NY2316 : Eel Crags
Mountain circuit; steep rough descent

High Spy

653m Elevation
148m Prominence
England Country
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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

From Grange, follow the lane past Manesty and climb to Hause Gate. Visit Cat Bells and return to the col, then cross Maiden Moor to High Spy. Descend towards Dalehead Tarn, turning left near NY232155 for Rigghead Quarries. Cross Tongue Gill, pass Castle Crag and follow the River Derwent north; the track and lane lead back to Grange.

The full circuit, including Cat Bells, is 13 km with 788 m ascent. Walking Britain estimates 6 hours 10 minutes. Full route.

Plan for your own pace, weather and daylight, with enough time for the steep descent. Use a map alongside this outline.

Summit and views

A large cairn marks the summit at NY23414 16233. The separate 634 m High Spy North Top lies about a kilometre north. Summit record; Summit location.

Crags fall away towards Newlands and Borrowdale. Derwentwater comes into view from the northern end of the summit area. Fell guide.

The summit rocks belong to the Eagle Crag Sandstone Member of the Borrowdale Volcanic Group. These Ordovician rocks include sedimentary layers formed from reworked volcanic material. Local geology; Rock description.

Access and facilities

Parking around Grange is limited. Keep roads and entrances clear. Borrowdale parking.

Stagecoach 78 links Keswick with Grange Bridge and Seatoller. Check the timetable for your walking date and the last bus back. Bus information; Stops and timetable.

Keswick has shops, cafés and public toilets. Bring food and water for the fell. Town information.

On the hill

Keep away from crag edges and stay outside the old Rigghead quarry and mine workings.

Tongue Gill uses stepping stones. If high water makes the crossing unsafe, turn back.

Check the mountain forecast and carry a map, compass, warm layers, waterproofs and a headtorch. In an emergency, call 999 or 112 and ask for Police, then Mountain Rescue. Mountain safety.

Explore routes near High Spy

Public walks starting within 80 km of this hill. Nearby does not mean a route reaches the summit; check its map and access before setting out.

Scafell Pike from Seathwaite via the Corridor Route

14.1 km 4h 45m–7h 5m Hard

View route

Derwentwater Walk: full lakeside circuit from Keswick

15.9 km 4h–5h 20m Moderate

View route

Scafell Pike via Brown Tongue and Hollow Stones

8.1 km 2h 45m–4h 5m Hard

View route

Great Carrs Halifax Wreckage from Wrynose Pass

4.6 km 1h 35m–2h 20m Hard

View route

Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches, not verified navigable routes or permission to cross land. Check current paths, local access rules and conditions before setting out.

Cat Bells, Maiden Moor and High Spy from Grange

Climb via Manesty, Hause Gate and Maiden Moor; descend through Rigghead Quarries and return past Castle Crag.

13 km Mountain circuit; steep rough descent
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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

Rocky paths grassy summit ground and a steep quarry descent.

The summit’s Eagle Crag Sandstone Member belongs to the Ordovician Borrowdale Volcanic Group, with sedimentary layers made from reworked volcanic material.

Views & Scenery

Newlands and Borrowdale lie below the ridge. Derwentwater comes into view from the northern end of the summit area.

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

Check current local access restrictions, parking rules and transport timetables before travelling. These notes do not confirm public access to the summit.

Parking

Limited parking around Grange village. Use lawful spaces without blocking access; consider arriving by bus.

Public Transport

Stagecoach 78 serves Grange Bridge between Keswick and Seatoller. Check your date’s timetable, stop location and last return bus.

Nearby Facilities

Keswick has shops, cafés and public toilets. Carry food and water for the walk.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Keep clear of crag edges and quarry workings.
  • Tongue Gill’s stepping stones may be unsafe in high water.
  • Check weather and daylight; carry mountain clothing, a map, compass and headtorch.

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.

Hills within 30 km

Straight-line distance, not a walking route or confirmation of access.

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 Crag Hill [Eel Crag]

Crag Hill [Eel Crag]

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 Esk Pike

Esk Pike

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