Grisedale Pike and Hopegill Head

Grisedale Pike and Hopegill Head.

Date

3/3/2007

GRISEDALE PIKE - conspicuously in view from the environs of Keswick, it is one of those fells that compels attention by reason of shapeliness and height

HOPEGILL HEAD - the summit is a generous reward for the effort of reaching it. It is a delightful top

Walks done by:

Jed, Troy, Susan and Lesley

Weather:

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

Distance

9.5 miles

Started at:

Braithwaite

Height:-

Grisedale Pike

2593'

Hopegill Head

2525'

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 across 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 liked 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 drinks, and Troy a bowl of water and a bag of crisps in the pleasant and dog friendly Coledale 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.