Western Walks – Fleetwith Pike
Fleetwith Pike
Total Ascent: 1,800 feet, Distance: 4.2 miles, Minimum walking time: 2 and a half hours
Satnav: CA13 9XA will get you to Buttermere, continue along the lake to Gatesgarth. Grid: NY194149
Fleetwith Pike is only a short circular walk but it’s certainly one of the finest the Western Lakes has to offer. There are wonderful views of nearby Pillar and Great Gable fells along with Crummock Water, Buttermere and Loweswater.
Use the car park at Gatesgarth Farm at the Southern end of Buttermere. Walk upwards beside the Honister Pass road for a few yards before turning left to start the climb up Fleetwith Pike. It rises sharply so be warned. Low Raven Crag near the bottom may alarm many novices but appearances can be deceptive because it’s quite a delightful climb. There are some steep sections where hands are needed but you’ll see a steep path sneaking around on the left hand side of the crag which then zigzags to the top bypassing any difficulties.
A prominent white cross perched on the face of Low Raven Crag is a memorial to Fanny Mercer who slipped and fell whilst descending the ridge in 1887. Unfortunately she died where the cross is now placed and it’s a solemn reminder not to stray from the path.
The enjoyment of the ascent is enhanced by the wonderful retrospective views back over Buttermere and Crummock Water.
Once you hit the summit make your way towards the top towards Honister Mine, passing along the knobbly hinterland of the fell across to Dubs Quarry. The little top of Black Star above Honister Crag is a fantastic viewpoint.
Once you reach the slate mine you can start your descent or spend some time at Honister if you wish. There’s a cafe at the mine if you felt the hike up has taken its toll or for those feeling adventurous you can always try the famous Via Ferrata.
Now you have two choices for your descent, at the slate mine you can join the rocky path beside Warnscale Beck for an easier descent which will take you to Warnscale Bottom.
Or you can skirt the quarries of the Mine and head for Dubs Hut which is a small bothy. Cross Warnscale Beck and then take a quiet, lesser trod path under Warnscale Head past another bothy. The path then drops steeply and somewhat roughly down to Warnscale Bottom. Re-cross Warnscale Beck via the footbridge and join a surfaced track. There are glorious views over Buttermere via either descent and once you hit the valley floor the car park is a short stroll away which completes a short but superb fell walk.
This walk is suggested by Andrew Locking who is a keen local fell walker. For more information on his walks visit www.andrewswalks.co.uk
Photos by Andrew Locking
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