Haycock is one of Wainwright's Western Fells, to the west of Mosedale and between Wasdale in the south and Ennerdale in the North. While it is a fell of some considerable size, it is not particularly well visited due to the proximity of more famous and larger neighbours like Pillar. It is also less easy to reach than many of the fells, but making the effort should see the isolation and tranquility a solid reward for a Haycock walk.
Haycock walks are noted for the excellent views from the top, with clear days giving one of the best lines of sight to the Isle of Man, while many of the major fell groups are visible. Of these, the High Stile range is very impressive, and the summit of Haycock is a good place to admire the aptly same top of Steeple from also. The Scafells show well and there are also views of Helvellyn and part of its range. Wastwater and Ennerdale can be spotted from various points on the summit too.
A good option for a direct Haycock walk is to follow a path through the woods from Ennerdale, or from the shores of Wastwater. Other Wainwright walkers will reach Haycock having first climbed Scoat Fell or others in the Mosedale Horseshoe, while hikers eager to complete fells from their Wainwright Maps may also devise routes that combine Haycock with visits to the Wainwright fells of Middle Fell, Seatallen or Caw Fell.
Further information about Haycock walks can be found in Book Seven: The Western Fells, by A. Wainwright, a volume of the Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells
Haycock - Photograph by Stewart Smith Photography
Plan and record your progress through the Wainwright Fells of the Lake District