Coledale
A skyline parade across classic north-western fells, with some additional summits and aspects to enjoy on this Coledale traverse.
What inspires you when planning for a mountain journey? A specific summit objective? Visiting new corners of familiar areas? The views you hope to dwell on? This classic lengthy mountain round keeps as high as possible, taking in eight peaks (seven Wainwrights) while sweeping around the Coledale valley.
With its comforting Lakeland lines, sinuous and bubbling beck, and contrasting, steep and dark faces above the remains of Force Crag Mine, the heights circling Coledale offer a superb journey above mining history and geographical interest. Force Crag Mine, nestling beneath glacier plucked combs and Low Force waterfall, was the last working metal mine in the Lake District, finally closing its doors in 1991. It’s these more remote valleys that quietly and honestly typify the historical and ongoing relationship between the natural topographical beauty of the Lakeland fells and how this land has since been shaped by human presence.
Wonderful skyline walking awaits on this route, including fun scrambling on the easterly ascent to Causey Pike. Enjoy!
1
NY231235 From Braithwaite village cross Coledale Beck and head south-east towards Braithwaite Lodge, rising gently uphill through fields. Once above the Lodge, the route opens out into grassy fields and the shapely spur of Barrow provides a steady ascent to the rocky 455m summit.
2
NY227218 From Barrow’s summit, descend south-west towards the col between Barrow and Stile End (‘Barrow Door’). Take a steep path descending south-south-west towards Stonycroft Gill. From where this path meets the wider valley track, cross the track and continue a short descent towards a flat area for crossing the gill. In very heavy rain/gill in spate, you may opt to not cross the river and ascend Stonycroft Gill on the good track until NY211211 and take a peaty path back upslope towards the western end of Causey Pike (which misses out its eastern summit scramble).
3
NY220214 Once across Stonycroft Gill, head in a southsouth-east direction picking up sheep tracks and shelves of grass, through heather and grassy slopes. It’s not often that Lakeland Wainwright walking offers ‘off path’ options, but enjoy this quiet side of Causey Pike and working out your best line towards the large flattening on the ridge, between Sleet Hause and Causey Pike. Once here, turn west to see the rounded crest of Causey Pike ahead – and some rocky path walking and scrambling to attain the summit. Enjoy this steeper climb up and there’s options nearer the top to avoid a steeper gully (on your right in ascent) if needed. Emerge on this wonderful summit with views to match.
4
NY218208 Heading west from Causey Pike, pick up clear paths following the ridgeline over Scar Crags and ascend to Sail. The approach to Crag Hill’s broad summit is a tough little climb, but the views are breathtaking.
5
NY192203 Taking in Crag Hill’s north-west slopes in descent is easier than in ascent. So heading down this way is efficient, but requires a compass bearing check in low vis. You’ll hit a main path towards Coledale Hause at 680m. This descent is also less complex than diving off the steeper nose of Eel Crag on steeper scree slopes.
6
NY188212 From the prominent flattening of
Coledale Hause, where a number of paths conjoin, head in a northerly direction to gain height on a good path to Sand Hill, and then onwards to Hopegill Head. Take a route north-north-west from Sand Hill’s summit to ensure you don’t miss your penultimate peak!
7
NY185221 The route away from Hopegill Head finds you handrailing Hobcarton Crag, which is a good feature to notice, otherwise you might end up on Sand Hill again. Lovely ridgeline walking towards Grisedale Pike, taking in a delightful spot height at 739m (some refer to it as Hobcarton Head), before following an old wall line towards the last high point of your journey.
8
NY198225 Grisedale Pike is a prominent summit in this area, as it feels quite ‘out there’ in terms of its northerly position in this collection of northwestern fells. It feels airy and high and provides a fitting finale finish to your round. But not just yet! At least the route from Grisedale Pike is now taken in descent (which can feel quite a push from Braithwaite otherwise), so enjoy the views towards the Skiddaw massif, and north, as you descend Sleet How and onto the broader, grassy ridge of Kinn.
9
NY224235 At this point (at contour height 250m), notice a smaller path descending slopes to your right, which can be used as an alternative, shorter (steeper!) descent to the B5292 road leading back to Braithwaite village. Or keep to your path as it swings round the final spur and down to an old quarry cutting/parking area, with a longer road walk back to the village.