Map & Elevation
About this Route
This out-and-back climbs High Street from Mardale Head by the shore of Haweswater, The Rigg, Rough Crag and Long Stile. The attached GPX is 10.1 km, with 605 m of ascent and a walking-time estimate of 3 hours 2 minutes. The ascent figure is calculated from the uploaded track and may be lower than some guidebook totals, so plan for a full mountain walk rather than judging the day by that number alone.
Go through the gate at the far end of Mardale Head car park and follow the stony path along the western shore of Haweswater. Stay on the lakeside route until The Rigg, where the GPX leaves the shore and turns onto the east ridge. The climb begins over a succession of rocky steps and grassy shelves, passing Swine Crag and Heron Crag before reaching the cairn on Rough Crag. The path generally keeps close to the crest, changing sides where rock outcrops block the direct line.
Beyond Rough Crag, descend slightly to Caspel Gate and start the steeper climb of Long Stile. There are short hands-on sections, but the normal path avoids anything resembling a knife-edge ridge. The main hazards are wet rock, loose stones and the steep ground falling into Riggindale and towards Blea Water. Higher up, follow the wall as the angle eases and the rocky ridge gives way to High Street’s broad grassy plateau.
The trig point is not the first high ground you reach and can be hard to locate in cloud. Check the bearing across the plateau and remember where Long Stile meets the wall, as that is the key to finding the correct descent. Return over Long Stile, Caspel Gate and Rough Crag. At The Rigg, turn back onto the shore path rather than continuing around Haweswater.
When I first set foot on High Street, I immediately knew I had found it.
George Kitching
Route Waypoints
Go through the gate at the far end of the car park and take the stony path along the western shore of Haweswater.
Stay on the path above the water. Ignore paths beginning the climb towards Harter Fell or heading into upper Mardale.
Leave the shore route and turn uphill onto the ridge. Check this junction carefully because the lakeside path continues ahead.
Follow the worn ridge path over the first rocky rise. The line changes sides around outcrops but returns to the crest.
Continue over grass and broken rock. Keep to the established path and stay clear of steeper ground dropping into Riggindale.
Reach the cairn on Rough Crag. The onward route dips slightly to Caspel Gate before the main climb of Long Stile.
Cross the shallow col and keep to the ridge path. Boggy ground can collect here after rain.
Climb the steeper rocky ridge, following the clearest worn line and the wall higher up. A few short steps may need hands.
The slope eases onto High Street’s plateau. Note this point and take a return bearing before walking away from the ridge in cloud.
Follow the broad plateau to the trig point at 828 m. Do not drift towards Kidsty Pike, Mardale Ill Bell or Thornthwaite Crag.
Return to the top of Long Stile, reverse the full ridge to The Rigg and follow the Haweswater shore path back.
Essential Tips
The broad summit plateau is the main navigation trap. Take a bearing and note where the wall and ridge meet before heading to the trig point.
The rocky ridge, photographs and route finding can add plenty of time. Treat 3 hours 2 minutes as moving time, not a schedule.
Bog, wet rock and loose stones make the steeper section slower on the descent. Keep away from the drops on both sides of the ridge.
The road is long and narrow and the car park fills. Check local access notices and do not block gates or turning space.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the High Street walk from Mardale Head take?
The estimated walking time is 3 hours 2 minutes, but that's just moving time. The rocky ridge sections, route finding, and photo stops will add extra time, so plan for a full mountain day rather than sticking to that estimate.
Is the High Street route from Mardale Head difficult?
It's graded as severe. You'll encounter steep rocky sections on Long Stile with a few short scrambles requiring hands, plus wet rock, loose stones, and steep drops on either side of the ridge.
Does Mardale Head car park fill up quickly?
Yes, the car park fills and the road is long and narrow. Check local access notices beforehand and don't block gates or turning space if you arrive late.