By Eck it’s Grand Down South

By way of a change last weekend Ann & John found themselves taking the long drive south to Braithwaite, in the northern part of Albion’s Ponds (or the ELD for fans of the TLA). With a cracking forecast an early start was in order for the full circuit of the Grasmoor group of hills. This had the double advantage of getting us out before the inevitable crowds and also some really nice lighting conditions. It was a bit parky though.

Skiddaw

We took the long eastern ridge of Grisedale Pike which soon had us up top, which was still quite white from the hard frost the night before. Following the ridge westwards we traversed Hopegill Head where we met the first person of the day, a shepherd out with 3 dogs. There then followed a bit of shameless Wainwright bagging as we carried on to the outlying top of Whiteside. Returning to Hopegill Head things were starting to get busy as by now all the tardy types had managed to haul themselves plus their Full English up to the tops.

The ascent of Grisedale Pike

West from a frosty Grisedale Pike towards Grasmoor

The ridge from Hopegill Head to Whiteside

We then had the biggest dip of the day to cross the pass of Coledale Hause before ascending Grasmoor. Despite lots of people on every other hill it was very quiet on the top, which was just as well as we tucked in to some sarnies filled with leftover garlic potato.

Grisedale Pike and Skiddaw from Grasmoor

Onwards took us next to Wandope, then Crag Hill and its subsidiary bump of Sail, before begingeg the long descent to Brathwaite. Just before we got there we decided to take in Barrow as the final top of the day and were very glad we did as the views were well worth it. Then it was down to the pub for Jennings and crisps as the cloud started to thicken in advance of the foul weather that moved in for Sunday. All very different from Torridon the previous weekend but good to have a tramp without always looking where to put your feet.

Derwentwater from Barrow