| It was a leisurely start for today's walk as it started from the cottage in Braithwaite. After breakfast, it was on gear and a stroll through the village to the footpath leading past Braithwaite Lodge. Again, it was a glorious sunny morning. | ||
| From Braithwaite Lodge the footpath
followed the base of Barrow and joined the road running through
Newlands Valley to Buttermere. We continued on the road down to the
bridge that crossed over Stonycroft Gill. Once across the bridge we
picked up the path on the side of Sleet Hause leading to Causey Pike. (photo: Skiddaw from Braithwaite village.) |
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| After about 100 yards a path veered left
straight up the side of Rolling Edge. This route is more
strenuous the traversing the side of Sleet Hause .... however it is quieter
and more interesting with the odd bit of gentle scrambling. The path
winds around the top of Ellis Crags then climbs straight up to the top of
Rolling End. Although it was only mid-morning, the sun was beginning
to feel rather hot. (photo: Keswick and Derwent Water from the top of Rolling End) |
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| After a 'wee' rest and a refreshing drink of water,
it was a gentle walk through the heather across Sleet Hause to the foot of Causey Pike. (photo: Path leading to Causey Pike) |
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The final pull up Causey Pike is a little steep, finishing with a gentle
rocky section just before the 'knuckle' of the top. (photo: Looking up to Causey Pike) |
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| (photo: Looking east from half-way up the path to Causey Pike. Cat Bells can be seen on the near shores of Derwent Water.) |
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Once at the top we continued along the ridge over Scar Crags and dropped down
to the path junctions at the foot of Sail. From here it was up the steep path to
Sail. (photo: Looking back along the ridge to Causey Pike from the top of Sail.) |
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The path between Sail and Crag Hill is rocky in places, particularly the
section up to Crag Hill. (Caution is needed in high winds as the col acts
like a wind tunnel!) So, having had a quick photograph, we proceeded along
the path and made our way to Crag Hill. (photo: path from Sail to Crag Hill) |
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(photo right: Clare and I on Crag Hill.) (photo left: Clouds descend on the distant Scafells) |
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| From Crag Hill we descended
to the col at the foot of Grassmoor and turned right to follow the path
down to Coledale Hause. After a coffee and a sandwich at Coledale
Hause, we continued along the path to the right of Sand Hill, past the old
mine workings, and on to Grisedale Pike. (photo: path leading to Grisedale Pike, the further of the peaks.) |
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| It was all down hill from
Grisedale Pike ....... although rather a steep down hill to start with
over lose scree to reach Sleet How. A further drop from Sleet How
brought us to the final section of descent above Braithwaite. We
opted for a little used path that dropped to join the track that follows
Coledale Beck to the disused mines. Less distance but a little
steep. Not recommended if wet as it could be rather slippy. A
short walk along the road and we were back at or cottage in Braithwaite. (photo: Path leading down from the top of Grisedale Pike) |
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