Haycock

Haycock

Haycock rises to 797 metres between Ennerdale and Wasdale, on the ridge linking Scoat Fell and Caw Fell. Summit record.

Finding the summit

The summit cairn stands south of the broken ridge wall at NY 14480 10716. The large shelter immediately north of the wall is Wainwright’s preferred top; a separate viewpoint cairn farther south is not the summit. Haycock appears in his Western Fells guide. Summit identification.

From Wasdale by Nether Beck

For a there-and-back walk from Overbeck car park, head south-west along the lakeside road to Netherbeck Bridge. Continue beyond the bridge to the public bridleway, about 470 metres farther along, and turn uphill. The opening path can be hidden by bracken, so locate it on your map before leaving the road. Watch for road traffic. Approach from Overbeck.

The bridleway rejoins the Nether Beck valley above its ravine and waterfalls. Climb between Rough Crag and Stool, then continue across the slopes below Winscale Hows. Lower valley route.

At the upper valley fork, take the left-hand path towards the gap between Haycock and Scoat Fell; the right-hand branch heads towards Scoat Tarn. Keep to the rising path rather than following the beck towards the tarn. Upper valley junction.

Cross Waver Beck only if the water is safe, then climb the steep ground between Little Lad Crag and Great Scoat Fell into the upper combe. Continue to the ridge col and turn left, following the wall uphill to Haycock. Climb to the ridge.

Return along the wall to the same col, then descend your outward path through the upper combe and back down Nether Beck. Do not continue west towards Caw Fell unless you have planned a longer walk. Descent via Nether Beck.

Rejoin the bridleway to the lakeside road and retrace the road past Netherbeck Bridge to Overbeck car park. Return to Overbeck.

The ridge gives close views of Steeple and Scoat Fell, with Red Pike and Seatallan across the neighbouring valleys. In clear weather the Scafells add a distant skyline. Views from Haycock.

Rock beneath the route

The summit bedrock belongs to the Borrowdale Sill Suite, formed when magma spread between layers of rock below the surface. Summit geology. These sills formed alongside the volcanic activity that built the Borrowdale Volcanic Group. Sill formation.

Around Haycock and Scoat Tarn, the wider sequence includes lava and volcanic ash deposits. Seatallan Dacite crops out on the slopes between the two. Local rock sequence.

Parking and transport

Overbeck is a small National Trust car park at NY 168 068. Bring cash for its pay-and-display machine and check the current tariff. Lake Head has toilets and a welcome centre, but is a separate location farther up Wasdale, not the start described here. Parking and facilities.

The Wasdale Explorer is seasonal; its 2026 service ended in August. Check the next published timetable before planning a bus connection, including the last return journey. Wasdale transport.

Before setting out

Wet, rocky paths and stream crossings slow progress. Ladcrag Beck and Waver Beck can become difficult after heavy rain; turn back if a crossing is unsafe. The upper paths are faint in places and need careful navigation. Route conditions.

Turn back early if streams are rising: you must recross them on the return. Water and weather.

Check the mountain forecast, carry a map and compass, waterproofs, food and drinking water, and leave your route with someone. Allow daylight for the full descent. Snow, ice and strong winds make the high ground much more serious. Walking safety.