Whiteside, Hopegill Head, Grasmoor, Whiteless Pike & Rannerdale Knotts

Early morning meet up at the Lanthwaite Car Park near to Crummock Water

Our first challenge today - Whiteside.

Crossing Liza Beck. Ste had a choice here, he could take the easy path alongside the beck up to Coledale Hause and meet us there after we had visited Whiteside and Hopegill Head, Or he could join us and head up Whiteside - Being made of sterner stuff, he chose the latter.

As we start the ascent, Mellbreak can be seen in the distance standing guard over Crummock Water

That valley route certainly looks tempting now Ste, doesn't it !

Colourful little chap

After quite a bit of puffing and panting by Ste, his efforts were rewarded by reaching the summit of Whiteside.

Whiteless Pike summit.

Over there is the highest part of todays walk - The very flat summit of Grasmoor.

Although temperatures were meant to be very high today, it certainly was cooler than expected and there was a significant southerly cross-wind. To take advantage of a bit of protection from the gusts, we took the slightly lower (and sheltered) path rather than along the top of the ridge.

Looking Northwards from Hopegill Head summit towards Ladyside Pike.

Hobcarton Crag & Grisedale Pike

There's no stopping the young fella' now as he strides confidently towards Grasmoor.

As we start to climb up Grasmoor - we take a breather and look back towards Hopegill Head, Sand Hill & Grisdale Pike.

A small wind shelter perched on the south face gives a great viewpoint over the central fells.

The large wind shelter summit on the broad top of Grasmoor.

After a brief lunch stop, we headed 'down' to Whiteless Pike.

An excellent path with all round outstanding views as we head for the very shapely Whiteless Pike.

After briefly visiting the small top of Whiteless Pike with it's small pile of stones for a summit, it was a continuous descent in the direction of Buttermere.

Our next (and final) fell for the day was to be Rannerdale Knotts. An interesting place, as not many would know, it was the scene of a battle between Norman invaders and the English - where the Normans were ambushed and driven away. One nil to the 'Ing-ger-land'

Cracking views of the High Stile Ridge over Buttermere during the descent.

At the junction between Whiteless Breast and the start of Rannerdale Knotts. It was time for 'Man of the Mountains' to head down the valley rather than attempting another ascent.

Beautiful Buttermere surrounded by Robinson, Fleetwith Pike, Haystacks and the High Stile Ridge. One of the finest views in Lakeland in my opinion.

It just gets better and better - The summit of Rannerdale Knotts.

It may be small, but the western end of Rannerdale Knotts is quite steep. This stone staircase has certainly improved the route compared to years ago - well done 'fix the fells' - keep up the good work.

We followed the roadside back to the Lanthwaite Car Park as the sun finally came out for the last ten minutes of the walk.