A ridge walk par excellence is the route along the chain of bold fells
that form
the barrier between the valley of Buttermere and forest-cloaked
upper Ennerdale.
High Crag, High Stile and Red Pike are three magnificent beasts
all linked by the same ridge path.
The walk can be done in either direction with the usual start point being Buttermere.
We will take the clock-wise direction and hence take the lakeside path
that wends its way close to the southern shore of Buttermere.
The view up Crummock Water, with Red
Pike (on the right)as the dramatic finale to the ridge.
As the mountains start to close in on Warnscale Bottom we take the busy path that
climbs at an angle to the top of Scarth Gap. This was once a pack horse route
for journeymen and farmers making their ways from one valley head to another.
At the open area at the head of the pass as the drama that is Great Gable hoves
into view we bear sharp right and make a stiff and steady climb up High Crag.
On a hot summers day this can be a trial for those who have not kept themselves
in trim. After two steep pulls upwards the summit ridge then becomes a far easier
task. Like Helvelyn and many other Lakeland fells the north side of the mountains
have been torn into by glaciers to give sheer rocky cliffs. In contrast the more
south facing side is a more grassy and rounded form. In clear weather it is simplicity
itself to follow the path north-west to High Stile and then Red Pike. If in doubt
in misty weather keep on the more rounded south facing slopes above Ennerdale.
Descent in that direction from Red Pike towards Gillerthwaite is probably the
safest way down off the ridge if you are unsure of directions. The descent from
Red Pike is a scree peppered path worn by many feet and demanding care and patience.
At the foot of this pitch, an area known as the Saddle, I recommend turning left
to follow Far Ruddy Beck down towards Crummock Water and hence via a simple lakeside
path back to Buttermere. Mapping guidance.
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