Grisedale Pike 6th May 2013

First trip of the year to the Lakes. I had decided at short notice to do a day trip based on the favourable weather forecast, so up at 4, and out on the road for 4.45. The plan was to walk up Grisedale Pike, across the ridge to Hopegill Head , and then Grasmoor and Crag Hill via Coledale Hause.  Well......50% success.



On the way up to Grisedale Pike

Half way up

Grisdale Pike summit in the clouds

I parked just outside Braithwaite on the Whinlatter road, where the old mine road starts. There was a set of steps from the car park straight onto the fell. Navigation was so easy  - I didn't need my map until I got to the top. The tops of the higher peaks were swathed in clouds despite the sunny weather lower down.

 The climb was steady with plenty of stop for rests, and picture taking. As I left the grassy track for the more rocky on I started heading into the mist and eventually reached the summit about two hours after I left the car park. I stopped for a break there and to be honest didn't fancy navigating across to Hopegill Head in the mist (knowing that the massive drop of  Hobcarton Crag would be close to the right hand side of the path). However , a fellow walker emerged out of the mist from that direction and assured me the path was well defined and navigation easy. Good.....I hate turning back.

So off I set into the mist and after about 30 minutes I had reached Hopegill Head. such a shame that there was no view today. I headed off away from the edge along the path to Sand Hill, The path disappeared for a while , but I managed to spot it again after a while. Just I was heading down to Coledale Hause the mist completely lifted , even off the top of the imposing Crag Hill. However, it quickly settled in again on the high ground, so that was the decision made for me - I didn't fancy Crag Hill and Grasmoor in the mist, so I headed off back down Coledale Valley into the glorious sunshine. This second half of the walk was definitely more enjoyable with splendid views all around.

The way back down - Grisdale Pike to the left

Despite the mist , this was a glorious way to spend a bank holiday, and I was really glad that I hadn't rolled over at 4AM and gone back to sleep....which had crossed my mind. Just two Wainwrights today, so Crag Hill will have to wait for another day. This was the second time I had been within touching distance of Crag Hill. I'll be back......

About 10 miles OS OL4

Crich Sunday 28th April

The plan was to park up just off the A6 next to Cromford canal, just past Whatstandwell railway station, and then do a circular walk through shining cliff woods and then back along the canal. I crossed the bridge across the Derwent.


 

River Derwent from the bridge over the A6
 

I crossed the A6 and headed towards the woods but pretty soon it became obvious that the path wasn't public right of way and there was a pack of guard dogs waiting to savage me. I went along the track about half  a mile towards a caravan site and then decided to abort......I hate turning back , but this was one occasion it seemed right. I went back to where I was parked and did the Crich Chase , Crich Stand , Whatstandwell, Cromford Canal walk in reverse to the many times I had done it before.

Really enjoyed this. Funnly enough took a couple of wrong turns doing the walk in the opposite direction. The other thing that surprised me was how battered I felt after this walk. It is only 7 - 8 miles with a bit of climbing .....I guess it was down to not having done too much walking this year.

Crossing the track on the Crich Tram centre

 

Crich stand
 

About 6.5 Miles OS OL 24