heads over Fleetwith Pike, finishing with a rewarding descent back into peaceful Buttermere.

Route: Buttermere - Red Pike - High Stile - High Crag - Haystacks - Fleetwith Pike - Buttermere

Distance: 17km

Grade: Challenging (more info on grading here)

Max elevation: 806m / Total ascent: 1320m

Proposed schedule:

09:45 - Meeting, Buttermere Court Hotel

10:00 - Walk starts

13:00 - Picnic stop en-route (please bring a packed lunch)

17:00 - Walk finishes, Buttermere

Walk leader: Michael Di Paola

Meeting location: Buttermere Court Hotel, Buttermere, Cockermouth CA13 9XA https://w3w.co/robes.costs.boomed

Parking: Buttermere National Trust car park (CA13 9UZ). Grid ref: NY172172 https://w3w.co/promises.parsnips.smoker National Trust members park for free. Otherwise £9 all day. Please bring cash. Park responsibly.

Toilets: Public toilets in Buttermere Village.