High Raise, one of Wainwright's Far Eastern Fells, is one of the Lakeland Fells that causes confusion in that there is more than one Wainwright peak of that name. This particular High Raise belongs to the High Street range that overlooks Haweswater, and should not be mistaken for its smaller namesake in Langdale. The fell is positioned at the southern end of Martindale, and is usually climbed from that valley - if carrying out a direct High Raise walk, while other, longer routes to the top can be made from Patterdale or Hartsop, by way of other Wainwright peaks in the area.
Being positioned at the eastern edge of the Lake District, there are excellent views westwards across the whole of Lakeland, with most of the major fell groups visible. Another reward for those completing High Raise walks are the views East, across the Eden Valley to the Pennines, stretching as far as Cold Fell, near Brampton in North Cumbria. The view across Haweswater to Kidsty Pike is also particularly eyecatching.
One way to see High Raise and the surrounding Wainwrights is with a Martindale Round, which will occupy a full day and could be over 14 miles long, but has the advantage of giving the opportunity to complete up to eleven peaks from your Wainwright Maps in a day. A long day! Beginning at St Peter's Church in Martindale, the first of the Wainwright's to ascend is Steel Knotts, followed by Wether Hill and High Raise. Kidsty Pike, Rampsgill Head, The Knott and Rest Dodd follow in quick succession, before the walk continues to The Nab, Brock Crags and Angletarn Pikes, before your weary legs tick off the last Wainwright mountain on the route, Beda Fell. An excellent route for any Wainwright bagger in possession of a stout pair of boots and an even more stout pair of legs.
Further information about High Raise walks and the surrounding fells can be found in Book Two: The Far Eastern Fells, part of the Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells.
Plan and record your progress through the Wainwright Fells of the Lake District