We arrived around noon on the Friday and did about a four hour circular walk to Haystacks and back. The walk skirts around the lake which is lovely from all views. Our route took us along a path on the right hand side, through the woods.
We then made our way towards Scarth Gap. I was astonished to see a field of bluebells on the hill's open edge. They were past their prime, but still lovely.
Heading up Scarth Gap.
And looking backwards near the top.
Haystacks is a group of craggy hills full of interesting rock formations and tiny tarns. The view of the surrounding mountains is just superb and the paths are good. It really is a must-do walk if you are in the area.
It was Alfred Wainwright's favourite place and his ashes were scattered near Innominate Tarn, shown below.
The descent on the other side was a little tricky and steep, but fortunately it was nice and dry. You just have to pay attention to the loose scree.
This is part-way down looking back at Buttermere with Crummock Water in the background (more on that tomorrow).
And after a hot shower and dinner, we all had a drink in one of the pubs in the village which is conveniently just a short walk down the hill from the hostel. The Herdies are very much at home here and roam the streets quite nonchalantly. I think they by-passed this pub because they'd feel like a sheep out of pasture.
There's also a tiny church which is well worth a look. There's a memorial window to Wainwright, "who loved this valley", and you can see Haystacks from it, which is a nice touch.
It was a great start to the Bank Holiday weekend.
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