Haystacks and Fleetwith Pike: A Grand Scale Trail

Name: Haystacks and Fleetwith Pike: A Grand Scale Trail
Start: 2026-09-04T09:30:00+01:00
End: 2026-09-04T14:30:00+01:00
Location: Gatesgarth

Schedule

Fri Sep 04 2026 at 09:30 am to 02:30 pm

UTC+01:00

Location

Gatesgarth | Keswick, UK

Haystacks and Fleetwith Pike is one of our shorter Grand Scale Trails at just 11km / 6.8 miles. A favourite of Wainwright's, Haystacks sits overlooking the stunning Buttermere. Join us on this short route to bag two Wainwrights and enjoy some spectacular Lake District views.
Our route starts from Gatesgarth Farm at the head of Buttermere, and climbs Scarth Gap a decent path to ascend to the col between High Crag and Haystacks. We will then take a zigzag path up the face of Haystacks. On reaching the summit we will descend a little to cross the disused quarries to scale Fleetwith Pike. I've opted not to take you up "the nose" of this mountain, but rather take a figure-of-8 loop to visit its summit in a more accessible way. From its top we will admire the views before descending back to the quarries and dropping alongside the Warnscale Beck down to Warnscale Bottom. We may even have a chance to nosey at the iconic view from Warnscale Bothy!
Although this is a shorter Grand Scale Trail route, Haystacks requires some minor scrambling / hands on rock in a few short sections and there is a lot of elevation (750m / 2,460ft), so reasonable fitness is required. However, please rest assured that our Grand Scale Trails are led by a qualified and experienced Mountain Leader, who will support, instruct and encourage you along the way. We will have plenty of rest breaks and walk as a group at all times. We expect this walk to take approx. 4.5 - 5 hours
You will be able to experience a beautiful mountain trail with an experienced guide, enjoy spectacular views, and ultimately feel an incredible sense of achievement.
Our ticket price of £40 per person includes:
A small group atmosphere (max. 10 participants per leader)
Fully guided walk with a professional and knowledgeable Mountain Leader.
Full details of what to wear / bring and where to meet.
An Abigail's Trails Grand Scale Trails Certificate upon completion.
Well behaved / friendly dogs (with people and other dogs) are welcome, but make sure they are capable and bear in mind that we are likely to encounter livestock and steep edges in places, so leads are needed.
Please arrange your own transport and accommodation, if required. However, if you would like me to help arrange car pooling, this will be an option, also.
We recommend having insurance to cover, at a minimum: cancellation, curtailment and personal injury.