Lake District 2nd October 2014

Lake District  Thursday 2nd October 2014

After a couple of poor, rainy, days Tues/Weds, we were ready for a long walk and Thursday the weather was much improved, so off we went, heading for Grisedale Pike.

Grisedale Pike 7.5 Miles, 6.5 Hrs 

 

We parked up just outside the village of Braithwaite, in a small free car park just off the road past the village, heading for Winlatter. Room for about six or so vehicles. We arrived fairly early at 09:00 and set off uphill through a forest track from the car park, no easy start on this one!

After a steep uphill push through the forest, the views opened out, and we rested to admire the views on a blue sky day.

We continued to follow a valley track that started to ascend upwards again for about two miles, before it became much more stony.

The view ahead to Grisedale Pike. Nearer the top there was a scrambly section which takes a little negotiating, not too bad, but does requires use of both arms and legs.

Below: The view from the summit of Grisedale Pike (2593ft), yes thats Sue (bottom left in photo) already descending to our next goal, she is very keen! Hopegill Head is the peak in the very centre of the picture.

Above: View of Hopegill Head

And finally we were there, resting on top of Hopegill Head (2526ft), wonderful open views.

We descended down to Sand Hill and then followed the Mine Track down into the valley, a stoney winding path for about a mile or so, before levelling down to Force Crag Mine. This part of the walk felt a bit tedious, we've walked it on a previous visit, and it's quite slow-going due to the terrain.

From the mine it's then an easier two miles or so back to Braithwaite along a well constructed pretty flat path (wide enough for a vehicle for mine access). Enjoying the valley views.

We alighted back at the car park at 15:30, taking 6.5 hours and a lovely day but quite tired with the ascents and descents.

A funny little coincidence took place on this walk: a fortnight previously, when tackling Helvellyn, a lady was walking the same route up as us. Along the way we had a chat with her, she lives in the Lake District and had climbed Helvellyn several times previously.
After ten minutes or so we bade her good day and off she went on a different route down.

So, fortnight later and we start off on our walk to Grisedale Pike, who was walking the same route at the same time? Yep same lady...


Our Walk Score: 8/10