The long ridge of Skiddaw and Blencathra rising over farmland with snow on the tops

Haystacks, and Wainwright

One of Wainwright’s favourite mountains, and the one he chose to be left on. Just under 600 metres, and lowly beside its neighbours — which is rather the point.

Small, among big ones

One of Wainwright’s favourite mountains. The rocky outcrops on its summit ridge provide many a quiet corner for meditation with a wonderful view, and Haystacks will be remembered by many as his chosen final resting place.

At just under 600 metres it is quite lowly compared to its lofty neighbours, but it gives fabulous views of those higher peaks — Great Gable, Pillar — as well as a superb vista down Buttermere.

Two rowing boats drawn up on the shore of a tarn with a figure on the far bank

Innominate Tarn

Near the summit is Innominate Tarn — the tarn with no name — where Wainwright’s ashes are scattered. Blackbeck Tarn, a second and lesser known one, is on the same fell.

The Buttermere valley and lake seen from high on the fells with fields on the valley floor

Getting up it

The easiest route is from Honister Pass, either descending to the Buttermere valley by Scarth Gap or returning to Honister over Brandreth and Grey Knotts.

It can also be combined with Fleetwith Pike for an excellent circuit from Buttermere, or linked with the other Buttermere fells for a long day. In summer Buttermere can be reached from Keswick by bus, which makes a linear walk possible.