My First Solo Hike in The Lake District
- Kate
- Mar 10, 2022
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 17
Location - Warnscale Bothy, Haystacks (597m) and Fleetwith Pike (648m)
Distance - 10km
Hours - 4-5 hours
Ascent - 849m
It only took a few solo hikes for me to realize that I wanted to take the experience further—by trying a wild camp. I had fallen in love with solo hiking and knew there was nothing better than hiking through the mountains and spending the night under the stars. After binge-watching countless YouTube videos on wild camping (and convincing myself I was an expert 😊), I decided that the Lake District would be the perfect place to start.
Before I dive into my adventure, it's important to note that wild camping is technically illegal in England and Wales without landowner permission. However, in the Lake District, it is generally tolerated as long as you follow responsible camping practices—arriving late, leaving no trace, and camping away from paths and water sources.
Choosing My First Solo Hike: Haystacks and Fleetwith Pike
To ease into the experience, I planned a solo hike in the Lake District to scope out a potential camping spot. Haystacks caught my attention—not only was it Alfred Wainwright’s favourite fell, but it’s also his final resting place. That alone made it feel like an exceptional choice. Using OS Maps, I mapped out a 10km route, including Warnscale Bothy, Haystacks, and Fleetwith Pike.
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Starting the Hike: Honister Pass to Warnscale Bothy
I parked at a pay-and-display car park at the bottom of Honister Pass (though the machine wasn’t working when I visited). The hike began with a steady ascent along Fleetwith Pike, following a small stream. As I turned a corner, I was met with breathtaking waterfalls—and a very steep climb.
Two hikers quickly passed me, which made me feel self-conscious as I was still walking on the flat! 😊 Still, I pushed on, taking breaks to admire the waterfalls and appreciate the landscape. The path became rocky and tricky to follow, but as long as I stayed on course with my map, it wasn’t too technical.
Discovering Warnscale Bothy
Eventually, I stumbled upon Warnscale Bothy—a hidden gem you don’t spot until you’re right on top of it. It’s a tiny stone shelter with a low entrance, but inside, it’s a magical spot. With two sleeping platforms, a fireplace, and a rustic wooden table, it offers a cosy retreat. The window view over Buttermere is genuinely one of the best in the Lake District. I sat there for a while, enjoying my soup and snapping photos, feeling grateful for the journey so far.
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My First Solo Hike - The Yorkshire Dales
Reaching Haystacks and Innominate Tarn
Leaving the Bothy, I faced a short climb to a plateau, passing Blackbeck Tarn before reaching Innominate Tarn—one of the most serene places I’ve ever been. With distant mountains, occasional ducks, and very few people, it felt incredibly peaceful. Just a short walk away lies the summit of Haystacks, marked by a cairn (a small pile of rocks). The view over Buttermere on a clear day is spectacular.
Descending via Fleetwith Pike
My route took me back the way I came—something I don’t usually do—but this time, I would descend via Fleetwith Pike. It was just as breathtaking the second time around! On the way down, I passed Dubs Hut, another bothy, though not as charming as Warnscale. The surrounding area is a disused quarry, making it an interesting but stark contrast to the lush fells.
Navigating through an active quarry was a bit challenging—the paths seemed to have shifted 😊—but I eventually found my way to Fleetwith Pike’s summit. It’s an imposing peak, just like the kind you’d draw as a child, and my timing was perfect—I watched paragliders launch off the edge, soaring over Buttermere.
The descent down Fleetwith Pike was steep and challenging, requiring some scrambling and even sliding down on my bum at times! By the time I reached the bottom, my thighs felt like jelly, but the adventure had been entirely worth it.
Why This is the Perfect Solo Hike in the Lake District
This hike had everything—challenging climbs, stunning waterfalls, hidden bothies, and epic views. The solitude and sense of freedom I felt were unparalleled. It made me realize that you don’t need to travel abroad for a breathtaking adventure—sometimes, the best experiences are just a car ride away.
And as for my first wild camp? You’ll have to wait and see… 😉 (Check out my first wild camp blog post here!)
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Are you new to wild camping? Check out The Beginner’s Guide to Wild Camping for everything you need to get started.
Have any questions or thoughts? Feel free to get in touch with me here—I’d love to hear from you.
If you haven’t already, consider downloading the Ordnance Survey App. It lets you import GPX routes directly and mirrors the paper maps you should always carry as a backup. I use this app to plan all my hikes, and it’s an essential tool for navigating the great outdoors.
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