Grisedale Pike and Hopegill Head

The walk gains height almost immediately over Kinn and Sleet How, a long staircase of fell path that leads directly to the summit of Grisedale Pike. From there the ridge runs above Hobcarton Crag to Hopegill Head, then over Sand Hill and down to Coledale Hause. The return drops into the Coledale valley, following the beck past Force Crag Mine on an easier track back to the start.

This is a hard hill day rather than a casual outing. The ascent is sustained and steep, the summits and connecting ridge are rough and rocky, and the high ground is open and exposed to wind. The Coledale return is gentler underfoot but still a long descent on stony ground. Paths on the fell can be rerouted around erosion repairs, so follow the line that is currently in use.

The high section opens views across the north-western fells and out towards the Solway and the Irish Sea. The best subjects are close at hand: the dark cliffs of Hobcarton Crag, the arc of the ridge to Hopegill Head, and the deep bowl of Coledale. Early and late light rakes across the crags and gives the ridge line real depth. Clear, settled conditions are worth waiting for, since the whole appeal is the view.

Force Crag Mine, a nineteenth century barytes and zinc working, sits in the valley on the way back and is a protected heritage site. It is a striking industrial feature in an otherwise wild valley, and it makes a natural pause before the final easy miles.

The walk crosses open access fell and needs no special arrangement. Dogs are welcome, but sheep graze widely here, so keep dogs on a lead wherever livestock may be present and under close control on the ridge.