A Scenic 9-Mile Walk from Hartsop to Stony Cove Pike and Hayeswater
Park in the Cow Bridge car park, situated by the side of the A592 just north of Brothers Water, near Hartsop. Begin your journey by heading briefly south-east along the road towards Hartsop. Then, veer south across Horseman Bridge, passing the scenic Brothers Water. Continue along the A592 towards Sykeside. This initial part of the route sets the tone for a memorable walk to Stony Cove Pike.
After Sykeside, prepare for a steep climb. Ascend south-east up to John Bell’s Banner, located on Cauldale Moor. The effort is rewarded as you traverse towards the east, reaching the summit of Stony Cove Pike. This peak is a highlight of the walk, offering spectacular views of the surrounding Lake District.
From Stony Cove Pike, descend slightly before undertaking another climb. This ascent leads you to the Beacon, marking the top of Thornthwaite Crag. Next, embark on a north-east then north walk along the High Street ridge. You’ll pass the cairn on Racecourse Hill. Continue north along the ridge, traversing the Straits of Riggindale, until you reach the top of The Knott.
Finally, begin your descent. Head west towards the northern end of Hayeswater. The path then takes you through the serene Hayeswater Gill valley, leading back to Hartsop and the car park. This 9-mile walk encapsulates the essence of the Lake District, with Stony Cove Pike and Thornthwaite Crag as prominent and memorable landmarks.
Stony Cove Pike Walk: Maps and Tools
Visit either the OS Maps website or the Outdooractive website to view this walking route in greater detail. Both platforms offer a range of features, including the ability to print the route, download it to your device, and export the route as a GPX file. You can also watch a 3D fly-over and share the route on social media.
Stony Cove Pike Walk: Distance, Duration, Statistics
Distance: 8¾ miles
Distance: 14¼ kilometres
Duration: 5 hours
Ascent: 3057 feet
Ascent: 932 metres
Type: Circular walk
About Stony Cove Pike
Stony Cove Pike, also known as Caudale Moor, is a fell situated in the far eastern part of the English Lake District. The main summit is designated as ‘Stony Cove Pike’ on Ordnance Survey maps, while the second top to the west is named ‘Caudale Moor’. The south-western ridge descending to St Raven’s Edge is known as ‘John Bell’s Banner’. Alfred Wainwright, in his Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells, refers to the entire fell as Caudale Moor and uses John Bell’s Banner as an alternative name, with Stony Cove Pike specifically denoting the main summit.
Topographically, the fell is expansive, featuring six ridges emanating from the summit. The primary summit has four ridges extending in cardinal directions. The eastern ridge descends to Threshwaite Mouth, leading to Thornthwaite Crag. Northwards lies the grassy ridge towards Hartsop Dodd, and to the west, the land narrows slightly towards the secondary top of Caudale Moor / John Bell’s Banner. South of the main summit, a short spur extends into the Trout Beck valley, then steeply descends over Doup Crag.
The lower top of the fell includes the descending ridge of Rough Edge, leading north-west towards Caudale Bridge. Here, the notable Caudale Quarry can be found, known for its historically steep access track. Signs of more extensive mining are also evident in this area.
Additionally, a broad ridge descends south from the Caudale Moor top, passing over Pike How and splitting around Woundale’s head. The south-west branch goes down St Raven’s Edge to the Kirkstone Pass road at Woundale Raise, then rises again towards Wansfell. The south-eastern spur, shorter in length, drops over Hart Crag and Great Knott into the Troutbeck valley.
The summit area of Stony Cove Pike is grassy, featuring small tarns between the two tops. Stone walls along the ridges towards Hartsop Dodd, St Raven’s Edge, and Threshthwaite Mouth aid in navigation. Cairns mark both tops, and a wooden cross-topped cairn, known as Mark Atkinson’s monument, is located to the south-west of Caudale Moor.
In Alfred Wainwright’s list of 214 Lake District Fells, Stony Cove Pike ranks 55th in height, standing at 764 metres (2506 feet).
Recommended Ordnance Survey Map
The best map to use on this walk is the Ordnance Survey map of the Lake District North-Eastern Area, reference OS Explorer OL5, scale 1:25,000. It clearly displays footpaths, rights of way, open access land and vegetation on the ground, making it ideal for walking, running and hiking. The map can be purchased from Amazon in either a standard, paper version or a weatherproof, laminated version, as shown below.
Standard Version
Stony Cove Pike Walk: My Photos
The view west from Thornthwaite Crag to the snow-covered tops of Helvellyn and Nethermost Pike on the horizon.
The summit of Thornthwaite Crag, height 784 metres (2572 feet). One of the many highlights of this Stony Cove Pike walk.
Clear views north-west from Thornthwaite Crag, with Blencathra (Saddleback) visible about 13 miles away.
Gray Crag at the end of the long, narrow ridge which leads from Thornthwaite Crag. On the left, behind the ridge, is Hartsop Dodd.
The track across High Street, the course of an old Roman road. Approximately half way round our Stony Cove Pike walk.
Hayeswater as seen from Racecourse Hill, just below the summit of High Street, height 828 metres (2717 feet).
The view from above Short Stile through the Riggindale Beck valley towards the southern extent of Haweswater Reservoir.
Twopenny Crag (left) and Kidsty Pike (the peak on the right).
The U-shaped glacial valley which separates Kidsty Pike and Rough Crag. Short Stile protrudes into the valley and Riggindale Beck flows through it on its way to Haweswater Reservoir.
Looking back towards Thornthwaite Crag (horizon, centre) at the head of the Hayeswater Gill valley between High Street and Gray Crag.
The dry stone wall leads directly to the summit of High Street, with paths on either side.
Kev strikes a pose on The Knott, height 739 metres (2425 feet). We are now three-quarters of the way round our Stony Cove Pike walk.
Hayeswater nestled in the valley at the foot of Gray Crag (right).
Footbridge across Hayeswater Gill, which flows west towards Hartsop. Along the way it merges with Pasture Beck and Kirkstone Beck and the resulting waters of Goldrill Beck head north and discharge into Ullswater.
Waterfall created by Sulphury Gill on the western flanks of Rest Dodd / The Knott.
The stone track back to the hamlet of Hartsop and Cow Bridge just north of Brothers Water. A superb end to our Stony Cove Pike walk.
Top Lake District Walking Guides for Exploring the Fells
The Lake District offers some of the most breathtaking walks in the UK. These four guidebooks stand out for their detailed routes and practical advice, covering everything from high-level fell walks to peak bagging the Wainwrights. Whether you’re exploring lesser-known summits or conquering famous peaks, these guides are essential companions for your adventures in the Lake District. As an Amazon affiliate, I may earn a small commission from any purchases made through the links provided. This helps support the upkeep of this website. Rest assured, you won’t pay a penny extra, but your purchase will contribute to keeping my site running smoothly. Happy walking!
Lake District High Level Mountain and Fell Walks
Discover the Lake District’s highest peaks with Vivienne Crow’s pocket-sized guide. It features 30 of the best walks on the higher fells, covering both lesser-known summits and favourites like Scafell Pike, Helvellyn, and Skiddaw. Each route is circular and ranges from 4 to 15 miles, with walks graded by difficulty. The guide is illustrated with Ordinance Survey mapping and vibrant colour photography, making it both informative and visually appealing. Crow also includes practical notes on parking, public transport links, and nearby refreshment spots. With easy access from popular centres like Keswick, Ambleside, and Windermere, this guide is an essential companion for your Lake District adventures.
Lake District Classic Lakeland Mountain Routes
Mark Richards’ large-format guidebook showcases 50 classic walks in the Lake District’s mountains. These routes are designed for experienced hillwalkers, with distances ranging from 4 to 13 miles. Richards provides clear route descriptions, accompanied by Harvey mapping and his own hand-drawn illustrations. You’ll find walks covering popular fells such as Scafell Pike and Helvellyn, as well as lesser-known routes that offer a unique challenge. Optional low-grade scrambling adds an adventurous twist to some walks. Practical details, including parking and post-walk refreshment options, are also included to ensure a well-rounded day out in the fells.
Peak Bagging the Wainwright Fells in 45 Walks
Karen and Dan Parker present 45 carefully crafted routes to help you complete all 214 of Alfred Wainwright’s iconic fells in the Lake District. The routes are divided into sections that mirror Wainwright’s original guides. They are designed to be both efficient and enjoyable. Key highlights include the Scafell round and the Glenridding Horseshoe. The Parkers provide detailed maps, elevation profiles, and essential logistics such as parking and transport options. Whether you’re completing the Wainwrights over years or in record time, this guide will be your perfect companion throughout the journey. It’s an indispensable resource for anyone looking to conquer these famous fells.
Climbing the Lakeland Wainwrights in 64 Walks
Graham Uney’s guide offers 64 walks that cover all 214 Wainwright summits in the Lake District. Uney’s approach ensures flexibility, with some summits featured more than once, allowing you to revisit favourite peaks. While Wainwright’s original guides are invaluable, Uney provides a modern perspective. He helps walkers plan full-day routes that cover multiple fells efficiently. This guidebook is filled with detailed, updated routes and practical advice, making it an excellent companion to the classic Pictorial Guides. Whether you’re aiming to complete the Wainwrights or simply explore the fells, this guide will be invaluable.