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
