The great mountain wall on the southern side of the Buttermere valley rises to a splendid ridge which has three summits; the central one and the highest being High Stile. A rim of crags lines the face above the valley; the only interuption to this arrangement being a spur from High Stile which descends north east to the lip of Burtness Comb, and this too is bound by cliffs. In the hollow between High Stile and Red Pike lies Bleaberry Tarn pleasant enough when by it's shores, but somehow not as eye catching as it might be when surveying it from above. When viewed from Haystacks as in the picture here the sight of High Crag rising grandly to a shapely cone is one of the finest mountain scenes in the district. Even if the fell is merely the terminus of the main ridge, and a glimpse of what lies behind can be detected, nothing can detract from the scene. From the village of Buttermere as well High Crag presents a daunting appearance that would seem to deny any access from this side. A way up does exist though, and as may be imagined reveals startling views down to the lake. There are few finer walks along a ridge than the one from High Crag to High Stile: not only for the remarkable situations above Burtness Comb, but from here the majesty of Pillar and that magnificent rock will be appreciated. On High Stile the view to Red Pike and Crummock Water is a classic, and the summit of Red Pike commands a more intimate prospect of the lake, with Mellbreak and Grasmoor framing the scene. To the west of here two more summits not quite as high and quite different in character complete the ridge. First is the shapely dome of Starling Dodd all grass and heather, and lastly the broad based top of Great Borne. This fell looks every bit the part from the shores of Ennerdale Water near Anglers Crag, and it forms an impressive backdrop to the little known Floutern Tarn northwards. This part of the area is also noted for the fine waterfall of Scale Force which does it's best to hide behind a canopy of trees. Also worth a mention and not shy at all are the cascades of Sour Milk Ghyll clearly visible from Buttermere. The Ennerdale side of the ridge in contrast has little to offer.

ROUTE ONE. HIGH STILE FROM ENNERDALE (Bowness) VIA GREAT BORNE, STARLING DODD AND RED PIKE.
5.5 miles 3175ft of ascent.

  The ascent starts a quarter of a mile back down the road from the car park beyond the plantation boundary. Rake Beck is the key to this ascent, but initially the path makes it's way through a sea of bracken before curving below Brown How to the stream. Bowness Knott can be accessed from a branch track to the right of Brown How where a stile in the fence enables a rather difficult path over rough ground to be followed to the summit. The bilberries are a reward for the struggle when in season, but there will not be time for this if High Stile is the objective however. The path to Great Borne continues steeply by Rake Beck but otherwise is without difficulty. There is a final easier walk on the summit plateau to the shelter and survey column. Descend by the fence south east and round the angle where the spring of Scaw Well is evident. The path soon leaves the fence to cross the depression and heads for Starling Dodd, but don't follow the one that cuts left at the base of the summit slope. Descend east from the fence clad cairn to traverse easy ground by Little Dodd. The path gravitates to the well used route ascending Lincomb Edge, but the best approach to Red Pike is to keep further to the right before aiming for the summit. The view having been admired High Stile is reached by skirting round the top of Chapel Crags south at first then south east. The ground becomes rougher in the later stages. The highest cairn lies on the northeast shoulder; though the accepted top to many people is the rocky platform reachcd first high above Bleaberry Tarn in it's comb. The best descent to Ennerdale is by the south west slope of Red Pike to Gillerthwaite.

ROUTE TWO. HIGH STILE FROM BUTTERMERE VIA DODD AND RED PIKE.
3 miles 2500ft of ascent.

   Go down the track from the village to Buttermere Lake to cross the footbridge, and immediately start up the signposted path to Red Pike. There is not the slightest chance of going astray on this ascent as the rebuilt track slants up through Burtness Wood before curving back towards Sour Milk Ghyll and the welcome sight of Bleaberry Tarn. The climb resumes across the stream steadily gaining height with Red Pike in mind. For Dodd leave the track as the ridge is reached, and double back up the short rise to the small summit which has a fine view of the village and lake. This will not be seen from Red Pike. Go back to the main track; which has suffered badly due to it's popularity and the unstable nature of this steep slope for the ascent to Red Pike. The summit will be a welcome sight and the view a just reward. Finally go south a short way before curving left round the top of Chapel Crags to High Stile. The highest point on the summit lies on the spur north east of the main cairn above Chapel Crags. For a different route down either continue along the ridge to High Crag, and descend to Scarth Gap Pass to finish by the lakeside, or return to Red Pike and go down Lingcomb Edge to Scale Force.

ROUTE THREE. HIGH STILE FROM GATESGARTH VIA SEAT AND HIGH CRAG.
3.5 miles 2600ft of ascent.

  Leave Gatesgarth along the track by the head of Buttermere and cross Peggy's Bridge. The path to Scarth Gap Pass slants up the fellside ahead with Haystacks becoming impressive as height is gained. At the pass turn right up a valiant attempt to reconstruct the path in this area of disturbed boulder and scree. When the path levels out escape onto the little ridge of Seat; where temporary relief will be had before making the ascent of High Crag which looms up ahead. Please respect the repair work that has been done on Gamlin End, and faithfully keep to the path round every zig and zag. It is surprising how progress is made in places like this, and the welcome summit of High Crag is soon reached. The ridge to High Stile is a deserved reward for the previous hard work giving wonderful views down into Burtness Comb, and across Ennerdale to Pillar. A short climb up easy slopes leads onto High Stile where the highest cairn lies on the north east spur, but the cairn on the rocks above Chapel Crags a mere metre lower occupies the best position. Returning to Gatesgarth means a careful descent down steep loose paths whatever route is taken. To make a round of the walk go along the ridge to Red Pike, and go down from there to Bleaberry Tarn and Buttermere to enjoy a lovely walk by the lake.