Scar Crags, Causey Pike

The walk, stage by stage

1. 1

   Start → Barrow (2.2 km, 361 m)

   Climb of about 361 m over 2.2 km (around 16% average).

   Typically starting from the village of Braithwaite, the route begins by ascending the farm track behind Braithwaite Lodge before cutting onto the open fell. The climb up the spine of Barrow is direct and persistent. It is a long, grassy, heather-clad ridge that offers an excellent, steadily rising warm-up. The path is well-defined and climbs relentlessly with a 16% average gradient, though it lacks the brutal rocky steps of the higher fells

   Waypoints

   Braithwaite (approx. 70m): The valley-bottom starting point. Braithwaite Lodge: The farm marking the transition from village tarmac to fell track. Barrow Summit (455m): The modest, heathery summit marking the end of the first ridge climb, offering excellent views into the Coledale horseshoe

   Decision point

   Coledale Beck: The deep ravine of Coledale runs parallel to your right (west). Keep this massive trench on your right hand side to ensure you stay on the ridge spine

   Easy to get wrong

   Summer Bracken: The lower slopes of Barrow are completely smothered in dense bracken during the summer months. Stick rigidly to the main trod, as pushing through it is exhausting and highly increases the risk of tick bites. False Summits: The ridge bows slightly, creating a few minor false horizons on the way up that can tease you if you are pushing the pace

   If you need to get off

   Simply turn around and walk back down the grassy ridge directly to Braithwaite. The ridge acts as a perfect, safe funnel back to the village

2. 2

   Barrow → Outerside (1.9 km, 173 m)

   Climb of about 173 m over 1.9 km (around 9% average).

   From the summit of Barrow, the path drops south-west into the wide, heather-filled depression known as Barrow Door. From this saddle, the route immediately tackles the eastern flank of Outerside. The path here winds up through thick heather and blueberry bushes on a moderate 9% gradient, ending at the neat, compact summit of Outerside

   Waypoints

   Barrow Door (approx. 390m): The distinct col separating Barrow from Outerside. Outerside Summit (568m): A rocky little peak sitting relatively isolated between the major ridges of Coledale and Causey Pike

   Decision point

   Line of Sight: Outerside is clearly visible ahead. In clear weather, aim directly for the highest point. Coledale Track: If the mist is down, ensure the wide, flat floor of the Coledale valley remains below you to your right

   Easy to get wrong

   Boggy Col: The depression at Barrow Door can be a swamp after heavy rain. The path often braids here as walkers try to find drier ground. Heather Braiding: As you climb Outerside, the path splits into multiple minor sheep trods through the heather. They all generally head up, but some are rougher than others

   If you need to get off

   From the col at Barrow Door, you can bail right (north-west), dropping down a grassy path to intercept the main Coledale mine track, which provides a wide, flat walk back to Braithwaite

3. 3

   Outerside → Scar Crags (1.8 km, 198 m)

   Climb of about 198 m over 1.8 km (around 11% average).

   Leaving Outerside, the route drops south-west into the notoriously wet saddle at High Moss, near Sail Pass. From this boggy depression, the real mountain work begins. You must tackle the steep, zig-zagging climb up the side of the main ridge to reach Scar Crags. The terrain shifts from squelchy peat to loose scree and shattered rock as you gain the crest of the high ridge

   Waypoints

   High Moss: The sprawling, boggy depression between Outerside and the main ridge. Scar Crags Summit (672m): A spectacular, airy summit on the main ridge line, featuring a sheer drop to the north

   Decision point

   The Ridge Line: Once you finish the steep pull out of High Moss and hit the crest, the navigation becomes foolproof. The ridge itself is your absolute handrail

   Easy to get wrong

   The High Moss Bog: This area is an unavoidable sponge. Prepare for wet boots, as navigating around the worst of the peat hags is tedious. Steep Pull to the Ridge: The ascent out of the saddle to Scar Crags is steep and loose. It is a sharp shock to the lungs after the gentler rolling terrain of Barrow and Outerside. Crag Edges: Once on Scar Crags, the northern side (to your left as you approach, or right as you face Causey Pike) is a series of sheer, fatal drops

   If you need to get off

   Safe Route: If you don't want to tackle the high ridge, drop down from High Moss heading east towards Stoneycroft Gill. This path leads safely down into the Newlands Valley. Trap Warning: Do not attempt to bail north directly off the summit of Scar Crags; the terrain is vertical

4. 4

   Scar Crags → Causey Pike (1.1 km, 40 m)

   About 1.1 km with 40 m of ascent.

   This is one of the most enjoyable ridge walks in the Lake District. It is a short, exhilarating, and relatively flat traverse heading straight east along the crest from Scar Crags to Causey Pike. The path is rocky but straightforward, offering massive, plunging views into the Newlands Valley to the south and Coledale to the north

   Waypoints

   The Ridge Path: The unmistakable track linking the two summits. Causey Pike Summit (637m): Famous for its distinct "bobble" or "pimple" shape, marked by a rocky outcrop that requires a final few steps of minor scrambling

   Decision point

   The Ridge Crest: Keep to the highest ground. The path is heavily eroded into the bedrock and impossible to lose

   Easy to get wrong

   Wind Exposure: This ridge takes the absolute brunt of winds funneling through the valleys. On a stormy day, it can be difficult to stand upright here. Minor Scrambling: Reaching the very top of Causey Pike’s bobble requires putting your hands on the rock. It is simple but can feel exposed

   If you need to get off

   There is no safe exit off the flanks of this ridge. If the wind is too strong, you must retrace your steps west back to the col at Scar Crags/Sail Pass to drop down into the valleys

5. 5

   Causey Pike → Rowling End (1.2 km, 0 m)

   Descent of about 200 m over 1.2 km.

   From the summit of Causey Pike, the route drops aggressively eastwards off the famous "bobble." This initial descent is steep, rocky, and requires hands-on downclimbing over polished rock steps. Once you clear this craggy section, the gradient eases into a grassy, undulating ridge descent heading over Sleet Hause and down to the subsidiary bump of Rowling End

   Waypoints

   The Causey Pike Downclimb: The steep, rocky steps immediately leaving the summit. Sleet Hause: The minor grassy saddle on the descent ridge. Rowling End (433m): The final notable prominence on the eastern ridge before the steep plunge to the valley floor

   Decision point

   The Eastern Ridge: The ridge line extending down to Rowling End is visually obvious, pointing directly toward Derwentwater and the Skiddaw massif in the distance

   Easy to get wrong

   The Downclimb: The rocky step off Causey Pike is intimidating for beginners. It is highly polished by thousands of boots and becomes dangerously slick in the rain or ice. Take your time and face the rock if necessary. Knee Impact: Once off the rocks, the descent along the ridge is sustained and steep, putting a lot of pressure on tired joints

   If you need to get off

   Before committing to the steep, hands-on downclimb off Causey Pike, your only bail is to turn back to Scar Crags. Once you have descended the rocky steps, you are committed to the Rowling End descent route. Do not drift south off the ridge into the steep, pathless bracken of Rigg Beck

6. Rowling End → Finish (3.8 km, 78 m)

   Climb of about 78 m over 3.8 km (around 2% average).

   Leaving Rowling End, the path plunges directly down the steep, grassy nose of the fell, zigzagging tightly through heavy bracken to reach the valley floor at Stoneycroft. From here, the rugged mountain terrain ends. The final section is an undulating valley walk along the quiet Newlands Valley road, contouring the base of Barrow back to the starting point in Braithwaite

   Waypoints

   Stonycroft Gill / Bridge: The point where you hit the valley floor and cross the water. Newlands Valley Road: The tarmac road tracing the bottom of the fells. Braithwaite: The finish point

   Decision point

   Stonycroft Gill: Aim for the bridge at the base of the fell. The Road: Once you hit the tarmac at Stoneycroft, turn left (north) and simply follow the road. It acts as an absolute handrail, skirting the base of the fells all the way back to the village

   Easy to get wrong

   Jarring Final Descent: The grassy drop off Rowling End is fiercely steep. When wet, this grassy slope is a notorious slip hazard; trekking poles are a massive asset here. Traffic Hazard: The walk back to Braithwaite is on a narrow country lane. While quiet, cars can appear suddenly around the blind, walled corners. Mental Fatigue: The 3.8 km walk out on tarmac can feel like a slog after the high-adrenaline ridge walk

   If you need to get off

   This is the final exit stage. The steep descent off Rowling End commits you to the Newlands Valley floor. Once on the road, you are perfectly safe and on the direct route back to your car