Lake District: Whiteside, Hopegill Head, Sand Hill and Grisedale Pike

28 September 2012

Our second day in the Lake District was another where the forecast predicted a decent chance that the cloud would break or at least be intermittent. Today we travelled to the north-west, when we arrived being one of only three cars in the car park by Lanthwaite Green Farm at the northern end of Crummock Water.


The start of the walk, heading towards Whiteside, our first main objective, to be reached over Whin Ben on the right.


First we cross Liza Beck using this very sturdy-looking bridge. Given financial constraints, one almost wonders whether it is bigger and grander than it needs to be to serve its function.


Gaining height up Whin Ben, the view over the Vale of Lorton to Loweswater Fell


Looking back along our route (you can even just see the car to the left of the farm) there is a good view of Mellbreak beyond Crummock Water


George pauses for a breather (well, probably he's really pausing to wait for me to catch up), with Loweswater Fell again on the left


On Whin Ben, the view opens up of the ridge to be walked on the left over Whiteside and on to Hopegill Head and Sand Hill in the clouds. We'll then continue a bit further to Grisedale Pike before returning to Coledale Hause on the right from where we follow the long valley of Liza Beck


George on the misty ridge


The cloud tries to lift: ahead is Hopegill Head with part of Sand Hill visible centre, and Coledale Hause on the right


Looking back over Whiteside, with Liza Beck below on the left leading to Crummock Water


Having visited Hopegill Head and Sand Hill in the clouds, the route onwards to Grisedale Pike reveals a view down the valley of Hobcarton Gill


From Grisedale Pike looking back towards Hobcarton Crag on the right


We've reached Liza Beck, and navigating is now easy: just follow the beck almost all the way back to the car. Underfoot it is a bit more challenging in places, but an interesting walk.


An attractive waterfall but the most awkward bit of the walk for the route descends the wall on the left of picture. George needed a bit of help and I used my bottom a bit in sliding down from shelf to shelf.


The valley starts to open out and views develop


Returning to the car park, the sun is shining brightly on Crummock Water

The cloud was a bit more persistent that I'd hoped, but still some interesting walking. The awkward section on the return along the beck could be avoided by taking the alternative higher route, though the point of divergence is well above the short tricky section.

Total distance 11.4 km and about 1000 metres of ascent in 5 hours 16 mins

 

 

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Unless otherwise stated, all images copyright (c) Stephen and Lucy Dawson