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Hopegill Head

Hopegill Head



Grid Reference: NY 18566 22165
Height: 770 metres/2526 feet

"A high mountain ridge leaps like a rainbow from the woods and fields of Brackenthwaite and arcs through the sky for five miles to the east where the descending curve comes down to the village of Braithwaite. This ridge has three main summits, of which the central one (and the finest, but not the highest) is known locally as Hobcarton Pike and to mapmakers as Hopegill Head."
A Wainwright

The rocky summit of Hopegill Head, above Coledale Hause is the centre point of the ridge running east west from Lanthwaite Green, above Crummock Water to Braithwaite. To the east the summit of Grisedale Pike leads towards Braithwaite and west the fine ridge of Whiteside continues before descending over Whin Ben to Lanthwaite Green.

A good grassy ridge descends to the north over Ladyside Pike, not a well know but a favourite of many who live locally.

To the north of Hopegill Head Hobcarton Crag descends steeply to the Swinside Plantation deep in the valley below. To see Hobcarton Crag to it's fullest the ridge to Grisedale Pike should be followed.

  1. On the summit of Grisedale Pike with Skiddaw beyond

    Coledale Horseshoe: Private Guiding

    Difficulty:
    Exposure:
    Distance: 16km / 10 miles
    Ascent: 1200m / 3700ft
    Duration: 7 hours
    Maximum Group Ratio: 10:1

    A long walk taking in plenty of tops, but with little exposure, and great views throughout

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  2. On the Whiteside ridge walking towards Hopegill Head

    Lanthwaite to Braithwaite: Private Guiding

    Difficulty:
    Exposure:
    Distance: 8.5km / 5 miles
    Ascent: 820m / 2700ft
    Duration: 5 hours
    Maximum Group Ratio: 10:1

    A steep start but then a fine ridge walk with great views

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  3. Grasmoor End from Loweswater

    Grasmoor End to Whiteside: Private Guiding

    Difficulty:
    Exposure:
    Distance: 9km / 5 miles
    Ascent: 960m / 3200ft
    Duration: 6 hours
    Maximum Group Ratio: 10:1

    A long but easy scramble up the dramatic face of Grasmoor End, stunning views thoughout

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  4. The view from the summit of Grasmoor

    Buttermere to Braithwaite: Private Guiding

    Difficulty:
    Exposure:
    Distance: 14km / 9 miles
    Ascent: 1120m / 3500ft
    Duration: 7 hours
    Maximum Group Ratio: 10:1

    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

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