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The weather forecast for today was excellent, sunshine and a gentle breeze, for this linear walk from Whinlatter over Grisedale Pike, Hopegill

and back via Whiteside and Lanthwaite Green to home.

Loes dropped us off at the start before she left for Yorkshire and we set off on this high level classic.

Our group photo at the start of the walk . . . myself, Abi and her friend Emilia.

We were fortunate that Loes could drop of us off at the secondary Whinlatter car park to enable this linear walk today.

	- - - o o o - - - We decided to climb via the Hobcarton Ridge, so our first navigation problem was to find the correct forest track to find the access point to the ridge. The girls stop for a first photo at the corner as we turn onto the forest track towards Swinside Cottages rather than head on up the valley direct for Grisedale. With recent forestry work our onward route has been disrupted but we followed the damaged forest tracks with the most flattened footsteps, hoping we were right ! - - - o o o - - -



It took us up through the trees, aiming ever upward . . .	. . . till we reached the open ground and the first view of Hobcarton.

We met an early morning runner who had already summited Grisedale Pike and was now on the way down.

He said he rarely saw folk climbing the fell using this route so the path must be worn by everyone descending in that case ?

As we climbed, the route gives equally good views as the alternative direct climb of Grisedale Pike.

We're looking to Skiddaw and then north east to the Mell Fells and Clough Head, in this photo taken by Abi.

This route has the advantage of lovely views down into the Whinlatter Valley and the road over Whinlatter Pass.

A sudden low chirping, almost nasal squeal and a furious flapping of wings could only be one bird . . . the red Grouse

Our passing had disturbed two birds from the footpath, one of which was captured on camera as it waddled away over the skyline.

Looking north over the Whinlatter Fells towards Lord's Seat.

A small cairn set aside a short distance from the path makes a good viewpoint.

Away in the distance is Hopegill Head, but our next feature to visit this morning is that single tree a few hundred yards away.



We reached the magic Christmas tree but why the sad faces ?	Last time Abi was here it was covered in Christmas baubles.

For many years this tree had all-year-round Christmas decorations . . . now just the smallest evidence remains and only if you look hard.

The Hobcarton Ridge path circles round and meets the main Grisedale ascent path at a small tarn.

After a short climb we reach the corner post and another junction where the path up from Braithwaite joins the route.

A slightly crowded summit of Grisedale Pike, where the views, despite the haze, were superb.

No great trig point up here, just a cemented spot height marker peg and two dogs on the summit.

The next part of the walk will take us on a high level route towards the sharp pointed Hopegill Head.

Half way along the ridge we found a sheltered spot behind Hobcarton Crags

which made a fine place to stop for a bite to eat.

Close to the top of the crag was another of the old fence posts.

The nature of the double-structure tells of it's use as a tensioner point for the original wire fence.



Before the ascent of Hopegill is a deep cleft and rocky viewpoint.	No closer as there's a big drop below.

Skiddaw Shale makes up the rocky summit of Hopegill Head where heavy footfall has crumbled the rock.

We had the summit all to ourselves so I managed a people free panorama (apart from the girls).

Walking the rocky ridge, with Gasgale Gill deep in the valley below.

The path undulates along the very top of the ridge

though it occasionally offers a lower path away from the edge.

The cairn on the far end marks the summit of Whiteside.

Whatever goes up must come down . . . and the descent here is a serious one as the surface is loose and the path steep at times.



Em carefully descends the craggy end of the fell.	Gasgale Valley carries an erosion prone river due to its steepness.

Another craggy section successfully negotiated and now a more gentle slope down to Whin Ben lies ahead.

Grasmoor as seen from below . . . now we are down in the valley.

Em crosses the bridge as Abi heads down to the river

where the dogs are already having a drink and cooling their feet.



A second, slightly different group photo now we are down by the road.	No car for us so we walk the bridleway across to Lanthwaite Woods.

The bridleway brings us out at Scale Hill car park and a final picture for today.

Just a quick chat with neighbours who were also out for a stroll

and then a short road walk and we'll be back home at the cottage.

- - - o o o - - -