Grisedale Pike and Hopegill Head

Weather: Sunny spells, and chilly at times. Occasional low cloud but good views

We all met at the Dressers at Wheelton at 8am. Troy was hesitant about getting in a strange car but was fine once I'd lifted him in. And then we were off, speeding up the M6 heading for Braithwaite. After the late start to our previous walk we made amends this time and had parked up in Braithwaite and on our way by 10.10.

After half a mile I realised we had taken a wrong path and so we took the decision to climb the steep, very steep slope to meet the path on the ridge to Kinn. Hell, it was hard work, however, Lesly and Troy had no problem with it at all, but eventually we made it and reached the grassy path. There isnt much level walking to the summit of Grisedale Pike, but nothing that followed was as bad as that first climb.

After getting our breath back on the slight descent from Kinn, we began the climb to Sleet How. There are some erosion barriers on this section and we had a brief rest at each one, which made the climb feel a bit easier than it actually is. There is a flattish section on Sleet How before the final steep and rocky climb/scramble to the summit.

This was Troys first mountain walk and he loved it and behaved really well. He climbed the rocky sections with ease too. This could be the first of many walks for him. As for the rest of us, to be honest we did the last section with ease too. The views were superb. After taking a couple of photo's at the summit we decided to continue up to Hopegill Head. It was very windy on the top and we took refuge in an old shelter and had our lunch. Troy had sausages which he devoured, and would have kliked some of Susan's roast beef - but none was forthcoming!! Share and share alike is our motto. So after we had finished the sandwiches I passed a Curly Wurly to Susan and Lesley. Lesley devoured hers - some two hours later she realised she'd given chocolate up for Lent - oh well - off to confession for Lesley!!

After lunch we did the walk along Hobcarton Crag and the final 350 ft climb to Hopegill Head where again we enjoyed fabulous views. After 10 minutes there we headed off towards Sand Hill and on down to Coledale Hause. From there we took the mine road back to Braithwaite.

We had several drinks, and Troy a bowl of water and a bag of crisps in the pleasant and dog friendlyColedale Arms. Troy also enjoyed the attention of many of the patrons.

We then set off for home, me and Troy falling asleep on the motorway section. So thanks to Susan and Lesley and Troy for their company. It was a really great day.

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Looking down the steep slope we climbed at the start of the walk

...and still this to climb

Looking back over Braithwaite and Keswick

The grassy path to Kinn's top

The Vale of Keswick

Grisedale Pike from Kinn. Thankfully the rain cloud had cleared when we reached the summit

The path up to Sleet How and then the final path to the summit

The pitted and steep path up to Sleet How

Lesley and Susan with the path along Kinn's ridge behind them

Grisedale Pike - at this point we thought we'd seen the last of the sunshine

The steep and rocky path to the summit

Troy, having a great time, though I had him on a lead at this point

And this is looking up the final section to the summit

Susan and Lesley chat about something - I couldn't make a guess as to what!!!

Preaching - no just admiring the spectacular views

Looking down on the path along Sleet How

Lesley and Susan nearing the summit

Troy spots the summit cairn

Lesley and Susan with the Vale of Keswick way below

The summit.

Susan and Lesley looking down Grisedale valley

All of us atop the summit , with Troy hidden behind

Hopegill Head from the slopes of Grisedale Pike

Looking down on Force Crag with the mine road beyond. That was our path of descent

Troy admiring the view.

Looking back to Barrow and Derwent Water

The 350 foot climb to Hopegill Head looms large

Zooming in on the craggy face of Hopegill Head

Looking back along the ridge to Grisedale Pike from Hobcarton Crag

Troy on his second summit

The path from Hopegill Head to Sand Hill

...and looking down Sand Hill to Coledale Hause

Troy on the slopes of Sand Hill

Looking down Coledale

Stile End

Troy, Susan & Lesley cross the beck crossing the mine road above Force Crag mine.

And Force Crag Mine

Looking back to Force Crag

Susan and Lesley amble along the mine road back to Braithwaite chin wagging about things I couldn't guess at!!

Meanwhile I was picturing a pint of lager on the bar with condensation running down the side of the glass.at the Coledale Hotel

..and Troy was too!! Although he only got a bowl of water and a bag of Seabrook Ready salted crisps on the house

Clough Head from the mine road as we approached Braithwaite

Two final pictures - left Lesley searches for a CD at 66 miles per hour - and right, Susan driving on the M6

Grisedale Pike	2595'
Hopegill Head	2526'
Total Ascent	2700'