Grasmoor via Lad Hows - Wandope & Whiteless Pike

Saturday 11th July 2020

Walking Diary (All Walks) Lakeland Wainwrights North Western

Grasmoor via Lad Hows with a return via Wandope and Whiteless Pike

I have visited Grasmoor many times before, but never via the Lad Hows route. I usually venture into the Coledale Fells from the Braithwaite side - So today I drove round into the Central lakes and decided to climb it from the other side and it was certainly worth it, I will walk it that way again for sure. The views back towards Crummock Water, Mellbreak and the High Stile Ridge are just stunning - It's even better on the way back down via Whiteless Pike where the whole vista is on show for you.

Unfortunately, the top of Grasmoor was above the cloud line today, so there were no views from the highest point of the day - it even got cold and drizzly which meant the waterproofs were needed for a while. But other than that, the walk was really enjoyable and as I say, one I will be doing again no doubt.

The information contained in the material on this Website is for information purposes only and does not constitute advice.
Distance: 6.9 miles
Duration: 4:30 hours
Ascent: 2880 ft
Difficulty: Hard
Accompanied By: On my Own
Weather: Mild, breezy & Drizzle at times

Wainwrights Visited

Grasmoor Wandope Whiteless Pike

3D outline of route

Parking

Nice and early at Crummock Water

Parked up at a beauty spot (it's all beautiful mind) just off the lake side road before the protruberance of Rannerdale Knotts.

Cinderdale Beck

A slight detour through the bracken - you can easily lose the main path, but the error was easily rectified.

Looking back towards the parking/picnic spot with Mellbreak dominating on the far side of Crummock water.

Rannerdale Knotts with Red Pike in the distance

After following the pleasant grassy path, the route up to Grasmoor eventually reveals itself.

A stop for a breather up the gradual ascent, and a look back westwards to see Loweswater in the distance with Burnbank fell to the left and Low Fell to the right.

Wandope & Whiteless Pike - the route back down later in the day

Continuing to climb up the wide grassy ridge.

As the grass turns into patchy scree - a look back down in the direction of a very small looking Rannerdale Knotts.

Slightly steeper again - but nothing difficult

Whiteless Pike - the col before the summit was my chosen lunch spot for today - highly recommended, beautiful views from both sides of the ridge - take your pick.

As I near the top of Grasmoor, the route begins to level and the last 200 yards is just a gentle stroll.

Grasmoor summit - In the cloud !

Heading Eastwards from Grasmoor with the main path to Coledale Hause ahead. I veered off to the right and picked up a diagonal path to the summit of Wandope.

Wandope summit - Just about the same standard of views that I got at Grasmoor.

As I descent, the greenery comes back and this time Buttermere can also be seen to the left

Over to the right, the route I took up Grasmoor can be seen.

The Newlands pass road can be seen on the right of this photo with Buttermere straight ahead.

Whiteless Pike summit (not much to shout about regarding the summit cairn) - but it does command a lovely vantage point.

Looking back down the Sail Beck valley with Causey Pike the most distant fell and Ard Crags on the right

At this point I had to decide whether to go up and over Rannerdale Knotts or head back via the Rannerdale Valley - I decided the latter, as I'd been over the fell many times before, but I couldn't remember ever walking down the valley.

The High Stile Ridge (L-R, High Crag, High Stile, Red Pike) - Well overdue another visit there - superb walk !

"Into the Valley"

Very pleasant end to a lovely walk

One last look up right to the main purpose of todays walk - Grasmoor

Lush & green mild and beautiful - the lakes at it's best !

One last look at Crummock Water with the nose of Rannerdale Knotts to the left as I head for the car and start the drive back to the North East - certainly worth the effort today