Gatesgarth via Scarth Gap up Haystacks: route map, distance and time
597 m · Lake District C&W · OS grid NY193131
Haystacks is a rugged, tarn-studded fell above Buttermere, famous as Alfred Wainwright's favourite, and his ashes were scattered by Innominate Tarn.
You cross the valley floor and climb a stony path to Scarth Gap, then scramble up rock steps to the summit.
Gatesgarth via Scarth Gap at a glance
| Distance | 3.2 km one way, to the top |
|---|---|
| Ascent | 487 m |
| Time up | 1h 25m by Naismith's rule |
| There and back | 2h 5m, down the same way |
| Grade | Moderate |
| Start | Gatesgarth Farm car park, Buttermere |
| Start grid reference | NY 194 151 |
| Summit grid reference | NY193131 |
Gatesgarth via Scarth Gap map
The start (green) and the summit (blue). Peakify has no GPX track for this route yet, so follow the description and your map.
Height profile and getting to the start
Near the start
From OpenStreetMap, within 2 km. Check opening times before you rely on them.
How long Gatesgarth via Scarth Gap takes
| Pace | To the top | There and back |
|---|---|---|
| Brisk 6 km/h, 8 min per 100 m up | 1h 10m | 1h 45m |
| Steady (Naismith) 5 km/h, 10 min per 100 m up | 1h 25m | 2h 5m |
| Relaxed 4 km/h, 12 min per 100 m up | 1h 45m | 2h 35m |
Times leave out stops. Coming down the same way, the table counts the ascent once; steep descents on rough ground can be as slow as the climb.
- Today: sunrise 07:47, sunset 18:08. Start by 15:03 to be down before dark, allowing 2h 5m for the walk and an hour for stops.
- Tomorrow: sunrise 07:49, sunset 18:06. Start by 15:01 to be down before dark, allowing 2h 5m for the walk and an hour for stops.
Haystacks summit weather for this route
-
Good Today Sunday 18 October
Partly cloudy, up to 8°C at the summit, feeling as cold as -3°C, summit wind 11 mph gusting 15 mph, 0% chance of rain. Rated Good. Sunrise 07:47, sunset 18:08.
-
Marginal Tomorrow Monday 19 October
Moderate drizzle, up to 10°C at the summit, feeling as cold as 0°C, summit wind 30 mph gusting 38 mph, 51% chance of rain. Rated Marginal. Sunrise 07:49, sunset 18:06.
Best day of the next seven for Gatesgarth via Scarth Gap: Sunday 18 October, with summit gusts around 15 mph and a 0% chance of rain.
Hour-by-hour Haystacks forecast · 14-day forecast · Is it safe to climb Haystacks?
Before you go, also check: MWIS Lake District forecast · Met Office mountain forecast.
What to take today
- An insulated jacket, hat and warm gloves: it feels like -3°C on top.
- A waterproof jacket. It can rain on the tops in any forecast.
- Map and compass, and the skills to use them. A phone is a backup, not a plan.
- A head torch, food, water, a charged phone and a small first aid kit.
About Haystacks
Haystacks is a rugged, tarn-studded fell above Buttermere, famous as Alfred Wainwright's favourite, and his ashes were scattered by Innominate Tarn. More about Haystacks, with the live forecast.
On the lists: Wainwright, Birkett.
Extend the walk: tops near the summit
- High Crag (745 m), 1.5 km north-west
- Looking Stead (628 m), 1.5 km south-west
- Fleetwith Pike (649 m), 1.6 km north-east
- Honister Crag (634 m), 2.2 km north-east
- Pillar Rock (780 m), 2.3 km west
- Pillar (892 m), 2.4 km south-west
Challenges that include Haystacks
More walks from Gatesgarth Farm car park, Buttermere
Routes in Peakify's guides that start within 500 m of this one, for another day from the same car park.
- Gatesgarth via Fleetwith Edge up Fleetwith Pike
- Gatesgarth via Scarth Gap and Gamlin End up High Crag
- Gatesgarth via Scarth Gap and High Crag up High Stile
Other routes up Haystacks
| Route | Distance | Ascent | Time up | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honister Pass via Blackbeck Tarn | 5.3 km one way | 507 m | 1h 55m | Moderate |
In an emergency
Call 999, ask for the police and then mountain rescue. Give your location (the start is at NY 194 151, the summit at NY193131), what happened and how many are in your group. If you have no signal for a call, a text to 999 works once you have registered your phone with emergencySMS: text "register" to 999 before you go.
Gatesgarth via Scarth Gap: questions and answers
How far is Gatesgarth via Scarth Gap?
Gatesgarth via Scarth Gap is 3.2 km one way to the summit of Haystacks, with 487 m of ascent. There and back by the same way is about 6.4 km.
How long does Gatesgarth via Scarth Gap take?
About 1h 25m to the summit of Haystacks and 2h 5m there and back by Naismith's rule (5 km/h plus 10 minutes per 100 m of ascent), before stops. A relaxed group takes nearer 2h 35m for the round trip.
Where do you park for Gatesgarth via Scarth Gap?
Gatesgarth via Scarth Gap starts from Gatesgarth Farm car park, Buttermere. The grid reference is NY 194 151.
Is Gatesgarth via Scarth Gap suitable for beginners?
Yes, for fit walkers on a clear day. Peakify grades it Moderate: a long climb on a made path, but the top is high, exposed and colder than the start. Turn back if the cloud comes down and you can't navigate.
What time should I start Gatesgarth via Scarth Gap today?
By 15:03 at the latest. Sunset on Haystacks today is 18:08, Gatesgarth via Scarth Gap takes about 2h 5m there and back, and that leaves an hour for stops. Start earlier in winter or if the forecast turns.
Is there a GPX for Gatesgarth via Scarth Gap?
Not yet. The Peakify iPhone app can plan the route and export a GPX (Peakify Pro).