Meet time: 9.15am
Start time: 9.30am
Estimated finish time: 4.30pm to 5pm
Distance: 10.7 miles to 10.8 miles (17.22 – 17.38 kilometres)
Ascent: About 3700 feet (1128 meters)
Ramblers walk grading: A (Strenuous)
Start point: St Herbert’s Church in Braithwaite
Postcode: CA12 5TD
Car parking: There is parking along the main village roads of Braithwaite which has no yellow lines nor any parking permit restrictions.
It is the responsibility of each walker to make sure they understand where to park. If you are not sure where the car parking/meeting point is, you must contact the walk leader at the latest the day before the walk. You should not rely on mobile phones or postcodes. There is often no mobile reception near walk meeting points and postcodes are for the nearest place nearby but should only serve as a guideline. Please allow plenty of time to find a parking space so that walks can start promptly.
Description: This walk begins from the village of Braithwaite, after going along the road the route goes along the wide track through Coledale Beck to come to Force Crag Mine. After crossing over the stream the route then goes a little up the path towards Coledale Hause, however, to the left is a faint zig-zagging pass, close to BirkthwaiteBeck (a small stream), which ascends towards the mountain gap between Scar Crags and Sail.
At the mountain gap it becomes an incredible walk going along Sail, Crag Hill and Grasmoor with great views all around. Grasmoor is a very wide mountain with a very gentle top, but once at the very top, it is the tallest mountain in the north-western fells standing at 852 meters. From Grasmoor the route begins arcing northwards and some height is lost in the approach to Coledale Hause, and then there is a smaller ascent, of about 500 feet, going upwards to Sand Hill and finally Hopegill Head. From Hopegill Head there is the possible extension of travelling westwards (whilst retaining elevation) for a mile to follow the ridge to reach Whiteside, and then walk back to Hopegill Head, this would probably add about 30 to 40 minutes to the walk.
The views from Hopegill Head are astonishing as the northern side of the mountain falls away abruptly, three valleys can be directly seen emerging from this mountain. After Hopegill Head there is a very gentle ascent to Grisedale Pike, this offers perhaps the best view of Keswick from up high. From Grisedale Pike the walk follows the north-eastern ridge downwards until it returns back to the road close to Braithwaite. Finally, after quickly traversing the road, this route finishes at Braithwaite.
Please contact Miles on 07842 783319 by 10pm on Friday 9 September if you are coming on this walk (text or phone, or message on Facebook (Miles Saunders-Priem)), my email address is: mspriem@gmail.com. From Tuesday 6th September I will be on holiday in the Lake District, and based in the Grasmere youth hostel, if you cannot reach me via phone then please email me and I’ll add you to the list. This walk is suitable for dogs (please ensure the are kept under control).
Please check the weather and bring appropriate clothing (waterproofs and spare warm clothing), footwear and enough food and water. The leader reserves the right to turn away any walker not suitably equipped. The leader may cancel the walk or modify the route dependent on conditions.
Car sharing may be possible – please contact the walk leader to arrange.
New members: please note the walk leader may ask for more information about your walking experience. This is to ensure you have the fitness required to complete the walk that is planned safely.