A snowy circuit from Whiteside to Grasmoor
fornside01 (Premium member) > albums
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We parked at Lanthwaite Green with frost still on the g...
- last edit: 08-Apr-2008
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further up the valley Red Pike has a mantle of snow
- last edit: 08-Apr-2008
- comments: 1
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Lisa Beck tumbles out of Gasgale Gill
- last edit: 08-Apr-2008
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first glimpse of the snow covered fells at the head of ...
- last edit: 08-Apr-2008
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on the minor peak of Whin Ben
- last edit: 08-Apr-2008
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a party ahead of me reaches the snowline
- last edit: 08-Apr-2008
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looking back over Whin Ben to Mellbreak
- last edit: 08-Apr-2008
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first glimpse of the Whiteside to Hopegill Head ridge
- last edit: 08-Apr-2008
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the final slope to Whiteside summit
- last edit: 08-Apr-2008
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the views just get better and better
- last edit: 08-Apr-2008
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Whiteside summit in sight
- last edit: 08-Apr-2008
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Polly takes a breather
- last edit: 08-Apr-2008
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the ridge leading from Whiteside summit
- last edit: 08-Apr-2008
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Dove Crags on Grasmoor
- last edit: 08-Apr-2008
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another view of Grasmoor
- last edit: 08-Apr-2008
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Grisedale Pike and Hopegill Head
- last edit: 08-Apr-2008
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Polly on the trail of an abominable snowman?
- last edit: 08-Apr-2008
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looking back to Whiteside summit
- last edit: 08-Apr-2008
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I only needed crampons for about a quarter of the ridge
- last edit: 08-Apr-2008
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zooming in on Hopegill Head with a party of 2 nearing t...
- last edit: 08-Apr-2008
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looking down to Coledale Hause
- last edit: 08-Apr-2008
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another view back to Whiteside
- last edit: 08-Apr-2008
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approaching Hopegill Head summit
- last edit: 08-Apr-2008
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Polly starts the final slope to the summit
- last edit: 08-Apr-2008
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Grisedale Pike from Hopegill Head
- last edit: 08-Apr-2008
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Crag Hill with Sand Hill in the foreground
- last edit: 08-Apr-2008
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Dove Crags on Grasmoor
- last edit: 08-Apr-2008
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last look back at Whiteside
- last edit: 08-Apr-2008
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Album Description:
8th of April 2008 and the North Western Fells of the Lake District have had more snow in the night. This was too good an opportunity to miss!
Album Info:
Album Stats:
- Photos: 45
- Views: 1,415
- Downloads: 5
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11 comments
I first walked the Whiteside to Hopegill Head ridge 40 years ago and hoped that I would get to do it in winter conditions one day. I never imagined that it would be as late as April 8th when I finally completed a winter traverse. The weather in April 2008 is definately not typical! I parked at Lanthwaite Green and headed off up the steep heather covered slopes of Whin Ben. This minor peak is a great viewpoint over the Loweswater and Buttermere valleys. Above Whin Ben we met the snow and by the time we reached the summit there was about six inches of powder. I needed crampons (ice on the rocks under the powder) for the middle part of the ridge but as I approached Hopegill Head the temperature rose and there was no ice in evidence. Hopegill Head was a magnificent place to be, with clear conditions and not a breath of wind. Then down to Coledale Hause and a lunch stop chosen by Polly! The ascent of Grasmoor was mostly in soft snow about six inches deep. It stayed sunny on the ascent but the cloud came down and the temperature fell as we reached the summit shelter. Not a very pleasant place in those conditions - I'm glad Polly insisted we had lunch at the hause. Then down Lad Hows Ridge to find a different world in the valley. Green grass, birds singing, colour where there had been monochrome. It felt positively warm and most of my outer clothing ended up in the sac on the long trek back to the car at Lanthwaite Green. I bought a cold drink at Lorton shop and an ice cream from a van at the viewpoint halfway down Whinlatter Pass - even nicer! A brilliant day!
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fornside01 3 months 16 days ago
Fantastic set of pictures John, glad you both had such a great day. Glad I was able to "tempt" you out with that photo (grin), did you see us waving when you were on Hopegill's summit? Jayne
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TheViewFrom 3 months 16 days ago
Ace photos, John! Must have been a fantastic day on the fells with wonderful views all round. Thanks for your phone calls during the day ... and for making me very envious! Jo
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mellfell101 3 months 16 days ago
Dear John, What a wonderful day for you and Polly who looks so happy to be out I think she chose a good spot for lunch too. Bet it was hard work in the snow but a day you will remember for a long time I'm sure. Take care now, Jill
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jillbatchelor2 3 months 16 days ago
What a fantastic day to be out on the fells - you obviously both enjoyed an excellent day. Regards Sue
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chinleysue 3 months 15 days ago
Hi John, Looked like a tiring day, but one not to be missed. Well done to you and Polly. I was up in that area last week, but not too much walking as I'm recovering from a virus. But we did manage Causey Pike & Outerside. Love Chris
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btonbell 3 months 15 days ago
Hi John Great set of photos from your walk,the weekend snow has all gone down here so nice to see yours. Regards Lance
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tuc1966 3 months 15 days ago
Hi John Great set of photos from your walk,the weekend snow has all gone down here so nice to see yours. Regards Lance
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tuc1966 3 months 15 days ago
Stunning photos John ,,, Oh to have been there with you! Sorry I didn't get chance to answer my phone and even sorrier that my phone doesn't accept pics. Mind you, I would have turned a pale shade of green had I seen what it was like up there while I was stuck at work! Jill
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lakes_lover 3 months 14 days ago
Glad your day was as good as mine further down the valley. There was a distinct lack of wind which made it even better. Just about OK without crampons on the way up Red Pike, one to remember! Cheers, Andrew
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leftwinguk 3 months 10 days ago
Hi John Winter conditions in April! Thank goodness global warming is protecting us all. Fantastic photographs and description of what looked like a superb walk. All the best Dave D
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dld19 3 months 9 days ago
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