A snowy circuit from Whiteside to Grasmoor

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!

said 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

said 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

said 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

said 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

said 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

said 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

said 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

said 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

said 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

said 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

said dld19 3 months 9 days ago