Haystacks (Buttermere)

Haystacks (Buttermere)

Haystacks is a 597 m fell in the Lake District's Western Fells, above the south-eastern end of Buttermere. Its rocky skyline leads to a surprisingly intricate landscape of little crags, tarns and hollows. It is a Wainwright, Birkett, Dewey and Dodd.

Finding the summit

The recorded highest point is the southern cairn at NY 19335 13151. The northern cairn, about 50 m away at NY 19336 13204, is the Wainwright and Birkett top. The southern point is recorded as about 2 m higher. A small summit tarn lies among the rocks; Innominate Tarn is a separate tarn farther south-east.

Choosing a route

Gatesgarth and Scarth Gap

From Gatesgarth Farm, cross Peggy's Bridge and climb to Scarth Gap, then turn towards Haystacks. The final ascent includes steep rock steps and short sections where hands are needed. A circuit continues past Innominate Tarn and Blackbeck Tarn, then descends towards Warnscale Bottom and returns to Gatesgarth. Returning down Scarth Gap instead requires care on the same scrambling sections.

From Buttermere village

A longer outing combines the lake shore with Haystacks. One option follows the north-eastern shore to Gatesgarth, climbs and descends via Scarth Gap, and returns along the south-western shore through Burtness Wood. Take care on the short road section near Gatesgarth. Starting in the village adds substantial lakeside walking compared with Gatesgarth.

From Honister Pass

The approach via the old quarry incline and Dubs Quarry reaches Haystacks from the east, passing Blackbeck Tarn and Innominate Tarn. Returning the same way brings you back to Honister, with a climb out of Dubs Quarry on the return. This avoids the Scarth Gap rock steps, but still crosses rough ground and a beck that can be difficult after heavy rain.

Longer fell combinations

Fleetwith Pike can be linked through the quarry paths near Dubs. A much more demanding ridge day links Red Pike, High Stile and High Crag, descends Gamlin End and Seat to Scarth Gap, and climbs Haystacks before returning via the tarns, Warnscale Bottom and Gatesgarth. Allow for the extra ascent and a full day's mountain walking.

Terrain and conditions

Expect rocky paths, loose stones, steep steps and wet hollows. The summit's many knolls and paths need careful navigation in mist. Keep clear of crag edges and take particular care on wet rock. Snow and ice can make the scrambling significantly more serious; choose a route suited to your skills, equipment and the day's conditions. Carry navigation equipment, waterproofs and a headtorch, and allow enough daylight for the return.

Tarns, rock and views

The Haystacks Andesite Member belongs to the Borrowdale Volcanic Group. Its andesite lavas include flow banding and columnar joints, with breccias and some volcaniclastic sedimentary beds. The small summit tarn, Innominate Tarn and Blackbeck Tarn give the fell much of its character. Viewpoints take in Buttermere and Crummock Water, the High Stile ridge, Ennerdale, Pillar and Great Gable; Scafell Pike is visible in clear conditions.

Alfred Wainwright

Haystacks was a favourite of guidebook writer Alfred Wainwright. His ashes were scattered beside Innominate Tarn in 1991, fulfilling his wish. A memorial to him is in St James's Church, Buttermere.

Access and facilities

Paid parking at Gatesgarth Farm suits the Scarth Gap and Warnscale routes. Buttermere village and Honister Pass offer alternative starting points, including National Trust pay-and-display car parks. Check the signs for current charges and conditions, and keep farm entrances and the narrow roads clear.

Buttermere village has cafes, pubs and public toilets. Stagecoach's seasonal 77/77A Honister Rambler links Keswick with Buttermere and Honister; check the current timetable, service updates and last return before setting out.