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End: Seatoller, OS Grid: NY244138 Elevation Profile (x: waypoint number, y: metres)
Gain (+/- 10%): 1600m (5250ft)
Total (+/- 10%): 3193m (10478ft)
Loss (+/- 10%): 1593m (5228ft)
Max. Elevation: 870m (2854ft)
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Waypoints
Take the Honister Rambler to Buttermere. Ask for a day ticket that will enable you to go home from Seatoller.
Take the path across the fields to Burtness Woods. It then climbs steeply through the woods.
The path meets Sourmilk Gill and heads on to Bleaberry Tarn - one of the great viewpoints around Buttermere. Worthy of a flapjack moment.
First top of the day is Red Pike. From here, it's many joyous hours of high-level walking.
Follow the distinct, but well-maintained (by the National Trust) path along the crest of the ridge to High Stile.
From High Crag, there's a bit of a drop down to Scarth Gap ....
... and a spiriting climb back up to Hay Stacks. From Hay Stacks, continue heading southeast to Blackbeck Tarn.
The flatter ground leads to Brandreth, the high point of the ground around Grey Knotts. Take the path (again well trodden) towards Green Gable.
The classic 'little brother' hill of the Lakes - 801m, but vastly overshadowed by big brother to the southwest.
One of the Lakes' classic tops, and the final high point of the day, which weary group members may be pleased to hear. From the summit, there is a direct path down to Styhead Tarn, but if you can manage it, take the southwest path to visit Napes Needle.
A monument in the world of UK climbing - many of the early climbers honed their skills on this striking finger of rock. Head past the needle towards Styhead Tarn.
At Styhead, a bridleway follows the gill down towards Seathwaite.
You'll need little excuse for a stop by this stage, so take a moment to enjoy the majestic Taylorgill Force waterfall.
The hamlet of Seathwaite sits at the southern end of the valley. Pick up the Allerdale Ramble path , rather than walking along the road.
Finish at Seatoller for the bus home or, even better, get the bus tomorrow and spend a night camping in this beautiful valley.
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