Gatesgarth via Scarth Gap and Gamlin End up High Crag: route map, distance and time
745 m · Cumbria
High Crag is a 745 m fell at the south-eastern end of the High Stile ridge, above Buttermere, reached from Scarth Gap up the scree of Gamlin End.
Climb the path to Scarth Gap, cross Seat, then climb the steep loose scree of Gamlin End to the summit.
Gatesgarth via Scarth Gap and Gamlin End at a glance
| Distance | 3.4 km one way, to the top |
|---|---|
| Ascent | 681 m |
| Time up | 1h 50m by Naismith's rule |
| There and back | 2h 30m, down the same way |
| Grade | Moderate |
| Start | Gatesgarth car park, Buttermere |
| Start grid reference | NY 194 151 |
| Summit grid reference | NY 180 139 |
Gatesgarth via Scarth Gap and Gamlin End 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 and Gamlin End takes
| Pace | To the top | There and back |
|---|---|---|
| Brisk 6 km/h, 8 min per 100 m up | 1h 30m | 2h 0m |
| Steady (Naismith) 5 km/h, 10 min per 100 m up | 1h 50m | 2h 30m |
| Relaxed 4 km/h, 12 min per 100 m up | 2h 15m | 3h 5m |
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 07:49, sunset 18:06. Start by 14:36 to be down before dark, allowing 2h 30m for the walk and an hour for stops.
- Tomorrow: sunrise 07:51, sunset 18:04. Start by 14:34 to be down before dark, allowing 2h 30m for the walk and an hour for stops.
High Crag summit weather for this route
-
Marginal Today Monday 19 October
Overcast, up to 9°C at the summit, feeling as cold as -1°C, summit wind 34 mph gusting 42 mph, 29% chance of rain. Rated Marginal. Sunrise 07:49, sunset 18:06.
-
Marginal Tomorrow Tuesday 20 October
Dense drizzle, up to 8°C at the summit, feeling as cold as -2°C, summit wind 28 mph gusting 35 mph, 69% chance of rain. Rated Marginal. Sunrise 07:51, sunset 18:04.
Best day of the next seven for Gatesgarth via Scarth Gap and Gamlin End: Monday 19 October, with summit gusts around 42 mph and a 29% chance of rain.
Hour-by-hour High Crag forecast
Before you go, also check: MWIS Lake District forecast · Met Office mountain forecast · Weatherline fell top conditions.
What to take today
- An insulated jacket, hat and warm gloves: it feels like -1°C on top.
- A waterproof jacket. It can rain on the tops in any forecast.
- A windproof layer, and poles for balance in gusts to 42 mph.
- 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 High Crag
High Crag is a 745 m fell at the south-eastern end of the High Stile ridge, above Buttermere, reached from Scarth Gap up the scree of Gamlin End. More about High Crag, with the live forecast.
On the lists: Wainwright, Hewitt, Nuttall, Birkett.
Extend the walk: tops near the summit
- High Stile (807 m), 1.3 km north-west
- High Stile (806 m), 1.5 km north-west
- Haystacks (597 m), 1.5 km south-east
- Pillar Rock (780 m), 1.9 km south-west
- Pillar (892 m), 2.1 km south-west
- Looking Stead (628 m), 2.3 km south
Challenges that include High Crag
More walks from Gatesgarth 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 up Haystacks
- Gatesgarth via Scarth Gap and High Crag up High Stile
Other routes up High Crag
| Route | Distance | Ascent | Time up | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buttermere ridge traverse | 2.9 km one way | 637 m | 1h 40m | Hard |
| Buttermere via Dodd and Red Pike ridge | 7.7 km one way | — | — | Hard |
| Buttermere via Scarth Gap | 6.9 km one way | 690 m | 2h 30m | Hard |
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 NY 180 139), 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 and Gamlin End: questions and answers
How far is Gatesgarth via Scarth Gap and Gamlin End?
Gatesgarth via Scarth Gap and Gamlin End is 3.4 km one way to the summit of High Crag, with 681 m of ascent. There and back by the same way is about 6.8 km.
How long does Gatesgarth via Scarth Gap and Gamlin End take?
About 1h 50m to the summit of High Crag and 2h 30m 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 3h 5m for the round trip.
Where do you park for Gatesgarth via Scarth Gap and Gamlin End?
Gatesgarth via Scarth Gap and Gamlin End starts from Gatesgarth car park, Buttermere. The grid reference is NY 194 151.
Is Gatesgarth via Scarth Gap and Gamlin End 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 and Gamlin End today?
By 14:36 at the latest. Sunset on High Crag today is 18:06, Gatesgarth via Scarth Gap and Gamlin End takes about 2h 30m 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 and Gamlin End?
Not yet. The Peakify iPhone app can plan the route and export a GPX (Peakify Pro).