WWW.KARLSWALKS.CO.UK
PICTURES AND TRIP REPORTS FROM MY WALKS IN THE ENGLISH LAKE DISTRICT
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E-mail - karl@karlswalks.co.uk |
Hardly a cloud in the sky today but a very cold and at times quite blustery wind blowing just to remind us that it's only March.
After parking in the car park just off the Whinlatter pass near to Swinside houses we set off along the forest road. Unfortunately though just around the corner was a dreaded forestry commission path closed sign. We couldn't hear any machinery so decided to risk carrying on, obviously I cant recommend that you do the same, it's a case of assessing the risk and making your own mind up.
After struggling over the mudbath that forestry work creates we left the trees and had a view of our route up to Grisedale Pike.
Skiddaw and co appear behind as you gain height.
As does Whinlatter.
It's quite a steep climb on the first section of the path to Black Crag but it's not very long and you are soon on the top and get a view into the vale of Lorton.
There is now a lovely roller coaster path to follow through the heather with a great view over to Skiddaw, Blencathra and the Helvellyn Dodds.
Nearing the end of the heather as we pass over Hobcarton End. Our onward route over Grisedale Pike and then right over Hobcarton Crag and then Hopegill Head come into sight.
The Hobcarton ridge path meets up with the path coming more directly from Revelin Moss.
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View over a semi frozen pond to Hopegill Head and beyond that Whiteside.
Keswick, Derwentwater and the Helvellyn Dodds from near where our path meets the climb from Braithwaite over Sleet How.
And there is the climb from Braithwaite.
On Grisedale Pike now. Fantastic hazy view of layers of fells with Pike of Stickle prominent in the centre.
Dropping down from Grisedale Pike with the huge bulk of Grasmoor in the background.
Passing over Hobcarton Crag with the Hobcarton valley below.
Looking down over the other side of the ridge, Force Crag mine is directly below with Outerside and the distinctive top of Causey Pike above and the Scar Crags ridge leading on to Sail.
Ladyside Pike seen past the very impressive crags on Hopegill Head.
From Hopegill Head we now start the brilliant ridge walk along to Whiteside.
Looking down into Gasgale Gill.
The west top of Whiteside from the higher east top.
A couple of walkers admiring the view down to Crummock Water and Mellbreak.
The view back along the high ground we have just walked with Grisedale Pike in the background behind Hopegill Head. From the west top we retrace our steps nearly back to the east top to take the path down to the valley of Hope Gill.
Lorton Dodd far below.
Looking back up the narrow gully between Lorton Dodd and the slopes of Whiteside. We have just come down the slope on the left.
The beautiful Hope Gill valley ( although confusingly the stream is now named as Hope Beck on the map )
Making our way out of the valley to the gated road now with Lorton Dodd behind us.
Graystones seen from the gated road. The trees by the wall and path are nearly all gone now.
Black Crag and Hobcarton End seen from near to the car park.
Previous walk - Bowfell - Next walk - Muncaster Fell