NY2316 : Eel Crags
Mountain circuit; steep rough descent

High Spy

653m Elevation
148m Prominence
England Country
Find walking friends Explore routes

Good walks are even better shared.

NY2316 : Eel Crags

Robert Struthers Photo source

Overview

High Spy

High Spy is a 653.1 m fell between Borrowdale and Newlands in the northwestern Lake District. Its rocky ridge continues north over Maiden Moor towards Cat Bells.

A complete circuit from Grange

Walking Britain describes a 13 km circuit with 788 m of ascent, taking about 6 hours 10 minutes. From Grange, follow the lane past Manesty and climb to Hause Gate. Visit Cat Bells and return to the col, then continue over Maiden Moor to High Spy. Descend towards Dalehead Tarn and turn east down Rigghead Quarries. Cross Tongue Gill and follow the valley path past Castle Crag and the River Derwent back to Grange. These figures cover the whole circuit and the Cat Bells detour.

This is a mountain outing with a steep rough descent, rather than a leisurely village walk. Keep away from crag edges and mine openings. Wet stepping stones at Tongue Gill need care; do not attempt a crossing that is unsafe in high water. Carry suitable clothing and navigation, and leave time for the full descent.

Summit and views

The recorded summit has a large cairn at NY23414 16233, with equally high ground about 7 m northeast and 30 m south. The separate High Spy North Top is 634 m, about 1 km farther north. The ridge overlooks Borrowdale and Newlands, with Dale Head, Hindscarth and the central fells around it. Derwentwater is particularly well seen from the northern ridge and Cat Bells.

The fell belongs to the Borrowdale Volcanic Group geological landscape, which includes volcanic and associated sedimentary rocks. Rocky ground, grass and wet patches occur along the ridge. Below it, the old Rigghead quarry and mine remains are visible from the walking path; stay outside the workings.

Access and facilities

Parking in and around Grange is limited. Use lawful spaces without blocking access, or use public transport. Stagecoach 78 serves Grange Bridge from Keswick; seasonal 77/77A journeys also serve Grange village. The October 2026 seasonal timetable runs until 1 November. Check the actual date and last return service before relying on a bus.

Keswick provides shops, refreshments and public toilets. There are no summit facilities. Nearby Cat Bells is 451 m and Dale Head is 754 m; adding Dale Head would change the route and its total length.

Explore routes near High Spy

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

View route

Whinlatter dark skies walk

View route

Whinlatter dark skies walk

View route

Scafell Pike via Brown Tongue and Hollow Stones

8.1 km ~4h Hard

View route

Route planning notes

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

Cat Bells, Maiden Moor and High Spy from Grange

A complete circuit from Grange village near NY253174: follow the lane past Manesty, climb to Hause Gate, visit Cat Bells and return to the col. Continue over Maiden Moor to High Spy. Descend south towards Dalehead Tarn, turn east near NY232155 through Rigghead Quarries, cross Tongue Gill and follow the valley path past Castle Crag and the River Derwent back to Grange. Walking Britain gives 13 km, 788 m ascent and about 6 hours 10 minutes for the entire circuit. Mine workings are not part of the walking route; stay outside them.

13 km Mountain circuit; steep rough descent
Browse more walks on the map

Make a day of it, together

Find someone to share the walk with, or organise a day out along a route you like.

Find walking friends Plan a walk here
Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Hump Simm Hewitt Nuttall Submarilyn Wainwright Birkett Synge Fellranger

Elevation

653m

2,143 ft

Prominence

148m

Coordinates

54.5356, -3.1851

NY234162

OS Map

89 90

Explorer: OL4S

At the Summit

A large cairn marks the recorded summit at NY23414 16233. The survey notes equally high ground about 7 m northeast and 30 m south, the latter at NY23420 16200. High Spy North Top, about 1 km farther north, is a separate 634 m top.

Terrain & Geology

Rugged rocky with grassy patches and occasional boggy sections.

High Spy is primarily composed of Borrowdale Volcanic Group rocks, featuring sedimentary and volcanic origins which tell a tale of ancient geological activity. The summit boasts stunning crags and layers of rock that have withstood the test of time, making it a geologist's playground.

Views & Scenery

The ridge overlooks Borrowdale and Newlands, with views towards Dale Head, Hindscarth and the central Lakeland fells. Derwentwater is particularly well seen from the northern ridge and Cat Bells; lake views should not be promised from every point on the main summit.

History & Heritage

Historical Significance

The route below High Spy passes the remains of Rigghead Quarries and old mine workings. These industrial remains can be seen from the path; the workings should not be entered.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Parking around Grange village near NY253174 is limited. Use only lawful spaces without blocking access, and consider arriving by bus. Do not rely on the previously stated ample National Trust car park in the village.

Public Transport

Stagecoach service 78 links Keswick with Grange Bridge and Borrowdale. Seasonal 77/77A journeys also serve Grange village; the October 2026 timetable runs until 1 November. Check the current timetable, stop and last return service for your date.

Nearby Facilities

There are limited facilities near the foot of the mountain, but Keswick offers cafes, shops, and public toilets - perfect for refuelling before or after your adventure.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Craggy edges flank the ridge; stay on the planned route and keep away from drops in wind or poor visibility.
  • The Rigghead Quarries descent is steep and rough. Stay outside mine entrances and quarry workings.
  • Tongue Gill is crossed on stepping stones; wet stones are slippery and high water may prevent a safe crossing.
  • Carry suitable mountain clothing and navigation, and allow enough daylight for the full return circuit.

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 High Spy?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around High Spy through the maps

Are there other walkers around High Spy?

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 High Spy search or of course create your own walk for High Spy

Can I organise a walk to High Spy?

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 High Spy.

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 High Spy?

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 High Spy here

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

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

High Spy location map

Grid reference: NY234162

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.

Nearby Hills

Fleetwith Pike

649m

Glaramara

783m

 Great Gable

Great Gable

899m

Crag Hill [Eel Crag]

839m

 Esk Pike

Esk Pike

885m
See 5 more nearby hills