High Crag (Buttermere)

High Crag (Buttermere)

High Crag is the steep south-eastern end of the High Stile ridge, above Buttermere and Ennerdale. At 744.8 metres, it is lower than its neighbour High Stile, but the climb up Gamlin End gives it a character of its own. The ridge drops sharply towards Seat and Scarth Gap, with Haystacks beyond.

The summit and views

The higher summit cairn is the southerly of two cairns. Broken rock and grassy ground lead towards High Stile, while the crags beside the ridge fall into the combes above Buttermere. Across Ennerdale, Pillar and Great Gable dominate the view; on the other side are the north-western fells beyond the lake.

This is High Crag above Buttermere, not the higher High Crag on the Helvellyn ridge.

Walking from Buttermere

The approach from Scarth Gap continues over Seat before climbing Gamlin End. Stone-pitched zigzags help on the steep slope, but there is still rough, eroded ground near the top. A descent here needs care just as much as the climb.

For a longer day, High Crag fits naturally into the High Stile ridge circuit with High Stile and Red Pike. One direction climbs beside Sourmilk Gill to Bleaberry Tarn and Red Pike, then follows the ridge to High Stile and High Crag. The return goes down Gamlin End, over Seat and through Scarth Gap to Buttermere. The circuit can also be walked in reverse.

Choose a mapped circuit that returns to your starting point, and allow time for the descent and lakeshore walk.

Terrain and planning

The main challenges are sustained ascent, steep descents, loose stones and rough ridge ground. Crag edges are close to parts of the route. Mist can hide both the line of travel and the drop beside it; wind and winter ice make the exposed ground more serious. Carry navigation and clothing for the tops even when the lakeshore feels mild.

Getting there

Buttermere village is a practical base for the full ridge circuit. The National Trust car park is on the Lorton approach to the village. Parking is popular, and the narrow valley roads must remain clear for farm and emergency vehicles.

Bus access is seasonal. Check the current timetable and last return before relying on a service into Buttermere, especially outside the summer season.

If your return uses the north shore of the lake, follow the National Trust's signed diversion during the annual April-to-June sandpiper nesting closure. This affects a short permissive lakeshore section, not the whole fell or every approach to High Crag.

Refreshments are available in the village; take what you need for the ridge with you.