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Haystacks (Buttermere)

597m Elevation
78m Prominence
England Country
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Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Scafell Pike from Seathwaite via the Corridor Route

14.1 km ~7h Hard

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Scafell Pike via Brown Tonge and Hollow Stones

8.1 km ~4h Hard

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Tarn Hows Fast Route

4.1 km ~1h Moderate

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Helvellyn via Striding Edge

11.2 km ~6h Hard

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Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Buttermere Circular via Haystacks

Start at the National Trust car park in Buttermere village and follow the path along the southern shore of Buttermere lake. Ascend via Scarth Gap Pass, reaching Haystacks summit. Descend towards Innominate Tarn and return through Warnscale Bottom, completing the circular route back to Buttermere.

11.5 km ~5 hours Moderate

Haystacks via Fleetwith Pike

Begin at Gatesgarth Farm and ascend Fleetwith Pike for stunning views over Buttermere and Crummock Water. Follow the ridge path to Haystacks, passing Blackbeck Tarn and Innominate Tarn. Descend via Scarth Gap Pass and return to Gatesgarth Farm.

9 km ~4.5 hours Challenging

Haystacks Direct via Scarth Gap Pass

From the car park at Gatesgarth Farm, follow the valley path towards Scarth Gap Pass. Ascend the pass and continue directly to the summit of Haystacks. Return via the same route for a straightforward out-and-back walk.

6.5 km ~3 hours Moderate

High Stile Ridge Traverse

Start at Buttermere village and ascend Red Pike via Bleaberry Tarn. Traverse the ridge to High Stile and High Crag before reaching Haystacks. Descend via Scarth Gap and return along the lakeshore to Buttermere.

14 km ~6.5 hours Challenging

Haystacks via Honister Pass

Park at Honister Slate Mine and ascend via the old quarry tracks. Join the path to Haystacks, passing Dubs Hut and Innominate Tarn. Descend via Warnscale Bottom for a scenic and varied circular route.

8.5 km ~4 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Dodd Dewey Wainwright Birkett Synge Fellranger

Elevation

597m

1,959 ft

Prominence

78m

Coordinates

54.5072, -3.2473

NY193131

OS Map

89 90

Explorer: OL4S

At the Summit

The summit features a splendid stone cairn and provides dramatic views of the surrounding peaks, along with a panoramic vista over Buttermere and Crummock Water.

Terrain & Geology

A mixture of rocky paths and grassy slopes with some boggy sections that can be a bit tricky especially after a rainy spell. Wellies may envy your hiking boots.

Haystacks is predominantly composed of volcanic rock, particularly andesite and tuff, which formed from ancient volcanic activity. The rugged terrain showcases the impressive geological history of the Lake District.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, one can enjoy views of the surrounding mountains including the enchanting Buttermere Valley, Crummock Water, and the iconic peaks of Scafell Pike and Pillar in the distance.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Haystacks' is derived from its distinctive shape that resembles a pile of hay, reflecting the pastoral history of the surrounding area.

Historical Significance

Haystacks holds a special place in the hearts of many walkers and was famously revered by the poet A.W. Hughes, who wrote of its enchanting landscapes.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a pay-and-display car park at the northern end of Buttermere village, which serves as a great starting point for various walks.

Public Transport

Regular buses run from Keswick to Buttermere, making it accessible whether you’re on the trail or at the pub enjoying a well-deserved pint post-hike.

Nearby Facilities

Cafes in Buttermere serve excellent homemade cakes and refreshing drinks, perfect for a post-hike treat. There are also public toilets available near the car park.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • As with many Lake District hikes, be wary of sudden weather changes, slippery rocks, and the potential for bogs to surprise you when least expected.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Haystacks (Buttermere)?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Haystacks (Buttermere) through the maps

Are there other walkers around Haystacks (Buttermere)?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Haystacks (Buttermere) search or of course create your own walk for Haystacks (Buttermere)

Can I organise a walk to Haystacks (Buttermere)?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Haystacks (Buttermere).

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Haystacks (Buttermere)?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Haystacks (Buttermere) here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

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Location

View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.

Grid reference: NY193131

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Nearby Hills

Fleetwith Pike

649m

 Pillar

Pillar

892m

 Great Gable

Great Gable

899m

High Stile [Grey Crag - High Stile]

806m

 Scafell Pike

Scafell Pike

978m
See 5 more nearby hills