High Street is the culminating point of the Roman road that follows the main watershed east of the Kirkstone Pass and Ullswater from Troutbeck to Moor Divock. It's superiority in height over the rest of the fells in the group will often be all that many of it's visitors will recall of it later, for High Street only displays it's finest features to Mardale Head. On some ascents the fell is so well buttressed by neighbouring tops that it remains hidden until the final stages of the climb. All these fells are best appreciated from their eastern side; in the case of the Ill Bell ridge as seen from Kentmere, while High Street must be viewed from Haweswater, and Mardale Head should be the starting point for the climb. Here are rocky coves and recesses and a superb crag bound narrow ridge that rises from the foot of Riggindale at The Rigg pointing the way directly to the summit of the parent fell. From this ridge Blea Water the deepest of Lakelands tarns is displayed in it's comb, and is considered by some to be the finest of all the mountain tarns in the district. This route of ascent to High Street over Rough Crag and up the narrow Long Stile must be one of the best ascents there is, and coupled with a circuit round to Harter Fell makes a truly memorable walk. A special feature of these fells are the long easy ridges all carrying good paths which are a pleasure to tread. Scenery and views change quickly here, though the Ill Bell ridge has some rougher ground as does the ridge between Caudale Moor and Thornthwaite Crag. At one time the High Street was a haven of tranquility, but as elsewhere has become alive with walkers enjoying the attractions of these hills. While Kentmere and Mardale form the eastern boundaries, and Kirkstone and the Patterdale Valley the western, the hills decline southwards to the Garburn Pass, and eventually to the foothills above the road from Kendal to Windermere. Beyond the Straits of Riggindale north of High Street high ground continues over High Raise and Loadpot Hill to the fertile Lowther Valley. Please plan your walks so that the best of these hills can be appreciated, and if High Street has to be ascended from the south or west at least make the short detour to look down on Blea Water and the head of Mardale, for here is the reward for the climb.

ROUTE ONE. HIGH STREET FROM MARDALE HEAD VIA ROUGH CRAG.
3 miles 2000ft of ascent. 2 miles 1250ft of ascent to Rough Crag.

   Follow the path round the head of Haweswater to the top of the rise at The Rigg. At this point turn left up the rising ridge. Further advice is really unnecessary as the path and ridge are locked together all the way over Rough Crag, and up the steeper section of Long Stile to the summit. There are fine views across to Harter Fell and of Blea Water while the face of High Street commands attention as Rough Crag is approached and beyond. There is a fair descent to the depression at Caspel Gate (marked by a small tarn) between Rough Crag and Long Stile. Return to Mardale Head over Kidsty Pike or go round to Nan Bield Pass via Mardale Ill Bell, and descend to Small Water.

ROUTE TWO. HIGH STREET FROM MARDALE HEAD OR KENTMERE VIA MARDALE ILL BELL.
3 miles 2050ft of ascent from Mardale. 5.5 miles 2350ft of ascent from Kentmere. To Mardale Ill Bell it is 2 miles and 1700ft of ascent from Mardale Head, and 4.5 miles and 2000ft of ascent from Kentmere

   I have no doubt that from Kentmere the ridge over Kentmere Pike to Harter Fell as part of the Kentmere Horseshoe will appeal to many stronger walkers. These fells are considered in the next section; so a reference to the notes there can be linked to this ascent description. A track east of the church at Kentmere leads by the farm of Rook Howe, and just beyond a footbridge allows a crossing of the River Kent. The path ascends to Low Lane; where turn left for Overend the last habitation on this route. At Overend make sure the path to Nan Bield is selected (The one on the right) as the two run together for a time. Our track climbs up to the east of Tongue Scar rounding Smallthwaite Knott, and rises to Nan Bield Pass. In years long passed the zig zags just below the pass were a joy to see and follow. Sadly this is no longer so, but the alignment remains clear to anyone interested. Turn up to the left at the shelter and let the walkers highway take you up to Mardale Ill Bell whose cairn lies just off the path. Rejoin the path and it will safely convey you to High Street. Try to make a detour to look down on Blea Water. I have always considered it a cardinal sin to visit High Street and not do so. From Mardale Head go directly ahead up the valley of Small Water Beck. A steady climb under the cliffs of Harter Fell lies in front, and then Small Water suddenly appears; one of lakelands finest tarns. The path passes some interesting shelters as it rounds the tarn prior to climbing steeply and stonily to Nan Bield Pass where turn right for Mardale Ill Bell. Strong walkers can return to Kentmere over the Ill Bell ridge, whereas for Mardale the classic way would be down the ridge of Long Stile and Rough Crag. A bit longer and the summits of Rampsgill Head and Kidsty Pike can be visited descending over Kidsty Howes to Riggindale.

ROUTE THREE. HIGH STREET FROM KENTMERE OR TROUTBECK VIA YOKE, ILL BELL, FROSWICK AND THORNTHWAITE CRAG.
5.75 miles 3125ft of ascent from Kentmere.  From Troutbeck to Yoke add 1 mile and 125ft of ascent.

  Leaving Kentmere Church continue up the lane to the cluster of buildings at the foot of the Garburn Road. Turn left here and climb the track which sadly in recent times has been badly damaged by off road vehicles. In the prominent hollow just below the summit of the pass a path will be noticed on the right that makes it's way to the ridge below Buck Crag. This cuts a corner, but from Troutbeck the Garburn Road must be followed to the top; where a cairn just before the wall is reached indicates the start of the path to Yoke. Once on the ridge the paths are such that losing them would be a sin. Much of the route has now been improved over the wetter peaty areas. A stile in the final wall is followed by a steeper section to the summit of Yoke. The traverse of Ill Bell and Froswick is the highlight of the walk with fine views down into Kentmere. This is succeeded by a long haul up to Thornthwaite Crag and it's beacon; though some walkers may head directly to High Street. The path connecting the two fells is evidence of it's usage as it curves round the head of Hayeswater. High Streets summit is on the line of the wall to the right, and marked by an Ordnance Survey column. Descents to Kentmere are best over Mardale Ill Bell to Nan Bield Pass; where those with energy left will go on to climb Harter Fell and Kentmere Pike. For Troutbeck return to the ridge below Thornthwaite Crag, and bear to the right to locate Scot Rake and descend to Hagg Gill.

ROUTE FOUR. HIGH STREET FROM TROUTBECK VIA TROUTBECK TONGUE AND THORNTHWAITE CRAG.
5.5 miles 2625ft of ascent.

  Take Ing Lane from Town Head and follow it past Ing Bridge to a signpost ahead of Troutbeck Park Farm. Ascend the pasture to a track rounding the eastern side of Troutbeck Tongue. As the path turns and straightens above Hagg Gill leave it to go up by the wall coming down on the left. The first bit is rather marshy, but round the corner the path will clearly be seen ascending the fellside. It climbs to the ridge and pleasantly leads up to the summit cairn. From the summit descend the ridge north on a definite path crossing a fence by a new stile to the foot of Scot Rake. Beyond the gate a stiff climb has to be undertaken before the slopes ease as Thornthwaite Crag is approached. Once again the skill and efforts of those who created paths such as Scot Rake can be appreciated. The last mile to High Street is a simple traverse round the head of Hayeswater but branch right to the wall for the summit. The Ill Bell ridge would be the obvious route back to Troutbeck, but less arduous and a variation to the ascent would be to descend from Thornthwaite Crag to Threshthwaite Mouth and turn left down to Trout Beck. This keeps west of The Tongue to Troutbeck Park, but note the ground can be very wet here.

ROUTE FIVE. HIGH STREET FROM KIRKSTONE PASS VIA SATTEREVEN (St Ravens Edge),             CAUDALE MOOR AND THORNTHWAITE CRAG.
4 miles 2075ft of ascent.

       On the northern side of the Kirkstone Pass Inn a stile indicates the start of this walk. The initial climb to Sattereven (St Ravens Edge) is an early challenge to take on. The top is strictly unnamed but I like the name Sattereven which more properly applies to an area nearby as do other names in the district including St Ravens Edge here. A wall is a companion up the fellside, and will be so right up to the summit of Caudale Moor with a few changes of direction en route. There is some loss of height as Sattereven or St Ravens Edge is left, but a little peaty ground apart the going is easy enough. The ascent that follows is nowhere steep but may seem rather longer than anticipated. Cross the wall to the summit cairn from where the path begins the descent to Threshthwaite Mouth. Newcomers may be surprised by the rocky conditions lower down and the depth of the col. Less of a shock as it is all too clear will be the steep stony climb on the other side to Thornthwaite Crag. Matters can be alleviated a little by taking a loop out to the left of the wall to the ridge from Gray Crag. After this the rest of the walk to High Street over a shallow depression will be much appreciated. The Ordnance Survey column is adjacent to the ridge wall. There are no easy options to return to the pass. Even the route of ascent involves some 700ft of ascent. This route is best as part of a linear walk using more than one car, or perhaps returning by bus from the lane end at Hartsop after descending to Hayeswater via The Knott.

ROUTE SIX. HIGH STREET FROM HARTSOP VIA HARTSOP DODD, CAUDALE MOOR AND THORNTHWAITE CRAG.
4 miles 2925ft of ascent.

       Make no mistake the ascent of Hartsop Dodd is all that it appears to be! If it must be done go over Walker Bridge below the car park and ascend the steep lower pasture to the angle of the intake walls. An attempt has been made to improve the path here. The ridge takes shape now, and what was once a beautiful series of zig zags makes even this slope quite acceptable. One can only marvel at the way these paths were constructed. The final rise to the summit is rather eroded, but from the top to Caudale Moor the pleasant going is some reward for earlier toil. The view back from the Dodd during the ascent is a good excuse for several halts. From Caudale Moor the path heads north east to the wall before dropping rather roughly to Threshthwaite Mouth. A loop to the left to avoid the devastation ahead can be made joining the ridge from Gray Crag. The last mile to High Street is by comparison with earlier experiences a doddle. Return to Hartsop over The Knott and descend to Hayeswater. If there is still time and energy left a visit to Kidsty Pikc and Rampsgill Head could also be considered.

ROUTE SEVEN. HIGH STREET FROM HARTSOP VIA GRAY CRAG AND THORNTHWAITE CRAG.
4.25 miles 2350ft of ascent

   Go up the lane past the sheep pens but at the junction turn down the track to cross Wath Bridge. The track now winds around the flank of Gray Crag and climbing steadily leads to Hayeswater. Above a gate a path may be noticed steeply climbing the slopes to the ridge. If this seems rather too much then continue ahead to the tarn. There is a path from the filter house up to this track which makes a pleasant alternative. At the tarn go up the grassy slopes tending slightly to the right to meet the ridge lower down. A good path ascends the ridge to Gray Crag and can then be clearly followed to Thornthwaite Crag. Make sure the views down the steep flank to Hayeswater are seen on the way. From the beacon an easy mile round the head of Hayeswater Gill is all that remains. The obvious way back is over The Knott, but firstly a visit to Kidsty Pike is recommended before crossing Rampsgill Head to The Knott. A descent to Hayeswater completes the circuit. Stronger walkers may also add Rest Dodd and Brock Crags to the itinery.