A difficult route in North Western Fells. Check the GPS track on Outdooractive for full details of the route, waypoints, and terrain.
Starting Point: National Trust car park, High House Crag, Buttermere (NY 172 172)
Terrain: Path west to Crummock Water shore, lakeshore path, road around Hause Point, Lanthwaite Green, path through crags, Whin Ben, Gasgale Crags ridge, Whiteside summit, east ridge to Hopegill Head, ridge east to Sand Hill col, Hobcarton Crag, Grisedale Pike summit, retrace to Sand Hill traverse path, Coledale Hause, Grasmoor, Eel Crag, Wandope Moss, Whiteless Edge, Whiteless Pike summit, steep descent over Whiteless Breast, ridge path, Rannerdale Knotts summit, descent west then south, road back AND HILL TRAVERSE — EXPOSURE NOTE: The path skirting east and south of Sand Hill has steep drops to the left but is perfectly safe to walk, with a clear path throughout. However, if you are uncomfortable with exposure, it is equally valid to retrace back over Sand Hill and descend its southern flank to reach Coledale Hause.
A magnificent and demanding day in the northern Lake District, combining five Wainwrights of considerable variety across one of the finest circuits in the Coledale and Buttermere area. The approach along the shore of Crummock Water and the quiet road around Hause Point sets a relaxed early tone that the steep crags of the Whiteside ascent then dispel with some force. The ridge from Whiteside east to Hopegill Head and on to Grisedale Pike is outstanding throughout — high, clear and exposed in the best possible sense, with views that on a clear day extend from the Scottish hills to the central Lake District and beyond. Grisedale Pike at 791 metres is a summit of genuine stature. The traverse of the Grasmoor ridge south to Whiteless Pike is fine open walking, and Rannerdale Knotts — a mere 355 metres after the heights of the day — turns out to be one of the walk's most rewarding summits, its position above Crummock Water producing views quite out of proportion to its modest altitude. A very impressive day.