“Grisedale Pike is a nagger of conscience and cannot long be ignored. Nor should it be”
A Wainwright
A wonderful linear walk taking in some of the best summits in the North Western Fells, including the wonderful Grasmoor, Whiteless Pike, Grisedale Pike and Hopegill Head
“All visitors to Lakeland who come to walk on the hills turn their footsteps in due course to Grisedale Pike”
A Wainwright
A wonderful linear walk crossing the highest group between Buttermere and Braithwaite.
From our meeting point in Braithwaite we will transport all participants to Buttermere for the start of the walk.
From Buttermere we will climb above Sail Beck over Whiteless Breast to the summit of Whiteless Pike, a fine conical mountain with great views over the surrounding countryside, the ridge from the summit continues north, passing the cairn at Thirdgill Head to the summit of Wandope, one of the quietest of the high summits of the Lake District, the grassy ridge has some wonderful views over Buttermere.
We will continue to climb to the col before turning to the left to the wide grassy plateau of Grasmoor, probably the best viewpoint of the many in today’s route, the land drops steeply from the edges of the plateau giving dramatic views down to Buttermere and Crummock Water below and across to the Buttermere Fells, Haystacks and the higher fells of Great Gable, Pillar and Scafell Pike beyond.
From the summit of Grasmoor our route crosses the large summit plateau to the east,skirting around the top of Dove Crags before descending to Coledale Hause, from here the path climbs fairly steeply over Sand Hill to the summit of Hopegill Head,here the views over Cockermouth, and the Solway Coast are magnificent and on a good day we can see much of the Scottish Lowlands.
From Hopegill Head the route follows the ridge to the east, above Hobcarton Crag before crossing Hobcarton Head and climbing up to the summit of Grisedale Pike, our final summit of the day, now with wonderful views over Derwentwater and Keswick.
From Grisedale Pike we follow the long ridge down over Sleet How and Kinn, descending back into Braithwaite and the end of our walk.
Each participant will be required to bring suitable equipment for their chosen event, please see Kit List tab above.
Where to meet: Braithwaite
Postcode: CA12 5TD (approximate)
Grid Reference: NY 227 237
Directions
Braithwaite is found just off the A66 main road between Keswick and Cockermouth, turn off the road into the village and follow the signs for Whinlatter Pass, as the road leaves the village and starts to climbs through the trees a small car park (free) will be seen to the left, we will meet here.