A hat-full of Wainwrights and some stunning views make this a great two-dayer in the Lakes.
Two-Dayer - Coledale Circular, Lake District
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Braithwaite >
Hopegill Head > Buttermere > Crag Hill >
Braithwaite
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Average Time: 10 hours 5 mins over two
days *
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Distance: 15.3 miles
(24.7km)
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Height Gain: 7607 ft
(2318m)
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Grab a hatful of Wainwrights and some
stunning views on this two-dayer from Braithwaite to
Buttermer and back overnighting in Buttermere.
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Maps: OS OL 4
Online: Streetmap
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Strenuousness: 4
Technicality: 1
Photo Grade: 4
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Start Point: NY
229 236
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Grab a hatful of Wainwrights on this two-dayer from Braithwaite to
Buttermere and back. Along with stunning lakeland mountains this
route takes in views of Derwentwater, Bassenthwaite, Buttermere and
Crummock Water as you follow the north side of Coledale to Grasmoor
then return from Buttermere along the south side of Coledale.
Day One -
Section 1: Braithwaite to Hopegill Head
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Distance: 3.1 miles (5km)
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Height Gain: 2653 ft (809m)
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From
Braithwaite village head out on the Whinlatter
road to the west and start climbing steeply. On the crown of the
right hand bend a footpath on the left leads straight out into open
groiund and the start of a long, and initially steep, ascent of the
ridge to Grisedale Pike.
After half a mile the ground levels out for a short while until it
starts to steepen again by an old quarry. It's near enough impossible
to get lost here as the path resembles a motorway in width and
popularity at times.
The next mile up Sleet How climbs 1200 ft but your reward
is views north over Whinlatter Forest and south to tomorrows return
route and Causey Pike. The summit of Grisedale
Pike eventually arrives, with its welcome shelter.
Grisedale Pike by Andy Wallace from his excellent OM
album
From the summit the route continues south west along the obvious
ridge, turning slightly right as it traverses above Hobgarton Crag to
finish at Hopegill Head.
Hopegill Head in winter - The Doc, OM
album
Hopegill
Head is perfectly situated at the north end of Coledale, with
views down the length of the valley. To the south west the view is
dominated by Grassmoor, with Crummock Water to its left and
Mellbreak, Gavel and Blake Fells behind.
Section 2: Hopegill Head to Buttermere (overnight)
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Distance: 5.2 miles (8.3km)
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Height Gain: 1191 ft (363m)
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The obvious route from the summit of Hopegill Head lies along the
ridge to Whiteside, but instead turn south onto
Sand Hill and
drop the 450 ft down to
Coledale
Hause.
A right turn then immediately left at the hause starts you on the
ascent of Grasmoor - 800 ft foot of ascent over the next mile
and a quarter takes you above the craggy northern aspect of this fine
lakeland peak, finishing above Dove Crags with a slight drop and rise
again to the summit.
Andy Wallace again, with the view from Grasmoor - OM
album
Below lies Buttermere village, sandwiched between the lake of the
same name and Crummock Water, and the route for the rest of day one
is downhill to end in the village.
Depart Grasmoor to the south east on a well marked path that
gently curves to the right onto the slopes of Lad Hows. Eventually
the path straightens to take a more direct line down the last
remaining incline to Cinderdale Common on the shore of Crummock
Water, emerging midway between the two car parks.
Crummock Water from near Crag Hill panorama by Hamish Fenton
larger version in his OM
album
Turn left here onto the road, which you follow for half a mile
past Rannerdale Farm to a car park. At this point you have the option
of taking in another Wainwright with a short, but steep, climb up
Rannerdale Knotts to the left or take a brief respite from the road
walking along the path that runs alonside it.
A final half mine along the road brings you to Buttermere,
where you have a choice of pubs, B&Bs or a camp site for your
overnight stay.
Day Two, Section 3: Buttermere to Crag
Hill
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Distance: 2.9 miles (4.6km)
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Height Gain: 2631 ft (801m)
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Day two starts by following the path north from the village
alongside Mill Beck for a third of a mile to a junction.
Go straight across here, east, then a few yards later turn sharply
right at the next junction. The climb to Whiteless
Pike is relentless, climbing 1500 ft in just a mile as you
leave Buttermere behind.
Saddle Gate and Whiteless Edge provide a respite followed by a
more gentle ascent over Wandhope to Addacomb Hole and the crags of
Crag Hill.
The path hugs the edge now, curving around Addacombe Hole to the
summit of Crag
Hill and a welcome break.
Day Two - Section 4: Crag Hill to Braithwaite
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Distance: 3.7 miles (6km)
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Height Gain: 271 ft (83m)
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From Crag Hill the route east to Sail is unmistakeable,
hugging the crest of The Scar with steep slopes to either side. From
Sail head towards the ridge of Scar Crags to where the path splits in
a V.
Here the right hand branch heads up over Scar Crags to the
unmistakeable Causey Pike, which boasts some of the finest
views in the Lake District. The route here, however, takes the
left-hand branch to continue descending onto High Moss and Outerside.
A brief detour up to the left takes in the summit of Outerside,
which is essential for Wainwright baggers, before dropping again to
join Stoneycroft Gill.
The path splits again as Stoneycroft Gill turns to the east, but
take the left branch again to continue down through Barrow Door, a
gap between Barrow and Stile End.
From Barrow Door you have the option of the 200 ft climb up
to take in Barrow or continue directly down to the farm at High
Coledale. Just beyond High Coledale the path becomes a minor road
which leads you back into Braithwaite and your starting point from
Day One.
