Date: Thursday 26th August 2021
Company: Ann-Marie for Grisedale Pike and Hobcarton Head
Distance: 14.8km, Ascent: 1130m
Time: 5Hrs 10Mins
With an outstanding weather forecast for today, we decided to set off early to avoid the worst of the heat. I didn't have any particular route in mind other than an initial ascent of Grisedale Pike. I regularly enjoy making-up a route as I go along which kind of goes against the opinion of it being good practice to leave a note of your route with someone in advance of walking.
For our initial ascent of Grisedale Pike we parked in the small car park a short distance along the Whinlatter Pass from Braithwaite.
Click here to see a map of the route undertaken
From the car park we set off up a series of steps beyond which lay a good path through high bracken. On gaining height we got nice views back towards the Skiddaw range and also down to Portinscale and Keswick. The view was enhanced by the presence of a lenticular cloud.
Looking back towards Portinscale and Keswick:
Despite setting off early to avoid the heat, this only worked to some extent in that it was already 16C when we set off and was 23C by the end of the walk. The route to Grisedale Pike via Sleet How was pleasant.
Heading for Grisedale Pike:
The low cloud capping some of the hills soon burned-off leaving wall-to-wall blue skies throughout most of the walk.
View towards Causey Pike:
Looking back along Sleet How towards Skiddaw:
For the final ascent of Grisedale Pike it is possible to ascend steeply via loose gravel/scree or via rock. Unfortunately, Ann-Marie had a bit of a mishap during this ascent aggravating an existing foot injury. She continued on to the summit of Grisedale Pike and then as far Hobcarton Head before making a sensible decision to head back to the car by dropping down to the excellent Coledale Beck path.
Final ascent of Grisedale Pike:
View from the summit of Grisedale Pike:
At the summit of Hobcarton Head:
As Ann-Marie had decided to head back to the car, this provided an opportunity for me to undertake a linear walk getting picked-up later in the day. After a quick look at the map we agreed that I would continue on aiming to descend to beautiful Buttermere.
From Hobcarton Head I continued on towards Hopegill Head which would be my second Wainwright of the walk.
Heading for Hopegill Head:
At the summit of Hopegill Head:
From Hopegill Head I next made my way to Coledale Hause via Sand Hill. On reaching Coledale Hause I then followed the path leading to the col between Crag Hill (Eel Crag) and Grasmoor.
Small waterfall below Eel Crag:
I hadn't really considered ascending Grasmoor during this walk but the opportunity was too good to miss.
Track leading towards Grasmoor:
Track leading to summit of Grasmoor:
On reaching the summit of Grasmoor I stopped for a quick drink and to apply more suncream.
At the summit of Grasmoor:
View from the summit of Grasmoor:
View from Grasmoor:
From Grasmoor, I returned to the col and then had to decide whether to ascend Crag Hill or head out to Wandope. I decided to leave Crag Hill for another day as I was already feeling the heat, was running out of water and thanks to perspiration had suncream in my eyes.
The ascent to the summit of Wandope was easy as was the descent to my fifth and final Wainwright of the walk, Whiteless Pike.
At the summit of Wandope:
Grasmoor from Wandope:
Heading for Whiteless Pike:
The views from Whiteless Pike were arguably the best of the walk as both Crummock Water and Buttermere were visible from the summit area.
Crummock Water:
Whiteless Pike:
At the summit of Whiteless Pike:
The descent from Whiteless Pike was easier than expected as it looked quite steep on the map. On seeing Rannerdale Knotts I was very tempted to tag an ascent of this small Wainwright to the end of the walk. However, as I had heard that Ann-Marie was back at the car and on her way to Buttermere, I decided to leave an ascent of Rannerdale Knotts for another day.
Rannerdale Knotts and Crummock Water from Whiteless Breast:
Descent to Buttermere:
This was a really enjoyable walk. One thing I really like about walking in the Lake District is the variety of different options one has to link fells together. While the Lake District has many fells, it is compact perhaps akin in size to the Cairngorms in Scotland.