Line © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), checked by Global Adventurer.
The walk
The walk starts from the Gatesgarth Farm car park and makes a circuit. It climbs to the pass of Scarth Gap, then up rough ground to Haystacks (597 m), a rocky little fell between Buttermere and Ennerdale. The way back passes Innominate Tarn and Blackbeck Tarn and drops into Warnscale Bottom. It is on path most of the way, with some track and a little road.
It is 7.7 km with 533 m of ascent; allow about 4 hours. The grade is Moderate: it is not long, but the climb from Scarth Gap and the ground on top are rough and rocky.
Haystacks was Alfred Wainwright's favourite fell, and his ashes were scattered by Innominate Tarn. In mist the paths across the rocky top need care. Carry a map and compass, check the forecast and use your judgement; winter snow and ice make it far more serious. There are no mapped water sources on the route.
The car park charges a fee. Warnscale Head bothy (Mountain Bothies Association) is just off the route on the way down.
Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.
Good to know
- Alfred Wainwright's favourite fell; his ashes were scattered by Innominate Tarn
- Up by Scarth Gap, down past Innominate and Blackbeck tarns into Warnscale Bottom
- A rocky little fell between Buttermere and Ennerdale
Summits on the way
- Haystacks (Buttermere) 597 m
- Green Crag 528 m · passed close by
Getting there
Start: Gatesgarth · Pay and display. 54.52376, -3.24577
Places to stay nearby
Rooms in and around Drigg: Booking.com → Expedia →
Affiliate links: if you book, Global Adventurer earns a small commission at no cost to you.
Paths change, and the weather decides the day. The line and figures come from OpenStreetMap and our own checks; take a map, check the forecast, and turn back if it isn't right.
