Showing posts with label Crag Hill. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Crag Hill. Show all posts

Saturday, May 3, 2014

A Grasmoor round & wild camp : From Crummock Water

Date : 2nd & 3rd May 2014
Route: From Rannerdale to Grasmoor in an anticlockwise loop over Wandope & back over Whiteside
Wainwrights : Rannerdale Knotts, Whiteless Pike, Wandope, Crag Hill (Eel Crag), Grasmoor, Hopegill Head, Whiteside.
Distance : 11.2 miles (18km)
Height gained : 4586 feet (1398 meters)
Time taken : Day 1 = 5 1/2 hours : Day 2 = 4 hours. 

Social Hiking Link : click here




The route - anticlockwise from Rannerdale

 The weather forecast was about as good as it gets in the Lake District; cold but clear skies, patchy high cloud, no wind and excellent visibility. I therefore decided to head high. Last years Coledale Horseshoe route onto Grasmoor summit had provided some of the best mountian views I have ever been fortunate enough to witness & since then I had intended a wild camp up there. There were a few fells on my 'to do' list on the western side of Grasmoor so a route was devised to link them all up and off I went.

Rannerdale & Rannerdale Knotts

 The first objective was Rannerdale Knotts. A path leads straight up from Crummock water but hold on .... it was a spring day .... in Rannerdale .... that rings a bell. Bluebells in fact, the famous Rannerdale bluebells would be out! I thought there were more cars parked on the road than expected. A minor diversion was therefore in order to have a look see. It was a worthwhile detour.


Mellbreak

Grasmoor

Whiteless Pike

The High Rannerdale Valley

Rannerdale Knotts

 Back on track I headed up the steep path to Rannerdale Knotts. Thankfully there were lots of photo opportunities along the way to masquerade as rest stops.



Grasmoor

Fleetwith Pike & Haystacks over Buttermere

The Red Pike / High Stile ridge

Mellbreak over Crummock Water


Looking down Crummock Water towards Low Fell

 Now I'm not usually a grumpy fella. I don't really like conflict and tend to let most things slip by without a word but this time I broke from my typical placid demeanor. From about 300 yards away I could hear them well before I saw them. A couple, middle aged and with accents south of the Watford Gap were sat by the summit cairn. She was 'shouting' into her phone while he was eating his lunch and loudly chirping into the conversation at frequent intervals. The cacophony was a sharp contrast to the otherwise peaceful surroundings. It was like something from a Dom Joly sketch. As I very slowly meandered towards the summit it was clear that they had no intention of moving on. I therefore wandered over and stood on the summit cairn taking my photos while receiving annoyed looks as I trod carefully around their sandwiches. As I moved off I asked him if he had ever heard of a 'summit hog'. After repeating myself in order to be heard above his wife, he said "Na Mate, a Sammit Hawg?" "Yes I said, look it up when you get home", and with that, I set off on my way. I hope he did look it up. He would have found something like this which I think sums it up well - Summit Hog. It's common courtesy to move off the summit if someone else arrives. After all, everyone wants to to get the highest point & take their photos without others being in them. Sitting on the top while having lunch and shouting is just rubbing salt in the wounds in my book. Anyway, rant over. If you want to read more of me moaning about this then I have vented my spleen here.


Summit Hogs on Rannerdale Knotts

The superb panorama from Rannerdale Knotts

I was virtually stood on his lunch to get this picture towards Buttermere

  My mood quickly improved a further 300 yards on as I finally moved out of Mrs Summit Hog's earshot who was still barking into her phone. The ridge continued on towards the head of the Higher Rannerdale valley before climbing back up the other side towards Whiteless Pike.


Whiteless Pike

Robinson

The Sale Beck valley - Causey Pike in the sunshine

 At this point the numerous other walkers around Rannerdale fizzled away and the fells became quiet and secluded. By the time I reached Crag Hill it was 5pm and the few other walkers I had seen were now heading down. I had taken a leisurely 4 hours to get here and I now just had a simple stroll over to the Grasmoor summit plateau to find a suitable place to make camp. 

Looking back over Rannerdale Knotts from Whiteless Pike

Grasmoor from Whiteless Pike

Crag Hill & Sail from near Wandope

Grasmoor from Wandope

Crag Hill summit view towards Skiddaw & Blencathra

 So far it has been exceptionally dry under foot and since leaving Crummock Water I hadn't had any sight or sound of water. I was beginning worry a little as I didn't really have enough to get me through the night, at least not if I wanted a hot meal, coffee and then noodles for breakfast. Luckily I came across some standing water in a few peat hags at the shallow col between Crag Hill and Grasmoor. I filtered 2 litres with the trusty sawyer squeeze filter and made my way up onto the expanse of the Grasmoor summit plateau.  

 Just past the summit shelter the land dropped down to a little grassy area which was sheltered from any easterly or westerly winds whilst having great views down to Crummock Water. A perfect spot. And so at 6pm and with no other hikers in sight I made camp and settled down to watch the sunset over the Irish Sea.





A room with a View

Camp - just below Grasmoor summit

Enjoying the sunset

Loweswater glowing in the evening light



 The last time I was on Grasmoor it was first light on a February morning after a camp on Sail summit. The scene as the morning sun lit the Buttermere Fells & beyond was stunning and so I was hoping for more of the same. Unfortunately it wasn't to be. I woke to a somewhat hazy & overcast scene with no chance of seeing a sunrise. Ahh well, you can't have it all. I'd been very lucky so far. Despite the disappointingly 'washed out' light, all the high fells were still in view and I headed off towards Coledale Hause well rested and with a spring in the step.


Whiteside from Grasmoor

Coledale Hause : Hopegill Head (left) & Grisedale Pike (right)

The Coledale valley

 From Coledale Hause its a steady trudge up to Sand Hill and then Hopegill Head which has the lofty position of occupying the head of 4 converging ridges. It's a great vantage point.

Looking back to Crag Hill from Sand Hill

Grisedale Pike from Hopegill Head

The path to Whiteside from Hopegill Head

The Gasgale valley from Hopegill Head
  
 From Hopegill Head an exhilarating ridge is followed towards Whiteside. A steep drop falls way abruptly on the left down to Gasgale Beck, over which the huge bulk of Grasmoor dominates the valley on the other side. To the right (west) are uninterrupted views to the coast and over the Solway Firth to Scotland. 


Looking back along the ridge to Hopegill Head

Grasmoor

Grasmoor from Whiteside panorama

 From Whiteside summit onwards the terrain becomes decidedly steeper. Crummock Water looks spectacular far below & entices the eyes away from feet which is most unwise on this section. A few stumbles later I learned to pause when gazing down to the waterside 2300 feet below. 


The steep descent from Whiteside

 At this point I met the first of a string of hikers making the upwards journey. Most were curious as to why I was coming down (it was still only 9am) but a few spied the large pack and enquired as to where I'd camped. 

Looking over Whin Benn to Crummock Water

Mellbreak

 Eventually the road is reached and I enjoyed a nice stroll along Crummock Water for the last mile to the car back at Rannerdale. Overall this was a great route which would also be achievable in a day and I can highly recommend it. The benign weather and the views from from Grasmoor made for the best wild camp I've had yet. So thats 4 new Wainwrights and 3 old favourites which brings the count up to 132. I'm in no hurry to complete them though. This is something to be savoured, not rushed.

 I also did a video of the hike which somehow managed to end up 25 mins long. I have posted it here in case anyone wants a look but please make sure you are sat comfortably and with a strong coffee to keep you awake.


Kit List  
 

Tent : Tarptent Scarp 1 (1.36kg)  
Pegs : 6 x 6 inch Easton, 4 x 6 inch titanium V pegs, 2 x aluminium scewers, 1 x MSR blizzard stake (doubles as a trowel) 
Mat : Exped Synmat UL 7LW (595g)   
Sleeping Bag : Rab Alpine 400 (970g)  
Pillow : Backpackinglight - Backpacking Pillow (62g) stuffed with Montane Prism 2 jacket.  
Stove : High Gear Blaze titanium stove (48g)  + Primus 100g Gas Cart 
Pans : Evernew Solo-set (pot & mug 250g)  

Rucksack : Osprey Talon 44 (1.09kg) 

Fluid : 1 litre Sigg Bottles (147g empty), OMM Garny pouch & Ultra bottle + an Aquatina collapsible bottle + Sawyer Squeeze filter (84g)  

Food : Fuizion Tai Green Chicken Curry, Buttered Bread, Supernoodles,various sugary snacks, coffee, cup-a-soup.  

Bits & Bobs : headtorch and spare batteries, Iphone + Anker 5800mHh battery, tent light,  victorinox knife, map & compass, basic first aid kit and Petzl e-lite, long handles titanium spoon, various fold dry bags, flint & steel.  

Camera : Panasonic LX7 & lowepro case. 

Clothes : Base layer = Rohan Ultra Silver long sleeve T (95g) & leggings (80g) (used in sleeping bag instead of a liner), Ron Hill wicking T-Shirt, ME Astron Hooded jacket (400g), The North Face Meridian Shorts, Montane aero cap, ME beany, TNF 'E Tip' gloves, sunglasses, Buff, Bridgedale socks.  Thermal = Montane prism 2 jacket (423g) - doubles as a pillow when packed into its own pocket. Shell = ME Firefox jacket (320g) & trousers (295g). Spare gloves (Buffalo Mitts & Extremities tuff bags) & socks (sealskinz) 

Trail Shoes : Meindl Respond GTX (820g pair)
Poles : Black Diamond Trail Compact (488g pair)  

Loaded rucksack weight = approx 11kgs (excluding water)


Saturday, February 2, 2013

Coledale Horseshoe and Solo Wildcamp

Date : 1st & 2nd Feb 2013
Route : Coledale Horseshoe - Clockwise from Braithwaite
Wild Camp : Sail 
Wainwrights : Outerside, Causey Pike, Scar Crags, Sail, Crag Hill, Grasmoor, Hopegill Head, Grisedale Pike.
Distance : 20.2 km (12.3 miles)
Height Gained : 1510 m (4957 feet)

Kit list at the end

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 There was snow on the hills and the forecast was favourable so it was time to plan the 1st wild camp of the year. I thought the Coledale Horseshoe would be a good route as I haven't walked these fells before and it is often heralded as an ideal winter hike. Parking space secured at Braithwaite I headed off towards Stile End. The intention was to walk the horseshoe clockwise and camp somewhere around Crag Hill.

Starting point at Braithwaite
 The weather was overcast but the cloud base was well above the summits. The forecast suggested a possibility of rain later but then clearing up for a sub-zero night and clear day tomorrow.


The path to Higher Coledale
























 It was easy going at first as the path skirted Stile End to reveal a fine view of Causey Pike

Causey Pike
 I wanted to tick off Outerside so bypassed Causey Pike and headed for the High Moss area. I then climbed the short path to Outerside's summit from the west. The view back over Braithwaite to Derwent water was ample reward for the short detour.


The view over Derwent Water from Outerside summit
 From the summit of Outerside clouds began rolling in from the east obscuring my forward route over the higher fells. It was time to press on and retread the path back down to High Moss and then on to Causey Pike.


Mist rolls in from the higher eastern fells
Causey Pike from Outerside summit
Outerside from the High Moss area
 It was easy going over High Moss and along a good path to the summit of Causey Pike. For a fell of such modest height the view was excellent over Derwent Water.


Panorama west from Causey Pike summit. Bassenthwaite Lake just visible far left
Panorama east from Causey Pike summit - the apex of horseshoe in cloud
 The path then followed the ridge along Scar Crags which afforded excellent views over the Rigg Beck valley towards Ard Crags.


Rigg Beck from Scar Crags
Panorama south from Scar Crags. Sail on the right
 The path up to Sail takes a pronounced zig-zag course which is just visible on the panorama above. By the time I reached the summit in was 4pm and the clouds were thickening so I decided to make camp. Sail summit is fairly flat and grassy and seemed reasonably sheltered from the modest north-westerly wind by the bulk of Crag Hill.


The Scarp 1 on Sail summit - looking towards Crag Hill
Sunset on Sail summit
 Having made camp, heated up a meal and brewed up, I then settled down to watch the sunset. While the sun dipped down behind Wandope the weather was looking threatening from the north. At about 6pm the wind picked up and it started snowing, which then turned to hail. The temp dropped to -6 (C) but I was snug in the Scarp and a winter down bag. At about 11pm the wind changed direction to a northerly and became decidedly stronger. There was no shelter for the Scarp which began to take a considerable battering. This wasn't forecast! Despite ear plugs the noise from the wind put paid to any sleep and I spent a restless night watching the tent flapping violently. One particularly strong gust in the early hours ripped out both of the corner pegs from the end facing the wind, causing the tent to collapse at my feet. I reluctantly donned a head-torch and jacket to venture outside and re-peg the corners, this time reinforced with 2 large rocks. I also added 2 extra guy lines to the hoop for further peace of mind. Once outside I was surprised by the strength of the wind and impressed by the overall stability of the Scarp despite the considerable buffeting.

 The wind finally died down by about 5am and I managed an hour or 2 of sleep. By sunrise the wind was fairly benign and the sky was clear. It looked like it was going to be a perfect winters day. A minor inconvenience was that my milk had frozen (black coffee for me). I had slept with a gas canister and Sigg bottle of water in the sleeping bag so the stove worked fine and supernoodles were soon on the go.



Sunrise from Sail summit
Scarp 1 survives the night - with additional pegging!
Sail summit panorama north showing the rest of the horseshoe and the onwards route
 By the time I broke camp the sun was up, the sky was blue and the wind was calm. It was still cold (-2 degrees C) but it promised to be great day on the high fells.     


Heading up Crag Hill with the sun on my back
Looking back down the Coledale valley from the approach to Crag Hill
 Following the minor scramble onto the expansive plateau of Crag Hill summit the views opened up and I got my first sight of Grasmoor and the Buttermere fells.  


The summit plateau of Crag Hill in the early morning
Crag Hill summit panorama north
Crag Hill summit panorama south
Looking towards Grasmoor
 The path from Crag Hill to Grasmoor is easy going and full of interest as the eyes are continually drawn westwards towards the impressive panorama of the Buttermere fells and the Scafells beyond.


Glimpses of Crummock Water and Buttermere from the path to Grasmoor
 Grasmoor summit is another flat expanse of grassy land but the views are truly breathtaking. I sat down for 20 minutes lapping up the scenery. Two fell runners were just visible on Crag Hill summit, the first people I had seen today. They were making impressive speed towards me. It was time to head on. 


Grasmoor summit panorama west
My 'view of the day' - the Scafell range from Grasmoor summit
Northwest view over Solway from Grasmoor summit
 I reluctantly left Grasmoor, skirting Dove Crags to follow a path towards Coledale Hause.


Looking down towards Coledale Hause
The next 3 fells for today - from left to right: Hopegill Head, Sand Hill & Grisedale Pike
 A well trodden path leads from Coledale Hause northwards to Sand Hill and Hopegill Head.


Sand Hill summit view north to Hopegill Head
The view back to Grasmoor from Sand Hill
 Hopegill Head is an impressive rocky summit with commanding views over 3 valleys. The air was so clear today that the Isle of Man was clearly visible on the western horizon. 


Hopegill Head summit panorama West
Hopegill Head summit panorama East
The Isle of Man visible on the horizon from Hopegill Head summit
 Just one more summit to go now. Grisedale Pike dominates the eastern view and is the next objective.


Grisedale Pike's north face in shadow - from Hopegill Head
The approach to Grisedale Pike
 At this point of the walk I passed the first of several other fell walkers. Everyone I passed was smiling and passing comment on the perfect weather and amazing views. By the time I reached Grisedale Pike summit it was only 11:00 but there were still plenty people around. Most were looking tired, having toiled up the steep eastern path but were cheerfully soaking up the impressive panorama. This was the first summit where I had had any company since leaving the car yesterday. 


Grisedale Pike summit panorama South over the Coledale valley
Grisedale Pike summit panorama North over the Hobcarton valley
Outerside and Causey Pike (yesterdays first 2 fells) from Grisedale Pike summit
View south of the distant fells from Grisedale Pike summit - far left Pike O'Stickle, Bowfell in the middle and the Scafells far right
The magnificent Eastern panorama from Grisedale Pike showing the distant Skiddaw/Blencathra Massif, and the Helvellyn range over Derwent Water
A last look back towards Grasmoor and Crag Hill before descending
Skiddaw and Blencathra from Grisedale Pike
 The path down the eastern side of Grisedale Pike is steep, rocky and felt hard going with 13kgs in the rucksack. I seemed to be the only one heading down against a torrent of people marching upwards, all clearly wanting to take full advantage of the perfect weather. I even passed 2 mountain bikers who were carrying their bikes up the steep rocky terrain.


The path down the eastern flank of Grisedale Pike and over Sleet How
Bassenthwaite Lake
 The walk back to Braithwaite felt longer than it appeared on the map but the views towards Skiddaw and then Bassenthwaite Lake were adequate company.
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Kit List


Tent : Tarptent Scarp 1 (1.36kg)

Mat : Exped Downmat UL 7LW (810g)
Sleeping Bag : Cumulus Prime 700 (1210g)
Stove : Primus Express Spider (198g)  + Gas Cart
Pans : Evernew Solo-set (250g)

Rucksack : Osprey Talon 44 (1.09kg)

Fluid : 2 x 1 litre Sigg Bottles (147g each empty) + Drinksafe systems travel tap (165g)
         : 200 mls milk, coffee
Food : Wayfayrer Tai Green Curry, Buttered Bread, Supernoodles,various sugary snacks.

Bits & Bobs : headtorch and spare batteries, Iphone + Anker 5800mHh battery, tent light,  

  victorinox knife, map & compass, basic first aid kit and Petzl e-lite, spork, various fold dry 
  bags, flint & steel, plastic trowel.
Camera : Sony DSC-HX5 & lowepro case.
Clothes : HH 'warm' base top & bottom, Sprayway all day rainpants (410g) , Rab  
  vapour-rise jacket (615g), , ME beany, Rab phantom grip gloves, sunglasses, goggles, Buff,  
  Bridgedale winter socks. Montane prism 2 jacket (423g) and Montane Superfly Jacket  
  (500g) both not used. Spare hat (lowe alpine mountain cap), spare gloves 
  (ME Mountain Mitt & Extremities tuff bags)
Boots : Meindl Softline (1180g)

Poles : Leki Makalu (544g pair) - used lots!

Ice Axe : Grivel Brenva (520g) - not used
Crampons : Grivel Monta-Rosa (800g) - not used

Loaded rucksack weight = aprox 13kgs



Closing Thoughts 



 This was a great hike in great weather. The unexpected high winds overnight were easily dealt with by the Scarp despite my initial sloppy pegging. Unfortunately I just cant sleep in high winds though. I use ear plugs but the tent noise just cuts through. Not sure what else I can do about that, perhaps sedation ;)  The rest of my kit performed well. The cumulus was warm & comfortable at -6 although I did need to keep my hat on all night. I kept the base layers & socks on so didn't use a liner. The mat is my 'luxury item'. I know its fairly heavy compared to some but it is very warm and comfortable and the extra width is welcome for a restless sleeper like me. 

Clothing wise, I am always amazed by the performance of the Rab VR. I never felt the need to add an extra layer and it breaths superbly. I simply left it on throughout the walk and never felt either hot, sweaty or cold. It is my 'go to' winter jacket. On this occasion the waterproof & insulated jacket were superfluous (except as a pillow). The Rab phantom grip gloves are also perfect for me. Having tried various types over the years I bought these having read a favorable review by Chris Townsend and I agree that the the polartec windpro material is an ideal balance between warmth, breathablility and wind resistance. I do tend to be a naturally warm handed bloke so they may not be warm enough for some. Sprayway all day rain pants may not be everyone's first choice for such a trip but they were great. My legs never felt cold or sweaty. I didn't really notice them at all, which is ideal. The Meindl Softline boots performed well as usual. I have has these for 2 years now and use them year round over rough terrain. Although they are rated B0, they are fairly stiff and I have used them many times with the flexible Grivel Monta-Rosa crampons without any hint of movement. They are very well padded and comfortable for me.


I took the drinksafe systems travel tap to save the weight of carrying more than a litre of water but the slow flow rate was frustrating. Having read some favourable reviews and comments on twitter of the sawyer filter, this might be my next investment.


Overall I could have gone lighter. The sleeping bag was perhaps excessive and indeed took up a considerable amount of rucksack space. I also have a Rab alpine 400 which would probably have been sufficient. The mat is also perhaps excessive but I'm not quite willing to give up that comfort yet. The Talon 44 was a comfortable carry and swallowed everything up well, although the tent needed to be strapped to the base.


The weather on day 2 was truly exceptional and I felt very lucky to have these majestic fells and amazing vistas all to myself for a few hours. I guess that's why we wild camp in the mountains. Its a feeling of having 'earned' the isolation and pristine views. 


That's it. Please leave any thoughts/comments/advice/suggestions and thanks for reading my inaugural blog entry.