The Buttermere round.

A gorgeous autumnal day so we parked up at the farm at the far end of Buttermere to begin my birthday walk. Fleetwith Pike stands looking isolated and steep at the head of the valley and we've not been up it before. With spectacular views over Buttermere and Crummock it was more than worth the climb. The path was well hidden from view a distance but easy to find - it climbed rapidly over crags and through heather - really nice little bits that were scrambly too.

The views from as we went up Fleetwith Pike....with some spectacular hail showers! 

Views of Buttermere and Crummock Water and Rocky on the summit of Fleetwith Pike.

After Fleetwith Pike we crossed over through the top of the Honister slate mines and strode out onto Grey Knotts - a lovely ridge with more spectacular views over Borrowdale and round to Great Gable. 

Pictures below - Grey Knotts; Rocky on the summit and looking across to Brandreth and Great Gable.

After Grey Knotts we walked onto Brandreth - Below Summit views.

....and then back down and across to Haystacks with classic views again before returning, with a steep descent off the main top of Haystacks,  to the valley base and the car. A cracking walk! 

Great Gable in the afternoon sun; Rocky on Haystacks summit and the view of Fleetwith Pike from across the valley - it was steep!