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100 up on Lakelands finest mile

100 up on Lakelands finest mile


Postby johnkaysleftleg » Thu Jul 18, 2013 8:49 am

Wainwrights included on this walk: Hopegill Head, Whiteside

Hewitts included on this walk: Hopegill Head, Whiteside

Date walked: 13/07/2013

Distance: 8.5 km

Ascent: 680m

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Following being stuck on 98 Wainwrights for almost two months a fine forecast gave the signal that we would finally crack three figures. Given the heat wave however we were reluctant to commit to a long route and following much thought I decided we’d knock off two of the North-western Fells that we were still to do.
The mile of walking between the two Wainwrights we were attempting was once awarded the grand accolade of “Finest mile in Lakeland” by Lakeland walker magazine. That sounded good enough for me to celebrate our mini landmark.

We arrived somewhat later than hoped at Lainthwaite Green and were relived to find plenty of parking spaces. The reason for this was undoubtedly that it was too hot to be climbing hills but since we were here…. :)
Following a few hundred yards of easy levelish walking the ascent starts in earnest. Glad I picked a nice steep one for such a hot day. :roll: :lol:

Image
Whiteside and Whin Ben by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Image
Grasmoor by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Image
Lakeland Loveliness by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr (click on pic for bigger version
or follow link for full size http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnkaysleftleg/9293107235/sizes/k/in/photostream/)

First target is the small grassy summit of Whin Ben. Strangely Mr Birkett saw fit to ignore this little peak for his Complete Lakeland Fells despite including so many other less prominent tops as fells in his book; looks like the definitive complete list is still to be compiled.

Image
Heather by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Image
The Only Way is Up! by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Image
Gasgale Gill Panorama by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr (click on pic for bigger version
or follow link for full size http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnkaysleftleg/9307908653/sizes/k/in/photostream/)

The reward for reaching this minor top is a respite from the steepness for a few hundred yards before normal service resumes for the remainder for the ascent. Finally after much huffing, puffing and perspiring we were granted a magnificent view from Whiteside’s pleasant grassy (Wainwright) summit.

Image
Grace on number 99 by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Image
Looking back to Whiteside by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Following a well-earned rest, rations and soaking up of views (to go with soaking up the sun) we set off along the stretch that was voted Lakelands finest mile. It certainly is a wonderful section of ridge, however I fear the lack of drama would prevent it from receiving recognition from all. All too soon the ridge narrows and climbs up to Hopegill Head, our 100th Wainwright. :D

Image
Grace on the true top of Whiteside by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Image
Looking back by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Image
Gasgale Gill by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Image
Eel Crags by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Another rest in the blistering heat and a few shots thanks to a tripod made of stones and we headed across Sand Hill and down to Coledale Hause. On another day the route up between the mighty Eel Crag and Grasmoor would have been inviting but today the route down Gasgale Gill looks a lot better bet. :lol:

Image
100 UP! by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Image
Grisdale Pike from Hopegill Head by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Image
Grace and Hughie on Hopegill Head by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

This descent is indeed very nice with some stunning cascades along the way as you stare up at the imposing Grasmoor to your left and the impressive Gasgale Crags to the right. The path alongside Liza Beck is largely good but some sections have suffered a from erosion and need a little care.

Image
Cascades at the top of Gasgale Gill by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

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Cascade on Liza Beck by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

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Small girl, big landscape by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

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Waterfall on Liza Beck by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Image
Looking back up Gasgale Gill by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Soon enough we were back at the car following a smashing day in the hills. I don’t know if the Whiteside to Hopegill Head mile is Lakelands best (I’m in no position to judge to be honest) but this was certainly a great short outing, certainly one of the best five mile Lakeland walks we’ve done, that’s for sure.


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johnkaysleftleg
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Re: 100 up on Lakelands finest mile

Postby mrssanta » Thu Jul 18, 2013 12:27 pm

lovely. is it both you and Grace who have hit the 100? or hughie as well?
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Re: 100 up on Lakelands finest mile

Postby johnkaysleftleg » Thu Jul 18, 2013 12:52 pm

mrssanta wrote:lovely. is it both you and Grace who have hit the 100? or hughie as well?


Cheers Mrs S, Me Grace and Nicola are now on 100, Hughie is on 92 (I think) but we plan on helping him catch up.
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Re: 100 up on Lakelands finest mile

Postby Sarah86 » Thu Jul 18, 2013 1:00 pm

Wonderful photos and congratulations on reaching 100. I wished I lived nearer the Lakes to get walking some more. I am always admiring your photos, they always have such clarity.
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Re: 100 up on Lakelands finest mile

Postby SusieThePensioner » Thu Jul 18, 2013 6:08 pm

Congratulations on you three reaching 100 :clap: A great summit photo :thumbup:
Does Hughie know which ones he's missing for his ton? :lol:
A lovely walk and, you can see how hot it was from your photos which are beautiful as always :D
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Re: 100 up on Lakelands finest mile

Postby johnkaysleftleg » Thu Jul 18, 2013 8:40 pm

Sarah86 wrote:Wonderful photos and congratulations on reaching 100. I wished I lived nearer the Lakes to get walking some more. I am always admiring your photos, they always have such clarity.


Thanks Sarah, you're very kind :D

SusieThePensioner wrote:Congratulations on you three reaching 100 :clap: A great summit photo :thumbup:
Does Hughie know which ones he's missing for his ton? :lol:
A lovely walk and, you can see how hot it was from your photos which are beautiful as always :D


Thanks Susie, Hughie doesn't know which hills he's missing but fortunately I do :wink:
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Re: 100 up on Lakelands finest mile

Postby ChrisW » Thu Jul 18, 2013 9:18 pm

Congrats on hitting the ton JK (to all of you) what a wonderful way to do it too.....those waterfalls must have looked tempting toward the end :wink:
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Re: 100 up on Lakelands finest mile

Postby MarkyMark10 » Thu Jul 18, 2013 11:25 pm

Brilliant to reach 100. Grace looks so happy reaching 99 and then the 100. Long may this weather continue :-)
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Re: 100 up on Lakelands finest mile

Postby morag1 » Fri Jul 19, 2013 8:29 am

Congratulations on the 100 mark :clap:

It's always a treat to look at your reports and beautiful photos, thanks for posting :D and I hope you keep them coming
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Re: 100 up on Lakelands finest mile

Postby johnkaysleftleg » Fri Jul 19, 2013 9:33 am

ChrisW wrote:Congrats on hitting the ton JK (to all of you) what a wonderful way to do it too.....those waterfalls must have looked tempting toward the end :wink:


Cheers Chris, don't know how resisted a paddle in the beck to be honest :shock:

MarkyMark10 wrote:Brilliant to reach 100. Grace looks so happy reaching 99 and then the 100. Long may this weather continue :-)


Thanks Mark, weather looks set fair for quite a while yet :D

morag1 wrote:Congratulations on the 100 mark :clap:

It's always a treat to look at your reports and beautiful photos, thanks for posting :D and I hope you keep them coming


Thanks Morag :D Off to Harris for a week followed by a week in the Cairngorms so I hopefully will have plenty of reports to post by the time I get back.
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Re: 100 up on Lakelands finest mile

Postby Ibex » Fri Jul 19, 2013 12:57 pm

Congratulations to you, Grace and your missus on getting your 100 up!
Quite an achievement, especially as you've done it as a family.

That really is some beautiful landscape to do it in as well. AW had a good eye for wonderful views.
Can't wait to get up there myself and take in the views first hand.
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Re: 100 up on Lakelands finest mile

Postby MarkyMark10 » Fri Jul 19, 2013 6:14 pm

Will look forward to those reports. Hope you all have a good holiday :-)
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Re: 100 up on Lakelands finest mile

Postby clivegrif » Fri Jul 19, 2013 7:57 pm

Oh that looks like a terrific day out! I've been eyeing up that group for a while, and you have confirmed they are definitely worthwhile. Superb pics yet again.

Congrats on the Lakeland Ton, and I'm really looking forward to seeing what you get up to in Harris.
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Re: 100 up on Lakelands finest mile

Postby john923 » Fri Jul 19, 2013 8:05 pm

Congrats from this corner of Worcester too. I've very much enjoyed reading your reports this year so keep them coming. When do you think you'll get the remaining 114 done?
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Re: 100 up on Lakelands finest mile

Postby johnkaysleftleg » Fri Jul 19, 2013 10:21 pm

Ibex wrote:Congratulations to you, Grace and your missus on getting your 100 up!
Quite an achievement, especially as you've done it as a family.

That really is some beautiful landscape to do it in as well. AW had a good eye for wonderful views.
Can't wait to get up there myself and take in the views first hand.

Thanks Ibex, the NW fells south of the Whinlatter pass are stunning, highly recommended.

MarkyMark10 wrote:Will look forward to those reports. Hope you all have a good holiday :-)


Cheers Mark

clivegrif wrote:Oh that looks like a terrific day out! I've been eyeing up that group for a while, and you have confirmed they are definitely worthwhile. Superb pics yet again.

Congrats on the Lakeland Ton, and I'm really looking forward to seeing what you get up to in Harris.


Great shot walk easily extendable to be just about as long as you want, this group off fells are superb.

john923 wrote:Congrats from this corner of Worcester too. I've very much enjoyed reading your reports this year so keep them coming. When do you think you'll get the remaining 114 done?


Thanks John, I reckon it might take about three years or so to complete at out current rate, planning on finishing on Great End.
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Location: County Durham

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