High Stile [Grey Crag - High Stile]

High Stile [Grey Crag - High Stile]

The primary High Stile summit, also recorded as Grey Crag, is 806.5 m (2646 ft). DoBIH 2381 places its small cairn on an outcrop at NY 17009 14817. The larger cairn about 50 m southwest is lower. The separate Wainwright summit, DoBIH 3728, is 30 cm lower and lies about 270 m west-southwest. Reaching a cairn labelled High Stile does not necessarily mean reaching this exact high point.

Gatesgarth ridge circuit

A full return can be planned from Gatesgarth Farm via Peggy’s Bridge, Scarth Gap, Seat and the steep climb over Gamlin End to High Crag. Continue along the ridge and visit the precise Grey Crag high point, then rejoin the main ridge towards Red Pike. Descend by Lincomb Edge and Scale Beck, pass below Scale Force and reach Buttermere village. The northeast lakeshore leads back to Gatesgarth.

Walking Britain describes this general circuit, but its reference to a northeast cairn does not distinguish the final two Grey Crag cairns. The exact-small-cairn variation above has not been separately measured; no distance, ascent or duration is claimed for it. Plan a demanding full mountain day with ample daylight and use a detailed map. Other circuits via Bleaberry Tarn, Fleetwith Pike or Ennerdale have different scope.

The terrain is steep and rough, with crag edges beside the high ridge. Mist makes identifying the correct summit and descent harder. The direct Red Pike descent towards Bleaberry Tarn is loose and steep; it is not the descent described here. Carry proper navigation, waterproofs, warm layers, food and water. Snow and ice require winter skills and equipment.

Landscape and geology

The ridge overlooks Buttermere and Crummock Water, with Burtness Comb below and views towards surrounding Lakeland mountains. Nearby Red Pike is the Buttermere fell, 755.3 m, and High Crag is 744.8 m.

BGS names High Stile–Comb Crags as the type area of the Ordovician Eagle Crag Sandstone Member. Its bedded volcaniclastic sedimentary rocks occur with tuffs and andesite sills. The mountain is more geologically varied than a blanket basalt-and-andesite description suggests.

Access and facilities

The named start is Gatesgarth Farm, NY194149. The route publisher describes paid parking, but current charges and availability must be checked on site. National Trust pay-and-display parking and public toilets are available in Buttermere village; the village is a different start. Keep livestock and access needs in mind, and follow current signs.

Stagecoach’s 77/77A Honister Rambler links Keswick, Honister Slate Mine and Buttermere in its summer 2026 timetable, valid 23 March–1 November. Check service dates and the last return. An exact Gatesgarth stop is not verified here. Village refreshments depend on opening hours, and there are no promised facilities on the ridge.