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Brandreth, Borrowdale - Lake
District
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Grade: 1 and 3
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This route, starting from Seathwaite,
takes in both a traditional Lakeland Ghyll scramble and a
classic Borrowdale crag
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Equipment: Rope, slings and nuts/hexes
essential for Rabbit's Trod
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Online Map link
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Views: 3
Technicality: 3
Exposure: 3
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GIBBER FACTOR* 3
*out of
five.
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Overview Brandreth is normally viewed as just a minor summit,
though still a Wainwright, on the ridge between Honister and Great
Gable, but it's worth the ascent for the superb views of Borrowdale
during the climb and over the Lakes as a whole from the summit.
Looking down Borrowdale from Sourmilk Ghyll
- Allan
Pearson
This route, starting from Seathwaite, takes in both a traditional
Lakeland Ghyll scramble and a classic Borrowdale crag en route to the
summit.
Approach Park as close to the end of the road as possible in
Seathwaite (
NY235
121). Follow the path from the farm that goes under the arch
on the right. Cross the bridge and head straight for the streambed of
Sourmilk Gill.
Route Above the first pool cross the stream to take in the
rocks just left of a prominent mountain ash, then keep to the left
hand wall of the Gill to a second, smaller, fall and pool.
Step left to avoid the water and onto a rib and climb into an
amphitheatre where the water crashes down. A series of steps and
ledges now bring you to a rib, with the confined water channel to the
right. Follow the rib to another mountain ash, then exit into
Gillercombe as the ground levels out.
The view to Buttermere from Gillercmb Head
- John
Fitzpatrick
From the top of the gill cross Gillercombe to a wall leading up to
Raven Crag, passing an optional series of slabs along the way.
Rabbit's Trod, a grade 3 scramble, starts at the base of
the slabs just beyond the scree-filled gully. Start at the far right
of these slabs where a cairn conveniently marks the start.
From the start the route trends left as you ascend the easy slabs
to join the rib that overlooks the scree-filled gully. As you climb
higher the route twists first right, then left before another series
of slabs bring you out to a col below the main crag.
Take a line close to the gully as you climb the steeper rocks
ahead, finally reaching a wide, grass covered terrace. A ridge now
leads up steeper ground, with rope and protection highly advisable,
as you approach two obvious chimneys.
The view over Ennerdale from Brandreth - Paul
Langley
Avoid these by turning the corner on the right and continue up
easier ground. Now it's just a matter of stringing together whatever
rocks you choose to prolong the scramble to the top of the crag. From
here a path leads right to Grey Knotts, or left to join the ridge up
to Brandreth, with the Gables beyond.
Descent From the summit of Brandreth you have a choice of
descents to your starting point. For a short return route, continue
along the ridge to Windy Gap then drop down via Aaron Slack and
follow the bridleway by Styhead Ghyll back to Seathwaite.
Alternatively you can make a long day of it with any number of
walking options.
Caution Scrambling is potentially
dangerous and, particularly at the higher grades, requires technical
skills and equipment to minimise the risk. We suggest that you take
professional instruction or climb with an experienced
partner.
