100 up on Lakelands finest mile

[johnkaysleftleg]

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.


Whiteside and Whin Ben by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr


Grasmoor by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr


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.


Heather by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr


The Only Way is Up! by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr


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.


Grace on number 99 by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr


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.


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


Looking back by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr


Gasgale Gill by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr


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.


100 UP! by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr


Grisdale Pike from Hopegill Head by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr


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.


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


Cascade on Liza Beck by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr


Small girl, big landscape by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr


Waterfall on Liza Beck by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr


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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[mrssanta]

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

[johnkaysleftleg]

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.

[Sarah86]

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.

[SusieThePensioner]

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

[johnkaysleftleg]

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

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

Thanks Susie, Hughie doesn't know which hills he's missing but fortunately I do

[ChrisW]

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

[MarkyMark10]

Brilliant to reach 100. Grace looks so happy reaching 99 and then the 100. Long may this weather continue

[morag1]

Congratulations on the 100 mark

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

[johnkaysleftleg]

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

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

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

Congratulations on the 100 mark

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

Thanks Morag 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.

[Ibex]

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.

[MarkyMark10]

Will look forward to those reports. Hope you all have a good holiday

[clivegrif]

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.

[john923]

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?

[johnkaysleftleg]

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.

Will look forward to those reports. Hope you all have a good holiday

Cheers Mark

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.

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.