You can check out the route on our Craghoppers Kamoot Page here
Our planned hike up Haystacks to Warnscale Bothy was cut slightly short due to the weather conditions, there had been significant snowfall the night before and we had blizzard conditions for the start of the walk so we took a shorter route. We were blessed with a clearing in the weather at the top which made a hard slog in the snow worth it!
We parked at Gatesgarth car park just off the infamous Honsiter Pass.We then walked over the over the road from the car park and walked through the farm and up to Peggy’s Bridge crossing Warnscale Beck.
The hike has officially began.
The route up Haystacks follows a noticeable path so you can't miss it!. On the route there are some steep sections so be sure to watch your footing and BE CAREFUL! When you're at a safe point, or if you're resting to gain gain some energy, stop and admire the view and don't forget vistas like these are why you're doing the hike so enjoy it!
Warnscale Bothy was as far as we reached on this particular day, and then we retraced our steps, however the full route is circular and incorporates Fleetwith Pike, a Wainwright to tick off your list!
Alternatively, if you are looking to extend the route you can reach the Innominate Tarn which is believed to be where Wainwright’s ashes are scattered. There are also lots of options for a circular route to and from Buttermere, so the options are endless!
Warnscale Bothy itself is a sizeable shelter and well worth an explore. It is easily missed as it camouflages well against its backdrop. Mind your head on the way in the entrance is particularly low. The bothy is maintained by Mountain Bothies Association and includes a guest diary which is really interesting to see who visited before you. We made the most of the shelter to have lunch and then headed back down, fortunately with clearer conditions.
Whether you decided to turn back like ourselves, or continued to march on and explore the well known or hidden paths within Buttermere, discovering Wainwrights and pieces of English history, once you're back at the car park you can start thinking about that warm cup of tea or cold pint, whatever takes your fancy!
