High Tove

High Tove

High Tove is one of the Central Fells in Book Three of Alfred Wainwright’s pictorial guides. Its neighbouring summits include High Seat and Armboth Fell. Fell profile.

Summit and views

The summit reaches 515 metres at NY 28915 16510. The recorded high point is ground beside the cairn, southeast of the fence; ground ten metres north of the cairn is equally high. Summit record.

In clear weather the view opens across Armboth Fell to the Dodds, the Helvellyn range and Fairfield. Looking back during the climb gives a view over Watendlath Tarn. Photographed walk.

Watendlath out and back

Start at the National Trust car park in Watendlath. Leave through its entrance and take the signed path through the gate on the right. Climb beside the beck on the stone-built path, with steps and zigzags, to the higher wall gate. Ascent description.

Beyond that gate, keep on the path ahead at the junction. The climb eases onto grassy, often boggy ground. Continue to the gate in the ridge fence and pass through to the summit cairn. Upper path and summit approach.

Return through the same ridge gate and retrace the grassy path to the wall gate. Descend the stone-built zigzags beside the beck to Watendlath, then return to the car park. Take care on wet stones. Descent account.

The upper ground can be waterlogged even when the lower path is firm. Keep to a safe line and turn back if bogs prevent progress. This out-and-back ends at High Tove; continuing to High Seat adds another fell and a separate route. Route guidance.

Volcanic bedrock

The summit bedrock belongs to the Thirlmere Tuff Member of the Lincomb Tarns Tuff Formation, within the Borrowdale Volcanic Group. These Ordovician rocks include volcanic ash and fragment deposits, with garnet-bearing rhyodacitic tuffs. Local geology and BGS rock description.

Access and preparation

Watendlath car park is at NY 275163, postcode CA12 5UW. The approach from the Borrowdale valley follows a narrow, winding road with passing places. Check parking charges and leave access clear. National Trust parking information.

Public toilets are listed beside the car park. Check availability before relying on them, and bring food and drinking water for the walk. Visitor facilities.

The 78 bus links Keswick and Seatoller through Borrowdale. Plan onward travel to Watendlath separately, allowing for both the outward and return journey, and check the current timetable. Bus information.

Carry a map and compass, weatherproof layers and suitable boots. Check the mountain forecast and leave your route with someone. Mist can obscure the upper paths; wet or icy stonework makes descent harder. Allow daylight for the whole return. Snow and ice call for winter skills and equipment. Walking safety.