Brandreth

Brandreth is a fell in the Western Fells of the Lake District. It stands between Great Gable and Haystacks, forming part of the head of Ennerdale. The fell has three connecting ridges that give it a triangular plan. It feeds three lakes: Ennerdale Water, Derwentwater and Buttermere. The south-west face drops steeply to Ennerdale, while the eastern side falls into Gillercomb, a classic hanging valley. Brandreth’s summit area is made of andesite lavas and volcaniclastic sandstone. The top is marked by a cairn around a boundary post where three ridgelines meet. From lower down the western slope, the view includes Pillar, High Stile and the North Western Fells. The fell’s slopes include the abandoned Dubs Quarry, once an extensive slate working. The summit is bleak and stony, with old fences still visible. A path from Honister Pass leads directly to the summit via Grey Knotts. Another route follows the remains of an inclined tramway to the Drum House before contouring around Grey Knotts. From Gatesgarth at the head of Buttermere, a path runs up Warnscale Beck, passing Haystacks’ crags before reaching Brandreth. Walkers often climb the fell indirectly from a neighbouring summit or avoid the top by following a contouring path from Honister to Great Gable.