“There will be little disappointment upon arrival at the summit if the day be clear”
A Wainwright
The high fells to the north of Buttermere and Crummock Water culminate in the grassy plateau of Grasmoor a fantastic viewpoint over the Buttermere Valley and across Haystacks to the higher fells of Great Gable, Pillar and Scafell Pike.
The approach up the Whiteless Pike and Wandope ridge also is full of interest with stunning views all the way up to the summits.
The descent from Sail Pass along Sail Beck is also full of interest and is one of the quietest routes off the high fells in the Lake District.
“No other way up Wandope can compare even remotely with this for beauty and Grandeur of views and sustained interest”
A Wainwright
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 Grasmoor we shall follow the ridge east crossing the col to climb to the summit of Crag Hill (also known as Eel Crag) before descending over Sail to Sail Pass.
From the pass we will descend the southern slopes to Sail Beck and follow the path along the banks back to Buttermere.
Each participant will be required to bring suitable equipment for their chosen event, please see Kit List tab above.
Where to meet: Outside the Bridge Hotel, Buttermere
Postcode: CA13 9UZ
Grid Reference: NY 174 169
Directions
From Keswick: Leave Keswick on the Borrowdale Road (from the mini roundabout near the co-op) Follow this road for approx 8 miles, passing through Rosthwaite to the village of Seatoller, from here the road climbs over Honister Pass, descend the eastern slopes of the pass and continue on this road until you reach Buttermere Village, Free parking will be found to the right as you reach the village, by the church or a larger pay car park will be found if you turn left next to the Bridge Hotel heading to the right of the Fish Hotel (Both hotels operate a clamping system). We will meet outside the Bridge Hotel.
From Cockermouth: Leave Cockermouth on the Lorton Road, leaving town opposite Sainsburys. Follow this road through the village of Low Lorton and continue until a road leads to the left, signposted for Buttermere, follow this road to Buttermere, a pay and display car park will be found to the right, behind the Bridge Hotel, free parking a little further on up the hill after the church. We will meet outside the Bridge Hotel.
Bus Services
A seasonal bus service runs to Buttermere from Keswick, the bus stop is behind the Bridge Hotel.
The 77/77a bus runs between Keswick and Buttermere, this is a seasonal service runnning from East to October.
Stagecoach bus timetables can be viewed here
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