New route over old favourites.

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The Grasmoor range is one of our favourites in the Lakes. It's near to home and you can wander easily over a number of tops after the initial climb from the valley. Today we traversed five of the tops by a route we've not done before.
Starting from Buttermere village we headed first up Sail Beck valley below Whiteless Pike and Wandope. We then headed up the later via it's steep east ridge which I've climbed only once before. It was then easy wandering over Crag Hill and out to Hopegill Head via Hobcarton Crag. The weather was excellent but a stiff breeze cooled things down when exposed to it.
The next leg of the route took us over Sand Hill and then out to Grasmoor. Finally we descended via Lad Hows ridge to Rannerdale, climbed up this valley and then dropped back to Buttermere to complete the 11 mile round. Given the weather there were surprisingly few people on the fells but the village was very busy. An ice cream sitting outside the cafe was a well earned treat.

Walking up Sail Beck valley.


On the east ridge of Wandope.


Wandope summit with Crag Hill in the background.


Looking back at Wandope's east ridge.


Looking east towards Keswick from Crag Hill.


Heading out to Hopegill Head.


Hopegill Head from above Hobcarton Crag.


Climbing Grasmoor.


Starting the descent of Lad Hows ridge.


Lower down Lad Hows ridge looking over Crummock Water.


Climbing up Rannerdale on the last leg of the route.


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