Either side of Whinlatter Pass

[Broggy1]

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Another great Lakes morning on the North Western fells with more clouds and a nice wind making things a little cooler.

I'd been struck by Hopegill Head and it's appearance from Lorton when I climbed Low Fell etc last week and decided that would be my next destination....combining it with the Whinlatter fells for a good round.

Ladyside Pike and Hopegill Head ahead.

I'd parked below Graystones and did a road walk round to the start. It's a little faffy getting on to the ridge (no access land) but once there I picked up a decent enough path.

Hopegill Head looks very impressive from Ladyside Pike

The final climb is almost all on rocks....very easily scrambling, perhaps a little harder in wet conditions.

Ridge again

The last bit of ascent is up the obvious gully here

Looking back down to Ladyside Pike

The ridge ahead to Whiteside - done as an out and back today

Looking back at Hopegill Head from Whiteside. This stretch from Whiteside to Grisedale Pike is as good as the Lakes has to offer in my opinion.

Grisedale Pike ahead from Hopegill Head

Hopegill Head from Grisedale Pike

I had two options for the descent. Hobcarton End or the North West Ridge. I hadn't used the NW Ridge before so opted for that - a nice clear path that drops you back off in the Whinlatter Forest.

Up the other side on Whinlatter now, looking to Grisedale Pike....with the two descent options clearly visible.

I'd motored to here from the pass as I found myself on a "not for walkers" red cycling route. Not wanting to be hit by anyone I shifted pretty quickly.

Grisedale Pike ad Hopegill Head from Whinlatter Top

Lord's Seat Summit looking to Broom Fell and Graystones.

I used the forestry roads to get here from Whinlatter.

Skiddaw from the cairn on Broom Fell

Heading for Graystones - nice grassy walking...although this side of Whinlatter Pass can hardly compete with the other side

Wainwright's top on Graystones

The real top I think

The descent back to the car from here is incredibly harsh and great care was needed today with the path being very slippy being so bare

[Alteknacker]

Nice route - the scrambling looks great! I missed Whiteside, Hopegill Head and Grizedale Pike when I tried to include them in a round earlier in the year, so I need to get up there some time, and this looks like a good route.

You were seriously motoring again, I see