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I had previously viewed this group of three hills rising above Crummock during the more extensive round of the Coledale Horseshoe from Braithwaite.
The starting point for the route is the free parking area on Cinderdale Common halfway down the east side of Crummock Water. There are actually two parking spots just 100 metres apart. The walk begins with a crossing of the beck where you have to be light on your feet skipping across the stones if the beck is full. I had chosen the path which skirts the fell with a beautiful aspect of the lake surrounded by autumnal colour. I was heading southeast below Rannerdale Knotts, which is a nice-looking stand-alone hill just 355m high.
The climb becomes more significant now turning north with Whiteless Pike coming in to view just over a kilometre away. The path becomes steeper and a bit more craggy as it heads straight up to the top. Now for the highlight of the walk. The perfectly safe route in good conditions across Whiteless Edge to Wandope was a surprise to me. The walking on the broad grass shoulder is one of those ridge walks where you can just relax and enjoy the open views in all directions. The path diverts right on an easterly bearing to lead up gently to the cairn on Wandope. At this point Crag Hill dominates the view to the east, but that peak had been part of the eight hill round from Braithwaite, which meant I could turn to the west and cut across on the diagonal to the junction of paths at the top of Wandope Moss.
From here it’s a 500 foot height gain up the slope of Grasmoor. It is a meaningful final climb, passing the route down just before the first cairn, then on to the actual top just one hundred metres further on. As you might expect, the views to the west over Crummock Water are the highlight here, but it’s basically stunning whichever way you look.
The route down is steep, staying on the shoulder of the mountain above Rannerdale Beck, heading for the cairn on Lad How. Although steep it allows for a fast descent and it becomes a greener path in the latter stages. Finally, there is another chance to get your feet wet crossing the beck before the car park.
