Haycock

Haycock is a dome-shaped mountain in the western Lake District. It stands between Scoat Fell and Caw Fell, south of Ennerdale and north of Wasdale. The fell forms part of the high country’s southern arm, fanning out from Great Gable. Its northern slopes drop into Great Cove, where Deep Gill begins. The southern flanks slope down to the ridge leading to Seatallan and Middle Fell. Haycock’s summit sits on the main watershed dividing Ennerdale and Wasdale. The plagioclase-phyric andesite lavas of the Birker Fell Formation make up its top. A wall called the Ennerdale Fence crosses the summit, with two cairns marking the highest points. From here, walkers see the Scafells in profile and Helvellyn and Skiddaw in the distance. Ennerdale Water and Wast Water appear in view from different points on the fell. Paths lead up Haycock from Ennerdale, Wast Water or Greendale Beck. The northern spur beside Deep Gill offers a direct route through forestry. The southern side follows Nether Beck toward Middle Fell before climbing steeply. The summit area is stony, with another cairn marking a viewpoint to the south. The ridge to Caw Fell includes Little Gowder Crag, a subsidiary top with a rock face visible from the north.