“Great Gable is a favourite of all fellwalkers, and a first favourite with many”
A Wainwright
A circuit taking in the two northern ridges of Great Gable, from Seathwaite we will follow the ridge south over Grey Knotts and Brandreth before climbing over Green Gable to the wonderful summit of Great Gable.
From Great Gable we will return to the summit of Green Gable, this time descending over the Base Brown ridge and alongside Sour Milk Gill to Seathwaite.
“The aerial aspect of Wasdale is often described as the finest view in the district, a claim that more witnesses will accept than dispute”
A Wainwright
From Seathwaite we will climb west climbing steeply up the disused mine tracks of the Seathwaite Wad Mine towards the summit of Grey Knotts.
The ridge then leads south west crossing the gentle plateau to the summit of Brandreth before descending a little to cross Gillercombe Head where a gentle pull will bring up onto the summit of Green Gable with wonderful views over Great Gable and west towards Buttermere and Ennerdale.
From Green Gable we will cross Windy Gap before climbing to the summit of Great Gable.
We will return over Green Gable before descending north east towards Blackmoor Pols, crossing to the summit of Base Brown and descending the steep northern flank of Base Brown to meet the path descending to Seathwaite alongside Sour Milk Gill.
Each participant will be required to bring suitable equipment for their chosen event, please see Kit List tab above.
Where to meet: The Turning Circle, Seathwaite
Postcode: CA12 5XJ
Grid Reference: NY 235 121
Directions
From Keswick: Leave on the Borrowdale Road (from the mini roundabout near the co-op).
Follow this road for approx 8 miles, passing through Rosthwaite until just before reaching the village of Seatoller a narrow lane leads off to the left on the bend, signposted to Seathwaite, camp site and Sty Head. This road can be busy and has passing points (unmarked), blind bends and walkers in the road, also a few sheep for good measure, please drive carefully.
Follow this lane, parking as close to the end near the farm as possible, we will meet at the turning circle before the farm entrance gate.
Bus Services
The nearest bus stop to Seathwaite is Seatoller, around 20 minutes walk away from the meet point.
The 78 bus runs regularly between Keswick and Seatoller.
The 77/77a also runs from Keswick to Seatoller and then on to Buttermere, this however is a seasonal service from Easter to October.
Stagecoach bus timetables can be viewed here