I've been busy for a few weeks so unable to post a new blog until now. Having visited Buttermere for the first time last year, I vowed to come back and climb Haystacks. Last March we stayed at Syke Farm camp site, the location was excellent so I decided that this would be our base again.
The weather was great and the tent was soon pitched next to the small stream.
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| Vango Equinox 350 |
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| Time to fill up the bladder |
Bags were soon packed and it was off to fill up the water bladders prior to the start of the walk. I had chosen a simple route up to Haystacks which would take us along the shore of Buttermere and up to Scarth Gap.
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| The Fish Hotel |
We passed the 'Fish' and approached Buttermere. It was lamb season !
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| Views across Buttermere toward Fleetwith Pike |
The weather was beginning to turn as we followed the lake side path toward Haystacks.
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| Looking back in the direction of Crummock Water |
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| The path up to Scarth Gap. The flanks of Haystacks on the left |
The temperature had now dropped and it began to sleet, this was classic changeable Lakeland weather.
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| Cold & increasingly wet |
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| View from Haystacks summit |
Having completed the interesting scramble to the summit of Haystacks, it was off to Innominate Tarn for lunch.
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| Innominate Tarn |
It was very busy on top despite the above picture so we had a look around to find a quiet spot to eat lunch.
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| A fitting beverage for the location |
We found a great spot with views over Ennerdale to Pillar. Now, where is my pipe .......
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| A quick bowl of cherry & vanilla |
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| Time to head back down |
We stayed and admired the views for an hour before starting our descent back into Buttermere.
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| Wild camp spot |
On our way down, we spotted this wild camp. I got a bit jealous at this point but thoughts of a few pints in the Fish & Bridge soon solved that.
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| The atmospheric Buttermere Pines |
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| A light dusting of icy hail had settled on Fleetwith Pike |
The weather was now in complete contrast to the start of our walk. It had been raining solidly for a few hours and I was hoping for some sun to dry off our gear.
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Tunnel through the rock along the path back to Buttermere
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| Strange mists in the tunnel........ Spooky |
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| The Bridge Hotel |
Walk done it was time to dry off in the pub. We paid a visit to the walkers bar of the Bridge Hotel. A nice place with good food, beer and a relaxed friendly atmosphere.
After an initial few pints, a quick change of clothes back at the tents and we returned for a proper drinking session.
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| The Fish Hotel |
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| High Stile Ridge from the Bridge Hotel beer garden |
This was a good trip. The weather was not the best but added to what was an atmospheric walk up to Haystacks.
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| Admiring the view from the 'Bridge' |
We stayed at the Bridge for something to eat and filled up on real ales of which there are a decent selection.
I'm heading to Grasmere with Adele at the weekend. We will be climbing Helm Crag so that will be my next post. Thanks for reading.
