Red Pike: High Stile and High Crag

A good day in the fells! We parked in Buttermere and followed the direct path up to Bleaberry Tarn. The path through the wood was paved, steep and slippery, but once out onto the fell the views were spectacular and the heather in full bloom. Then onto Bleaberry Tarn and up onto Red Pike. The path was scree and rocks towards the top - depending on your point of view - good fun! It's a steep way up the Pike. Cloud began to obscure most views but it was a lovely ridge walk and what we did see was great! Lots of Dwarf Willow, but despite searching no Thamnolia and very few Club Mosses. To our relief the path down from High Crag has been paved - last time we went up it was horrendous - steep, grassy and erroded! Back then to Scarth Gap and down to the lake. Despite the number of people Gatesgarth kiosk was shut - the alternative - the icecream at the farm in Buttermere was worth the wait. 

On the way up to Bleaberry tarn, looking back to Fleetwith Pike - and below.

Gorgeous path and the first views of Red Pike. 

Plenty of Heather! 

Looking east. 

From Red Pike towards High Stile. 

High Stile summit. 

The ridge. 

Mating dragonflies. 

Looking back at High Crag. 

My favourite type of view! Cloud, mountains and bog! 

Looking down Scarth Gap Pass.

Looking across Buttermere - the fells still in the clouds. 

..and then the sun came out!