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Arrived at
Braithwaite village (about a mile and half from Keswick) at 1050
after a long drive from Portsmouth. A 4:30am start from home ensured I could do
a decent walk before checking in to my weekend accommodation in Keswick. The sky
was overcast and very hazy. (as will be seen in the photographs) Fortunately, the area I intended walking was clear
of clouds.
(photo: View of Braithwaite from above the car park) |
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I started from the car park situated on the Whinlatter Pass road just outside
Braithwaite. The first part of the climb is a short but fairly steep ascent to a
level ‘bump’ overlooking Braithwaite. The path
continued to climb steadily then leveled out for a couple of hundred yards.
The first hint of rain came as I started up the path
from this section, so I decided to change from a fleece to my waterproof jacket.
The rain wasn’t heavy enough though for leggings.
(photo: Looking West - Stile End & Outerside (nearest)
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The path leading to the top of Grisedale Pike could be seen clearly.
The wind became stronger as I neared the top, though thankfully the
rain had stopped. I found what shelter I could to the west of the ‘pike’ and
had a welcome sandwich and coffee. It was only a short stop as I started to cool
down within a few minutes. Hopegill Head, my next peak, could be seen through
the haze.
(photo: Looking south up the final stage of Grisedale Pike)
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A gentle drop down to
the start of Hobcarton Crags led me to the path that skirts the edge
of Hopegill Head crags. Grisedale Pike was still clear
in the distance. A steady 15 minute climb took me to
Hopegill Head. I contemplated going along the ridge to Ladyside Pike, but
decided against it as I wanted to ensure I had time to finish my planned route.
After a little breather I was on my way to Sand Hill.
(photos: Top, Hobcarton Crags below Hopegill Head. Bottom,
Coledale Hause below Eel Crag. Crag Hill behind Eel Crag.)
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Dropping down from Sand
Hill brought me to Coledale Hause
..... and respite from the wind in the lee of
Crag Hill. I followed the right hand path below Crag Hill to the col between
Crag Hill and Grassmoor...... and a return to the strong wind.
(photo: Looking back at Grisedale Pike (further peak) from Coledale
Hause)
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The strength of the wind made it hard work getting to the top of Crag Hill.
Once on Crag Hill I touch the benchmark and made my way to the start of the
ridge path over to Sail. The path drops down the exposed ridge of 'The Scar' then
rises up to Sail. Although the path is wide enough to be safe, the
gusting wind was enough to keep knocking me of balance. I stopped halfway for
photographs, and one looking ahead.
(photo: Looking back to Crag Hill) |
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The rain had also started again and, with the force of the
wind, felt like hailstone as it hit my face. I could have done with my leggings
on, however, because of the exposure on the ridge, coupled with the wind
strength, I decided to get to the other side of Sail first. Once over the top and sheltered from
the wind, I stopped to put my leggings on. Unfortunately, by now my trousers
were rather wet, although it didn’t take long for the body heat to dry them.
(photo: The way ahead up to Sail)
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the side of Long Comb to High Moss, past Outerside, between Stile End and Barrow and along to
Braithwaite. The path is steep initially,
then becoming a long gentle descent into Braithwaite. Being in the lee of Causey
Pike ridge also gave me a break from the strong wind. Eventually, I reached the
metalled road that passes Coledale Inn (fine food and beer!) and meanders round to the Whinlatter Pass
road. From there it was a couple of hundred yards back to the car park and the
dry comfort of the car. I finished the remaining coffee and sandwich, then a
short drive to Keswick took me to my accommodation.
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