The Wainwright walk to Fleetwith Pike is very commonly made in conjunction with neighbouring Haystacks, Alfred Wainwright's personal favourite - or with Grey Knotts or as part of a route that ticks all three off your Wainwright Maps. Fleetwith Pike dominates the south eastern end of Buttermere and is one ofthe Wainwright fells which flanks the Honister Pass. The summit of Fleetwith Pike is very craggy at most points, especially around the impressive ridge, Fleetwith Edge, which forms part of some of the more entertaining Wainwright Walks that include its summit.

For the most energetic walkers, Fleetwith Pike can be walked as part of aroute that includes the Wainwright fells Great Gable and Green Gable, as wellas Fleetwith Pike's neighbours Haystacks and Grey Knotts, although this would represent a strenuous day's walking in the pursuit of five ticks on your Wainwright Hill Chart. Most direct ascents for this Wainwright Walk begin either in the Buttermere valley, or from the top of Honister Pass, with the latter having the advantage of cutting out some of the climbing! The route from Buttermere gets to the summit via Fleetwith Edge, giving perhaps adding a more satisfying feeling to the Wainwright Walk.

From the top of Fleetwith Pike, great views of the monumental Pillar and Great Gable can be had, while the views over Buttermere are extremely good - which together with Crummock Water and Loweswater make the Wainwright walk well worth it for an impressive display across the fantastic Lake District landscape.

The area around Fleetwith Pike is explored in greater detail in Book Seven: The Western Fells, by A. Wainwright, part of the Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells.

The Wainwright walk to Fleetwith Pike with Buttermere in the foreground - Picture by Stewart Smith Photography