Coledale Horseshoe from Braithwaite

[Rodhumphreys]

The ridge to Whiteside

Grisedale Pike

Causey Pike from Grisedale Approach

Parking in Braithwaite on a bright and clear late April morning, this version of the Coledale Round takes in 8 Hewitts for a magnificent Lake District Round. The path up to Grisedale Pike above Coledale Beck soon provides expansive views of the ridge to the south which will eventually be taken for the final descent from Crag Hill to Causey Pike. It looks a long way away from this initial ascent of the day's first peak. Grisedale Pike offers commanding views of the Forest Park and a truly wonderful sense of the Skiddaw range above Keswick. Before you know it you are on to the top of Hopegill Head (via Hobcarton Crag), but rather than heading south over Sand Hill at this point, it really is worth continuing west along the ridge for an out and back to Whiteside. The ridge is just great, and the peak itself is a really nice place to be on a sunny morning. Great views down to Crummock Water and, of course, to the Cumbrian coast. For me, this was a quite sublime moment in splendid isolation in a beautiful spot.. But, you then have to retrace your steps to Hopegill, which adds that little bit extra to the height gain for this version of the Round. From this point, head south over Sand Hill down to Coledale Hause and then up to Crag Hill, the highest point on the round. Again the views are magnificent, and the route to the east across Sail, Scar Crags and Causey Pike is clear ahead. Causey is a very distinctive top and is a very worthy final peak offering an excellent aspect of the earlier climb up Grisedale. There was a really nice finish to this walk down to the minor road at Stoneycroft and then on to the bridleway past Braithwaite Lodge to the finish. Exactly five hours, but it may take longer in more challenging conditions.