High Crag from Hay Stacks

High Crag

Height744m (2,441ft)

Prominence29m (95ft)

RegionWestern Fells

Climbed3 Times

"High Crag is the least known of the three linked peaks of the High Stile range towering above the Buttermere valley and is the lowest in elevation, but concedes nothing in grandeur and ruggedness to the other two, High Stile and Red Pike, its formidable northern buttress being the finest object in the group." — A. Wainwright

Marking the eastern terminus of the High Stile range, High Crag sits prominently on the ridge dividing Buttermere from Ennerdale. Though lower than its neighbours High Stile and Red Pike, its craggy northern face presents a formidable profile above the valley floor.

The eastern flank plunges 200 metres down to Scarth Gap via Gamlin End, a steep scree slope that historically presented an arduous ascent. Alfred Wainwright famously detested this loose route, preferring to pioneer an alternative path via a rake in Burtness Comb. Today, engineered stone pitch steps make the going considerably more straightforward.

The summit cairn looking towards the Scafells

The summit is marked by a small stone cairn positioned above Gamlin End. The top provides clear lines of sight directly into the head of Ennerdale, extending across to Great Gable and the Scafell massifs beyond.

Trip Reports

The Buttermere Horseshoe08/04/2017

A Tour of Ennerdale19/04/2015

The Buttermere Ridge20/04/2014

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