Map & Elevation
About this Route
Buttermere’s southern skyline becomes a continuous high-level walk on this three-fell circuit. The ascent beside Sourmilk Gill climbs through woodland and onto the stony approach by Bleaberry Tarn. Red Pike is the first main summit, with a steep, loose final climb that feels quite different from the easy lakeshore below.
The ridge then leads over High Stile to High Crag. This version includes the short visit to High Stile’s highest eastern top before continuing along the ridge. Views open towards Ennerdale as well as the Buttermere valley, but the broken ground and steep sides deserve attention even on a clear day. Beyond High Crag, the descent over Gamlin End is a substantial part of the outing, not an easy afterthought. Seat and Scarth Gap lead down to Peggy’s Bridge and a quieter return along the southern shore of Buttermere.
The attached GPX measures 12.8 km with approximately 1,032 m of ascent. Allow 6–7 hours in good, snow-free summer conditions, with spare time for rests and difficult ground. Distances and terrain elevations are estimates.
A lake is the landscape’s most beautiful and expressive feature.
Henry David Thoreau, Author and walker, reflecting on lakes
Route Waypoints
Follow the public walking access towards Buttermere, then turn onto the uphill Sourmilk Gill approach. Use the designated path rather than farm drives.
Climb the established stone and rock path beside Sourmilk Gill. Above the woodland, continue towards Bleaberry Tarn; take care on wet steps and stream bridges.
Pass the tarn on the ascent path and climb towards Red Pike. The upper red scree is steep and loose: keep space between walkers and avoid cutting across the slope.
From Red Pike follow the high ridge southeast towards High Stile. Keep clear of the steep corrie edges and identify the ridge line before leaving the summit in cloud.
Continue along the main ridge to the junction for the highest eastern top. The GPX makes the short summit detour before returning to the onward ridge.
Retrace the short summit spur to the ridge junction, then continue southeast towards High Crag. Do not descend into Burtness Comb.
Descend the steep, loose Gamlin End path carefully towards Seat. Allow time for tired legs and avoid dislodging stones onto walkers below.
Continue over the walking line by Seat to Scarth Gap, keeping to the established path through the rocky ground.
At Scarth Gap turn north down the valley path towards Buttermere. This circuit does not continue to Haystacks or Ennerdale.
Cross Peggy’s Bridge and join the southern lakeshore path west. Stay on the public route through the meadows.
Follow the shoreline path through woodland and past the Sourmilk Gill junction, then return to Buttermere village.
Finish at the village walking start.
Essential Tips
The upper Red Pike ascent and Gamlin End descent are steep and loose. Wear suitable mountain footwear, leave space and choose a different outing if ice, wet rock or strong wind makes footing unreliable.
Carry OS Explorer OL4, a compass and the GPX offline. High Stile’s summit spur and the Scarth Gap turn need care in cloud. A lake view is not a reliable bearing for descending steep fell sides.
Carry food, drinking water, waterproofs, an insulating layer and a headtorch. The ridge has no dependable refreshments. These timings assume snow-free summer conditions; scheduling this guide in November is not a recommendation to attempt it in winter conditions.
Use signed public parking in Buttermere and check current charges and transport times. Keep farm entrances clear and follow local access notices and livestock guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which main summits does the GPX include?
Red Pike above Buttermere, High Stile including its highest eastern top, and High Crag. It also passes Seat before Scarth Gap.
Does this include Haystacks?
No. At Scarth Gap the route descends north to Buttermere. Adding Haystacks would change both the distance and the effort.
Is it just a longer Buttermere lakeshore walk?
No. Much of the day is on steep, exposed mountain terrain, with loose ground on the ascent and descent. The lakeshore is only the closing section.