NY1720 : Summit plateau of Grasmoor
Challenging hillwalk; steep rocky sections

Grasmoor

852m Elevation
518m Prominence
England Country
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NY1720 : Summit plateau of Grasmoor

Trevor Littlewood Photo source

Overview

Grasmoor

Grasmoor rises above Crummock Water in the north-western Lake District. DoBIH records 851.6 m, with the highest ground beside the summit windshelter. The primary record does not support the previous summit trig-pillar claim.

A complete circuit from Cinderdale Common

Andrew’s Walks describes a 6.5-mile circuit, approximately 10.5 km, with 2,900 ft (approximately 884 m) ascent, walked on 12 January 2018. From Cinderdale Common, cross Cinderdale Beck low down and climb the Lad Hows ridge, which becomes steep and rocky towards Grasmoor.

Retrace from the summit to the upper ridge, descend to Wandope Moss, then follow Whiteless Edge to Whiteless Pike. This particular circuit omits the Wandope summit detour. Descend Whiteless Breast and turn into Rannerdale. Cross the Squat Beck footbridge and follow the grassy return to the same Cinderdale parking area. The author’s four hours is a personal record, not a general time allowance.

Terrain and setting

This is a demanding hillwalk with steep sections, a broad summit and exposed upland weather. Wet rock, snow, ice and poor visibility increase the difficulty. Avoid unplanned descents towards the craggy flanks, and use a map and current mountain forecast.

BGS identifies sedimentary Kirk Stile Formation rocks, altered by heating to hornfels, rather than predominantly volcanic lava. English Lakes attributes the name’s first element to Old Norse grise, meaning wild boar.

Access

The described start is Cinderdale Common, not a generic Lanthwaite or Buttermere start. Check permitted parking and current access signs. Stagecoach’s timetable checked on 18 October 2026 covers 5 October–1 November and lists Lanthwaite Green Farm and Buttermere; a bus approach changes the circuit distance. The separate 77C shuttle finished its 2026 season in August. Check the latest timetable and return journey before setting out.

Sources checked: 18 October 2026.

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Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Grasmoor via Lad Hows and Whiteless Pike from Cinderdale Common

Start and finish at Cinderdale Common beside Crummock Water. Cross Cinderdale Beck low down and climb Lad Hows to Grasmoor. Retrace to the upper ridge, descend to Wandope Moss and continue along Whiteless Edge to Whiteless Pike, without the Wandope summit detour. Descend Whiteless Breast, turn into Rannerdale, cross the Squat Beck footbridge and follow the grassy path back to Cinderdale Common. Andrew’s Walks records this complete circuit on 12 January 2018 as 6.5 miles, approximately 10.5 km, with 2,900 ft, approximately 884 m, ascent. Its four-hour account is a personal elapsed time, not a general duration estimate.

10.5 km Challenging hillwalk; steep rocky sections
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn Simm Hewitt Nuttall Wainwright Birkett High Hills of Britain Synge Fellranger

Elevation

852m

2,794 ft

Prominence

518m

Coordinates

54.5716, -3.2779

NY174203

OS Map

89 90

Explorer: OL4S

At the Summit

The recorded summit is ground beside a windshelter at NY1748520351, 851.6 m. The separate ground about 100 m east-north-east is recorded as 0.5 m lower; a summit trig pillar is not supported by the primary record.

Terrain & Geology

Grassy lower slopes a steepening rocky Lad Hows ascent open summit ground and an undulating ridge over Whiteless Pike followed by a steep descent and valley paths.

BGS describes Grasmoor’s rocks as Kirk Stile Formation siltstone and mudstone, with some sandstone, hardened and altered to hornfels in the Crummock Water thermal aureole. These are Ordovician Skiddaw Group sedimentary rocks affected by heating, rather than a mountain built mainly from volcanic lava.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, hikers can view the stunning peaks of the western fells, Crummock Water, and the sprawling landscape of the Lake District.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

English Lakes explains the first element of Grasmoor as Old Norse grise, “wild boar”. This is an attributed interpretation; the previous confident translation as “grassy open land” is not supported by the consulted name account.

Historical Significance

Grasmoor holds historical significance as it is frequented by walkers seeking to engage with the natural beauty of the Lake District, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

For the described circuit, use the small Cinderdale Common parking area beside Crummock Water. Andrew’s Walks identifies this start and finish; the previous NY158211 grid reference is not retained as a Cinderdale start. Park only where permitted without blocking access.

Public Transport

As checked on 18 October 2026, Stagecoach’s 77/77A timetable valid 5 October–1 November lists Lanthwaite Green Farm and Buttermere, with journeys from Keswick and some Cockermouth connections. A bus-stop approach changes the Cinderdale circuit’s start and distance. The National Park says the separate Cockermouth–Buttermere 77C shuttle finished its 2026 season at the end of August. Check current services, road connections and the last return before travel.

Nearby Facilities

Near the parking area, facilities are sparse, but Cockermouth has plenty of lovely cafes, shops, and pubs for a post-hike pint or slice of cake.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Lad Hows steepens on the upper ascent, and Whiteless Breast has steep sections. Wet or icy rock increases the difficulty.
  • Grasmoor has steep craggy flanks. Navigate carefully on the broad summit in poor visibility and keep away from unplanned descents towards the crags.
  • Cross Cinderdale Beck low down on the described ascent. Do not force a crossing in unsafe water conditions; carry suitable clothing, navigation equipment and a current mountain forecast.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Grasmoor?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Grasmoor through the maps

Are there other walkers around Grasmoor?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Grasmoor search or of course create your own walk for Grasmoor

Can I organise a walk to Grasmoor?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Grasmoor.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Grasmoor?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Grasmoor here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

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Location

Grasmoor location map

Grid reference: NY174203

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.

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