Hazard: Moderate
A fell on the long ridge dividing Newlands from Borrowdale, with an easy grassy crest but precipitous crags falling away on both sides — Eel Crags to the Newlands west, Blea Crag to the Borrowdale east. The danger is drifting off the broad ridge toward those edges in cloud; disused quarry workings lie on the Borrowdale approach. Keswick Mountain Rescue Team covers this ground.
- Precipitous crags on both flanks: High Spy is defended by steep crags on both sides: Eel Crags above Newlands to the west, and Blea Crag above Borrowdale to the east. Keep to the crest and well back from both edges, especially in wind or cloud — the gentle grass gives little warning before the drop.
- Broad ridge navigation in cloud: The summit and the ridge to Maiden Moor and Dale Head are broad and grassy with few features. In mist take a compass bearing so you stay on the crest and don't drift toward the crag edges or the wrong valley.
- Disused Rigg Head Quarries: The Borrowdale approach passes the disused Rigg Head Quarries; keep clear of spoil, openings and steep quarry edges, particularly in poor light.
Who should attempt this fell: High Spy is easy ridge walking, but it's a knife between two crag-bound valleys — keep to the crest and back from the edges, and navigate by compass in cloud so you don't drift toward the drops or the wrong valley. Keep clear of the old quarry workings, and treat the edges as serious in winter when iced.
What to watch for: Walkers drifting toward the crag edges on either side in poor visibility · Navigation errors on the broad grassy ridge in cloud · Mishaps around the disused Rigg Head Quarries · Winter ice on the crag edges and steep ground
Local Mountain Rescue: Keswick Mountain Rescue Team (opens in new tab)
Safety: Always check current conditions, carry proper navigation equipment, and seek qualified instruction before heading onto the fells. In an emergency, call 999, ask for Police, then Mountain Rescue.
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