Haystacks from Honister walking and hiking route

Walk Instructions

Although some may not class Haystacks as a mountain as it sits just a few metres short of 600m, it is a firm favourite of thousands. This excellent journey takes you to the summit of this plucky peak with outstanding views.

Start Point: The walk starts from Honister Pass. There is a car park at the Slate Mine or a National Trust Car Park. (CA12 5XN)

1. Head out of the car park using the path by the slate Osprey statue. By the Cockermouth Mountain Rescue collection stone take the footpath off of the main track. Follow this ‘Dismantled Tramway’ footpath steeply uphill to the point where it flattens at a crossroads. Continue in in the same direction (westwards). The path heads steadily downhill to the point where it comes to a building (A bothy in fact).

2. Turn off this path to the left, cross the river and follow the obvious path that emerges from the other side. This side of Haystacks is full of lumps and bumps and the path weaves its way across the fell toward to the summit. First you will walk past the end of Blackbeck Tarn and then after a short rise you’ll get to the infamous Inonimate Tarn.

3. There are a few high lumps near the summit of seemingly equal height. The actual summit stands next to a tarn and has an old metal fencepost sticking out of it.

4. Retrace your steps to get back to Honister.

Disclaimer: This route was correct at time of writing. However, alterations can happen if development or boundary changes occur, and there is no guarantee of permanent access. These walks have been published for use by site visitors on the understanding that neither HPB Management Limited nor any other person connected with Holiday Property Bond is responsible for the safety or wellbeing of those following the routes as described. It is walkers' own responsibility to be adequately prepared and equipped for the ‎level of walk and the weather conditions and to assess the safety and accessibility of the walk.