Lake District
1 NY209242 Park at the picnic area at Comb Bridge (opposite the busier pay car park at the Whinlatter Forest Park visitor centre) and follow the forestry track west then south-west towards the northeastern base of Grisedale Pike. The ascent route begins immediately after the apex of the fence marked on OS maps, and follows the line of this fence straight up the hill’s broad and moderately steep ridgeline before turning south to tag the summit.
2 NY198225 It’s a scenic stop, and the views of Keswick, Derwent Water and the northern fells of Skiddaw and Blencathra are excellent. From here you’re heading southwest, down then up and over the 739m spot height, then following the path south-west around the hillside, past the nascent Pudding Beck before reaching the well-trampled crossroads of Coledale Hause.
3 NY188212 It’s possible to take a more direct line up the steep and broken ground just east of south to the summit, but it would be pretty uncomfortable and uncertain work. Instead, follow the clear track south-south-west until you reach the crossroads marked 722m inbetween Crag Hill and Grasmoor. You could dash up the latter if time allows; otherwise turn left to follow the path westwards up to the trig point summit of the former. 4 NY192203 From here you’d have little idea of how severe the crags are to the north, south and east, so rounded is the hill’s western approach. Enjoy the expansive views of the Central and Western Fells before retracing your steps to Coledale Hause and this time taking the path that runs just west of north up and over the cairned summit of Sand Hill before suddenly arriving
at the rocky, sheer and giddily airy summit of Hopegill Head. 5 NY185221 The views across to Grisedale Pike, and down into the Hobcarton plantation are inspiring. However, your approach to Hopehill Head will not have been anywhere near as tricky as the descent you’re about to make, down towards Ladyside Pike. In dry conditions it doesn’t quite qualify as a scramble, but requires slow, precise footwork to attempt safely. Under ice it will almost certainly necessitate crampons. This short section overcome, follow the fence line over the summit of the pike and continue on until you reach another fence, heading off at a right angle to the north-east.
6 NY182231 Work your way down to the edge of the plantation, seeking out the track (marked on OS maps) that crosses the fences and hooks up with the plantation paths. If you cannot comfortably cross the fence line, you may need to follow it north to find a suitable stile. Once within the plantation it’s best to follow marked clearings and paths. Although it’s possible to take alluring shortcuts (and well-worn openings may seem particularly tempting!) they as often as not lead to dead ends or stream crossings. The choice is yours, but after a full day on the hills you may wish to take the surer option.