High Stile Ridge, Buttermere, 24-8-1014

Another last minute decision saw me camping out at the Chapel House Farm campsite in the lake District valley Borrowdale as I was meeting some friends for a walk on the Sunday. A really lovely area and despite the campsite being at bit busy it still has a quiet peacefulness to it. The walk we did was to go from BUTTERMERE and up on to the ridge above offering great views all around with the Isle of man and the south coast of Scotland clearly visible on this bright, sunny and warm day.
A steep climb to start the day as we made our way up through Burtness Wood on a well laid out path, through the heather clad bank leading up to BLEABERRY TARN where we had a good rest. Although it was warm and the sun was out, this is where the temperature dropped a notch or two and the extra layer went on. It was, I'm glad to say the only time it felt cold and the longer the day went on the warmer it seemed to get. Considering that the days had seen a bit of rain and some of the coldest days/nights for quite some time. Summer had returned, at least for the weekend :-)

Our route for the day

Buttermere

Steep path through Burtness Wood

Over looking Buttermere Village

Buttermere Lake

Crummock water

Bleaberry Tarn with the path up to Red Pike

As we made our way up to RED PIKE, myself, Richard, Catherine & the dogs, visited the summit of Dodd, just off to the right which gave us our first clear views of the surrounding fells and the southern coast of Scotland, DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY.

Dodd summit view

Dodd summit view towards a distant Galloway & Dumfries

Dodd summit view of the path up to Red Pike & the High Stile Ridge

The pull up to red Pike was a bit tough going on the path that was a mixture of loose gravel and small rocks that was quite a pain to walk on. Thankfully this was the last steep ascent of the day and we were to be on a more level plateau that offered near perfect 360 degree clear views. It was also getting warmer with very little in the way of  any wind and was turning in to be a very pleasant day out on the fells.

The tough pull up to Red Pike summit with Dodd overlooking Crummock Water

The gang on Red Pike Summit

The way forward towards along the ridge towards High Stile & High Crag

Summit view to the Isle of Man

Looking down on our route to Bleaberry Tarn, Dodd and the way up to Red Pike

From here it was pleasant easy walking as we made our way to High Stile & High Crag along the wide ridge. One or two others walkers up here, not overly populated, just a few folk enjoying the conditions and views. there was also a few rock climbers doing their thing on some steep looking crags. Looked good fun. We also spotted one or two paragliders in the distance and they must of had the best view in the lakes it was that clear.

The way forward to High Stile & High Crag

Pano of the fells over and beyond Buttermere

Spot the "smiley face"

Looking down on our route so far and beyond

High Stile Summit

Summit views over to the Scafell's, the Gables and Pillar in the foreground

Resting & geo-cacheing

High crag summit

Steep descent of High Crag

When we descended off High Crag we took a short cut route back to the path along side Buttermere as we needed to be back at the cars so missing out on going round onto Scarth Gap Pass under haystacks. Just basically straight down following sheep trails and a faint path. Not sure how much time it saved but it seemed a good idea at the time, like they always do :-) Once on the path it was just a good gentle walk along the shore and back to the car. As it was still warm and quite still, there was some good reflection to be had on Buttermere showing what a great day it was

Looking over to Fleetwith Pike before the short cut descent

Looking back along the shore path to Fleetwith Pike

Arty reflections on Buttermere

Real reflections on Buttermere

Stacy enjoying a last refreshing dip

Fleetwith Pike through the trees

This was another great day in great company in great weather. thanks to Dave, Tom, Richard, Sioban, Catherine and her three excellent and well behaved dogs. Till the next time :-)

After I left the campsite I stopped off for a few minutes at Derwent water just as the sun was going down. Perfect end to a perfect day