NY1726 : Old Wall, Greystones

Graystones

450m Elevation
9m Prominence
England Country
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NY1726 : Old Wall, Greystones

Michael Graham Photo source

Overview

Graystones: A Hiker’s Paradise

Graystones, standing at a proud 528 metres, is a Marilyn of the Lake District that promises not just an enjoyable trek, but also a feast for the eyes. This mountain is perfect for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the everyday grind and connect with nature.

Geology

The geological composition of Graystones is primarily volcanic rock, which tells a tale of ancient geological processes. The occasional rocky outcrop not only adds to the landscape's intrigue but also serves as a reminder of the Earth's volatile past. Remember, though, this is no place to start collecting 'free samples' of rock!

Routes

One favoured route is the Patterdale Circular. This moderate jaunt spans approximately 8.5 km and typically takes around 4 hours to complete, allowing hikers to soak in the scenic beauty of the surrounding landscape. You’ll even get a decent workout—perfect for burning off that cake you indulged in at the cafe.

Summit Features

Upon reaching the summit, hikers are greeted by a large stone cairn and a trig point. This is an ideal spot to pause, catch your breath, and snap a few photos for your social media feed—because if you didn’t Instagram it, did you even go?

Terrain

Expect rocky and grassy terrain, peppered with the occasional boggy patch that will challenge your balance and humour. A good pair of hiking boots is your best friend here!

Views

The panoramic views from Graystones are nothing short of astounding. On a clear day, the shimmering Ullswater can be seen, framed by other notable peaks such as Place Fell and Helvellyn. The best times for these views are late spring through early autumn, when the weather is most favourable.

Hazards

While embarking on your hiking adventure, be mindful of several hazards. Slippery rocks are often lurking in wait, especially after a downpour. And let's not forget the boggy areas—these will happily swallow a not-so-cautious hiker whole!

Nearby Summits

Don’t miss nearby hills such as Place Fell (657 m) and Helvellyn (950 m) for further exploration and challenges.

Access

Getting to Graystones is a breeze—just head to Patterdale, where you’ll find ample parking close to the trek's start. Public transport also serves the area, with Stagecoach buses running from nearby towns like Penrith and Ambleside.

Facilities

Post-trek, the village of Patterdale offers a couple of delightful cafes to refuel, not to mention public toilets—a basic necessity after a long walk!

History

The name 'Graystones' hints at its distinctive grey stones, while the mountain holds cultural significance tied to the history of adventuring in this stunning part of the UK.

So pack your bags, lace up your boots, and get ready to explore Graystones. Happy hiking!

Explore routes near Graystones

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Whinlatter dark skies walk

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Whinlatter dark skies walk

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Binsey from Binsey Lodge Direct Out and Back Wainwright

2.4 km ~1h 30m Moderate

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Brae Fell from Longlands Wainwright

8.8 km ~3h Moderate

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Route planning notes

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

Patterdale Circular

A scenic circular route starting from Patterdale, offering breathtaking views as you ascend towards the summit.

8.5 km ~4 hours Moderate
Browse more walks on the map

Make a day of it, together

Find someone to share the walk with, or organise a day out along a route you like.

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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Wainwright

Elevation

450m

1,478 ft

Prominence

9m

Coordinates

54.6280, -3.2776

NY176266

OS Map

89 90

Explorer: OL4S

At the Summit

The summit features a large stone cairn and a trig point, perfect for your 'I was here' selfies and to contemplate your life choices.

Terrain & Geology

Rocky and grassy with occasional boggy patches—watch your step!

Graystones is primarily composed of volcanic rock, which is quite common in this region. The rocky outcrops provide a glimpse into the geological history of the area, featuring a mixture of slate and ash deposits indicative of past volcanic activity.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can see Ullswater and the surrounding peaks, such as Helvellyn and Place Fell.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Graystones' likely derives from the grey-coloured stones found in abundance around the mountain.

Historical Significance

The area has historical significance due to its association with early mountaineering and its stunning natural beauty, which has been a draw for adventurers for generations.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is ample parking available at Patterdale, which is a short walk from the trailhead.

Public Transport

Easily accessible via Stagecoach buses from nearby towns like Penrith and Ambleside.

Nearby Facilities

There are a couple of quaint cafes in Patterdale for a hearty meal post-hike, as well as public toilets.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Beware of slippery rocks, particularly after rain. Also, be cautious around boggy areas which can surprise even the most seasoned hiker.

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 Graystones?

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

Are there other walkers around Graystones?

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 Graystones search or of course create your own walk for Graystones

Can I organise a walk to Graystones?

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 Graystones.

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 Graystones?

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 Graystones here

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

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

Graystones location map

Grid reference: NY176266

View on OpenStreetMap

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

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Fleetwith Pike

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