High Raise [High White Stones]

High Raise (High White Stones)

High Raise rises to 762.5 metres in the Central Fells. Also known as High White Stones, this is the fell above Langdale, distinct from the High Raise near High Street. Fell record.

Summit and outlook

The highest point is a rock about 20 metres southeast of the trig pillar, at NY 28089 09523. The pillar is a useful landmark, but the recorded summit lies beyond it. Summit details.

High Raise appears in Book Three of Alfred Wainwright’s guides, The Central Fells. Sergeant Man, Thunacar Knott and Ullscarf are neighbouring fells. Fell profile.

In clear weather, look southwest towards Bowfell and the Scafells, east towards Helvellyn and Fairfield, and south over the Langdale Pikes towards the Coniston fells. Photographed summit views.

Stonethwaite via Greenup Edge

From Stonethwaite, take the walled lane beside the old telephone box and cross the bridge. Turn right along Stonethwaite Beck. At the meeting of the valleys, stay with the Greenup Gill path rather than crossing towards Langstrath. Continue uphill through the intake-wall gate to Lining Crag. Take the steep walking path on its left, then continue to Greenup Edge. Lower approach.

At Greenup Edge, turn right from the main path and head south-southwest over Low White Stones. Cross the next rocky top to High Raise, taking care on the wet, boggy ground. Upper approach and Summit approach.

Retrace the upper path over Low White Stones to Greenup Edge, then descend Greenup Gill on the same steep path beside Lining Crag. Greenup Gill descent.

Continue beside Stonethwaite Beck to the outward bridge and cross into Stonethwaite. Take particular care on the steep descent. Return to Stonethwaite.

Volcanic rock

The summit bedrock is the Lincomb Tarns Tuff Formation, part of the Borrowdale Volcanic Group. These Ordovician rocks include dacitic lapilli-tuff, interpreted as deposits from volcanic flows that welded together while hot. Local geology and BGS formation description.

Getting there

Stonethwaite has very limited parking. Respect signs and keep access clear. Starting-point information.

Rosthwaite has a National Trust car park at NY 257148, postcode CA12 5XB. Allow for the onward journey to Stonethwaite when planning your day. Toilets and a café are listed at Rosthwaite; the toilets often close in winter. Check parking charges and facility opening before travelling. Parking and facilities.

The 78 bus runs between Keswick and Seatoller, serving Rosthwaite and the Stonethwaite road end. The road-end stop is separate from the village start. Check the current timetable, return stop and last bus, and allow time to walk to and from Stonethwaite. Bus information.

Mountain conditions

This is a demanding fell walk: steep, rough ground beside Lining Crag and a high plateau where mist complicates navigation. Wet rock can be slippery. Terrain notes.

Check the mountain forecast, leave your route with someone and plan to finish before dark. Carry drinking water and suitable mountain equipment. Be ready to turn back in deteriorating conditions. Snow and ice call for winter skills and equipment. Walking safety.