Description

This long mountain journey is an extended circuit of the Buttermere Valley which involves either one or two overnight stops, depending on your preferences. The trip involves long days of walking over fine ridges and spectacular scenery.

Starting at Loweswater, you will ascend the steep north face of Melbreak and traverse both of its summits before dropping down to Scale Force, the Lake District’s highest waterfall. The path beside the waterfall is delightful and leads on to the summit of Red Pike. From here follows the sensational ridge path to High Stile and on to High Crag. A descent via Scarth Gap leads to Haystacks, the final summit of the day. After this there is a choice of two mountain ‘bothies’, both of which offer good shelter for an overnight stay. The next morning will involve continuing on to the Honister slate mine via Fleetwith Pike, before an ascent up to Dale Head and its breath taking view over the Newlands valley. The route then crosses to the summit of Hindscarth before reaching the climb up to Robinson and a descent to Buttermere village, with the choice of a second overnight stay at either the campsite or other choices of accommodation if preferred. The final stage of the walk begins with an ascent of Whiteless Pike, then on to Wandope and Grasmoor, the highest mountain in the valley. This is followed by a slight doubling back to rejoin the path to Hope Gill Head, and then finishing on the excellent ridge walk to Whiteside, with its steep descent to Lanthwaite and a final tranquil woodland walk by the Crummock Water shore back to Loweswater. A truly epic outing!