High Street from Mardale Head

This was the finale of our 2009 Lakeland walking holiday, and the gorgeous summer weather was thankfully holding firm for our ascent of High Street. Starting from Mardale Head at the head of Haweswater, our route headed north-east before swinging up into the wild, dramatic bowl of Riggindale.

The climb up Riggindale toward Kidsty Pike is a magnificent mountain undertaking. As you gain height, the steep slopes of High Street tower above you, while the razor-sharp ridge of Kidsty Pike forms a striking sentinel on the skyline. Kidsty Pike holds the distinction of being the only Wainwright fell touched by the Coast to Coast path, and looking down into the deep, U-shaped glacial valley is a thrilling experience.

Reaching the rocky summit cairn of Kidsty Pike, we paused to take in the vast expanse of Haweswater glittering far below, backed by the sprawling heights of the Far Eastern fells. From Kidsty Pike, the ground broadens as you step onto the legendary flat plateau of High Street itself.

Roman legions once marched across this high highway, and in centuries past, locals gathered here for annual summer sports and horse racing because the terrain was so remarkably level and broad. We strolled across the summit plateau to the trig point, enjoying the expansive 360-degree vistas across Lakeland.

For our descent, we chose one of the finest ridge walks in the entire National Park: the narrow, craggy spine of Rough Crag plunging back toward Mardale Head. Flanked by Hayeswater to the west and Haweswater to the east, the rocky undulations of Rough Crag provide an exhilarating finish. Every step offers cinematic views of the lake far below, making it an absolute joy to walk on a clear afternoon.

Reaching the valley floor near the old reservoir works, we strolled back to Mardale Head to conclude both our day and our wonderful holiday walking trip. A fitting finale to an unforgettable week!