A challenging 19.5 km fell walk in the Western Fells, taking in 5 Wainwrights including High Stile and Red Pike (Buttermere) and more. Starting from Buttermere, the route climbs 1022 m. Allow around 5h 36m by Naismith's Rule.
The Western fells are the most remote and least visited in the Lake District, making them a favourite for those seeking genuine wilderness. The Wasdale and Ennerdale valleys below offer classic Lakeland scenery, and routes here carry a real sense of adventure.
At 19.5 km with 1022 m of ascent, this route is rated Challenging. This is a demanding route requiring good navigational skills, a strong level of fitness, and full mountain kit. Start early and monitor the weather closely.
The route takes in 5 Wainwrights, covering 19.5 km from Buttermere. Using Naismith's Rule, allow around 5h 36m of walking time, plus extra for rest stops, navigation, and photos. Fine-tune your estimate with the Naismith Calculator.
The walk starts at Buttermere. Check parking availability before you go as popular Lake District car parks fill quickly on weekends. The Lake District National Park Authority website has up-to-date car park information.
Download the GPX file to your device before setting off. The map shows the route and Wainwright summit positions. In poor visibility, always use a physical OS map and compass. Do not rely solely on a phone GPS in mountain terrain.
Late spring through early autumn (May to October) gives the best conditions. Winter walking on the fells requires additional skills and daylight planning. Always check the Mountain Weather Information Service before heading out.
A serious day on the high fells. Kit choice matters — I wouldn't leave any of this behind on a route like this.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.