~Wandope from Buttermere~
20th September 2019
Sail Beck
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It's summer time again with fine weather returning to much of the UK. We are camping at Scotgate, Braithwaite and today's walk starts from Buttermere after a short drive over Whinlatter Pass. Low Fell can be seen across Crummock Water and after parking at the foot of Newlands Pass, we walk downhill into Buttermere village to gain access for Mill Beck (later Sail Beck).
Mill Beck
It will be a warm day and Molly seizes the opportunity for an early dip. This route starts from the bridge in Buttermere and follows a well-worn path through the woods before climbing to join the other paths from Buttermere.
To Sail Beck
This is great walking territory. The path leads over to Braithwaite via Sail Pass or Newlands via Rigg Beck.
Sail Beck
The plan is to walk as far as Addacomb Beck and then ascend the hillside for Wandope summit.
Third Gill
The second gill coming off the landscape to the west is Third Gill and Wainwright does offer a route up here for the targeted summit, but I've decided to press on and take the next opportunity.
Addacomb Beck
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A sheep guards the remnants of old workings and to the right of Addacomb Beck is Scar Crag, the southern aspect of Eel Crag.
Addacomb Hole
A vast dry void between the summits of Wandope and Eel Crag. We are climbing the 1,500ft or so from the foot of the beck to the top of the mountain and it is very warm. Sometimes, it was just 10 paces at a time, really tough going.
Up Wandope
From overmuch bracken to heavy heather full of little insects showing far too much interest in me.
Addacomb Edge
This edge deserves a name. It took one hour and 10 minutes from bottom to top, I will not be doing that again!
Molly on top of Wandope 2,533ft asl
The heat and dry territory has caused me to assess carefully what we can achieve today and the next target will be Grasmoor. As usual, I am carrying plenty of water for me n' Molly.
To Grasmoor
Some may think...why didn't he head for Eel Crag? That one is part of tomorrow's plan.
Molly on top of Grasmoor Summit 2,791 ft asl
This happens to be the highest point in the "delectable" North Western Fells as per the Wainwright Books. The summit of Eel Crag is 42ft lower in elevation, but is a much better felltop, see tomorrow's report. Now we double-back for a route to Whiteless Pike.
Wandope
The depression ahead acts as a crossroads and we are bearing south (right) with Wandope straight ahead.
To Whiteless Pike
The first bump is named as Thirdgill Head Man.
Molly on top of Whiteless Pike 2,159ft asl
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Many Felltops! |
Lad Hows |
Looking back (left) at many felltops. Wandope, Sail, Causey Pike, Ard Crags all feature in the nearground. Other fells are further away. The higher reaches of Sail Beck is clearly seen. Lad Hows is part of the ridge up to Grasmoor from Rannerdale.
Whiteless Breast
All part of the 1,800ft of descent to Buttermere from the last summit.
Rannerdale & Crummock Water
Mill Beck
Molly reviews the early part of our walk up Mill Beck. The Newlands Pass road runs along the fellside on the other side of the beck.
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Back into the woods and the water before we arrive in Buttermere.
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Mill Beck, Buttermere
Walkers: Molly and Me.
Time taken: 5hrs 15mins over a distance of about 8.5 miles.
Route: Buttermere parking on the roadside of Newlands Pass, Mill Beck, Sail Beck, Addacomb Beck, "Addacomb Edge", Wandope, Grasmoor, Whiteless Pike, Whiteless Breast, Buttermere
Weather and conditions: Warm, even hot at times and Sunny.
All photos copyright Richard Ratcliffe 2019 ©
Take me back to the start ....