Distance 16.20 km, Time 6.23 h, Total Ascent 1167 m [linear route]
Imperial |
MetricWainwright Pictorial Guide: The North Western Fells
INDY SAYS: A good adventure up on mainly grassy ridges with some breathtaking views. No water on this walk until we arrived at Buttermere
One of the classic Lakeland ridge walks, we set off from Braithwaite to tackle Causey Pike to Whiteless Pike. Great weather and fantastic views all around
Start point, map and route information at bottom of page
A hazy but fine day beckons and we are off on a hike from Braithwaite to Buttermere.
Earlier this year we took a bus to Buttermere and walked to Portinscale. It was a great walk but the first bus doesn't arrive in Buttermere until 9:30 am which is a late start for us. By mid afternoon it was getting too hot for comfort.
Today we are on the move before 7am, and are about to discover that this ridge walk has some of the finest views we have ever seen.
Causey Pike seems to be straight ahead from Braithwaite, but as you can see from the route, our path skirts Outerside before ascent to Causey from the right
Our route takes us to Barrow Door, which is the dip you can see to the left of Stile End (centre)
This is the path that takes us to the back of Outerside
After a bit of a climb, we arrive at Causey Pike, where there are multiple 'humps'. From this direction, the furthest one is the summit
Causey Pike summit, looking down to Derwent Water and Blencathra to the left
This is our distinctive path to Scar Crags, Sail and beyond
Indy has 4-paw drive
She assesses the path to Sail, our next objective
Here, in the background, we can see the last part of today's hike: Wandope and Whiteless Pike (R-L). You can almost spot Grasmoor popping out in the hazy distance
Looking slightly behind and to the right, Grisedale Pike. Moving left, Hopegill Head and in the distance is the ridge to Whiteside
Looking back to Causey Pike
The summit of Sail. We have our first break here - a snack and a drink.
I am carrying more than 4 litres of water, it is warm and humid today.
A steep section continuing upward to Crag Hill.
Rucksack feels no lighter despite Indy drinking a lot of water.
Crag Hill cairn
Summit of Crag Hill
An unplanned meander towards Eel Crag with a good view of Hopegill Head
Near Eel Crag, view toward Whiteside ridge
This is our direction to Buttermere, now is the time to decide whether or not to add the excursion to Grasmoor
Indy is still full of beans, we decide to include Grasmoor
Slightly onward from the summit of Grasmoor, a view opens up toward the sea. The lake in view is Loweswater
Looking back toward Buttermere, High Stile Ridge and Haystacks
We stop in this shelter at Grasmoor summit for a snack and water break
Retracing our steps to rejoin the original route - Wandope to the left, then Whiteless Pike to the right
The summit of Wandope, with far-reaching views
Looking back toward Grasmoor
Here we are at Whiteless Pike, our last summit of the day
Several people are milling around the summit so we drop down a little
and have our picnic overlooking Crummock Water and Loweswater
A lovely place to stop and soak in the atmosphere for a while
We start our descent toward Buttermere. Here we can see Buttermere to the left and Crummock Water to the right.
Sourmilk Gill is in the centre, Red Pike behind and above it to the right
Descending toward Buttermere
The last part of the walk is through this lovely shaded area
Start:
1) Buses from Keswick to Braithwaite
2) Car parking in Braithwaite village and in the school during holiday periods
Route:
Distance 16.20 km, Time 6.23 h, Total Ascent 1167 m [linear route]
Route maps from Ordnance Survey are scaled 1:25000 unless mentioned otherwise.
Km, hike time and metres of ascent as supplied by OS. Planned route
Scale: 1:40000
Click here for info
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