“Grasmoor is a very formidable object above Lanthwaite, it's tiered crags seeming almost impregnable. The direct climb, up the angle between the north and west faces, is a continuously steep and rough scramble and a severe test in route selection. On the whole, however, the climb is probably less difficult than the north wall of the Eiger”
A Wainwright
The striking western face of Grasmoor, high above Crummock Water, looks from the roadside to offer no direct route to the summit, but with a little ingenuity a splendid route can be found zig zagging around the crags with amazing views down to Crummock Water and across the valley to the high fells beyond.
This magnificent route climbs to Grasmoor End, the western edge of the Grasmoor plateau and a wonderful viewpoint.
The return journey along the Whiteside ridge is also a wonderful route, a narrow ridge above steep crags with fine views west and down to Crummock Water throughout.
“Whiteside is the finest viewpoint for the coastal plain of West Cumberland, the Solway Firth, and the hills of Scotland beyond; a magnificent uninterrupted panorama crammed with detail”
A Wainwright
From Lanthwaite Green we will climb east, finding an easy path around the scree slopes to the heather above, here a good, although intricate route climbs over and around crags with wonderful views all around eventually climbing to Grasmoor End where a gentle grassy slope will bring us to the summit of Grasmoor.
We will descend the north eastern shoulder of Grasmoor above Dove Crags to descend to Coledale Hause before climbing over Sand Hill to the summit of Hopegill Head and west along the fine Whiteside ridge.
The good path continues as it descends over Whin Ben down to Gasgale Gill and across to Lanthwaite Green.
Each participant will be required to bring suitable equipment for their chosen event, please see Kit List tab above.
Where to meet: Lanthwaite Green, Nr Buttermere
Postcode: CA13 9UY
Grid Reference: NY159 207
Directions
From Keswick:
Follow the A66 west from Keswick, turning off the main road at Braithwaite, continue on this road past the Royal Oak and follow the road over Whinlatter Pass, follow the road through High Lorton and follow the signs to Buttermere, turning left at the cross road and then left again on the B5289, the road climbs a short hill to emerge from trees and cross a cattle grid, shortly after a car park will be seen to the right, with a phone box, we will meet here.
From Cockermouth:
Leave Cockermouth on the Lorton Road, opposite Sainsburys, and folloow this road through Low Lorton following the signs to Buttermere, turning left on the B5289, the road climbs a short hill to emerge from trees and cross a cattle grid, shortly after a car park will be seen to the right, with a phone box, we will meet here.
Bus Services
A season service runs between Keswick and Buttermere, the bust stop is 100m away from the meet point.
The 77/77a runs between Keswick and Buttermere over Honister and Whinlatter.
Stagecoach bus timetables can be viewed here
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