Highlight • Summit
High Spy summit
Hiking
5.0
(203)
Running
5.0
(3)
A plethora of ways to this classic Lakeland summit
The craggy western flanks tumble steeply towards Newlands Beck, where good paths climb from the valley head to gorgeous Dalehead Tarn. In contrast, the eastern flanks that fall to Borrowdale are more gradual. They contain the subsidiary summits of Low Scawdel and Castle Crag, the most diminutive of all Wainwright peaks.
Walking routes to High Spy from Borrowdale also meet those from Newlands at Dalehead Tarn, from where you can also ascend to Dale Head. You can even let the car do some of the hard graft by parking at the top of the Honister Pass. It is also often bagged as part of a strenuous ridge walk with the popular Catbells and Maiden Moor to the north.
High Spy’s subsidiary northern summit is a wonderful place for gazing back down the ridge towards Derwent Water, Keswick and distant Skiddaw. Meanwhile, the main summit boasts an extensive panorama to the giants in the south.
With so many ways to get at High Spy, your accommodation options are many and varied. Keswick, Borrowdale, Buttermere and Newlands all boast a wealth of choices. High Spy makes an excellent winter adventure, very rarely requiring the use of mountaineering equipment.
This Highlight is in a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Tips
October 17, 2018
Hiking
June 18, 2019
Hiking
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Nearby routes
Best routes near High Spy summit
4.6
(35)
440
hikers
17.2km
06:53
960m
960m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.7
(80)
459
hikers
13.4km
04:46
710m
720m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.9
(30)
338
hikers
13.6km
05:41
810m
810m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
Details
Informations
Elevation 690 m
Good to know
Family Friendly
yes
Wheelchair access
no
Dog Friendly
yes
Weather
Powered by Foreca
Sunday 31 May
16°C
11°C
92 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 18.0 km/h
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