Hopegill Head

Hopegill Head

Three ridges meet at Hopegill Head, a 769.6 m peak in the north-western Lake District. Whiteside stretches away to the west above Gasgale Gill, Grisedale Pike rises to the east, and Ladyside Pike approaches from the north. The small rocky summit puts you right among the surrounding fells, with Grasmoor across the valley and the crags of Hobcarton close below.

This is a fell for walkers who enjoy high ridges and are comfortable on steep, rough ground. Both circuits below involve sustained climbing, loose stones and exposed mountain weather. Choose a clear, settled day if you want to appreciate the shape of the ridges as well as the views.

The summit and its neighbours

The highest point is a rock at grid reference NY 18567 22162, at 769.6 m, or 2,525 ft. Keep back from the steep edges around the summit, especially when stopping for a photograph or finding your onward path in cloud.

Sand Hill is the rounded 756 m top immediately south of Hopegill Head on the way to Coledale Hause. Grisedale Pike is 790.3 m and Grasmoor is 851.6 m. Each extension adds climbing, so decide which summits you are visiting before setting out and plan the return as carefully as the ascent.

From Braithwaite via Grisedale Pike

Start at Mall Quarry on the Whinlatter Pass road above Braithwaite. Climb over Kinn and Sleet How to Grisedale Pike, then follow the ridge over Hobcarton Crag to Hopegill Head. The upper ascent has rocky steps and loose stones. Along the crag rim, use the main path and leave plenty of room between yourself and the edge.

Return over Sand Hill to Coledale Hause, descend east into Coledale, cross Coledale Beck by the stepping stones and join the mine track back to the same car park. Check the water before crossing: a ford that is manageable in dry weather can become unsafe after heavy rain.

WalkLakes lists this complete circuit as 13 km with 875 m of ascent. Its timing is a minimum, so allow substantially more for breaks, navigation and difficult conditions. Starting in the village or adding a closer look at Force Crag Mine changes the distance. Full route description.

From Lanthwaite Green via Whiteside

For a western approach, cross Liza Beck by the footbridge and climb Whin Ben to Whiteside. Continue along the ridge to Hopegill Head, then retrace it to Whiteside. Descend north towards Dodd Pass, turn towards Hope Beck and follow the contouring path round into Lorton Vale. The path beside the field wall leads back to the Liza Beck bridge and Lanthwaite Green.

Andrew’s Walks records this full circuit, including the outward and return ridge traverse, as 6.6 miles, approximately 10.6 km, with 2,600 ft, approximately 792 m, of ascent. Expect steep rocky climbing above Whin Ben and an airy ridge with serious drops. See the described circuit.

Choosing a safe way down

Gasgale Gill is another possible return from Coledale Hause, but it needs its own route planning. Its lower path includes a short steep scramble, while the higher path also crosses rocky ground. Erosion and landslips have affected sections farther up the valley. Avoid the lower scramble on damp rock and follow current notices; do not treat the gill as an easy escape in bad weather. Gasgale Gill path details.

The northern approach from Ladyside Pike includes scrambling up the rock slabs below Hopegill Head. Neither circuit above uses those slabs. Stay with your planned route rather than following an unfamiliar path down from the summit.

Carry a map and compass, a reliable backup for navigation, waterproofs, warm layers, food and water. Strong wind makes exposed ridges more serious. Snow and ice call for winter skills and equipment, and short winter days leave less room for delays. Check a mountain forecast before leaving.

Rocks and the Coledale landscape

Hopegill Head belongs to the Skiddaw Group of sedimentary rocks. The British Geological Survey identifies Kirk Stile Formation sandstone and mudstone between Ladyside Pike and Hopegill Head, with beds and cleavage affected by several phases of folding. Those tilted, fractured rocks help explain the slabby and broken ground underfoot. BGS geology.

The Braithwaite return passes the old Force Crag Mine, which closed in 1991. Its buildings are a useful landmark in Coledale; entering them is a separate visit on advertised open days.

Parking, buses and facilities

Mall Quarry is a small parking area at NY 22727 23781. The National Park asks visitors not to park on the road there when it is full. Check current access notices, follow local signs for alternatives and account for any extra approach on foot. There are pubs in Braithwaite, but carry everything needed for the fell. Walk to Force Crag Mine along the valley track from the Braithwaite end. Official access information.

For the western circuit, use permitted parking at Lanthwaite Green near NY 159 208. Check the signs and charges on arrival and keep gates and farm access clear. Lanthwaite Wood is a separate start, so allow for the extra walking if you park there instead.

Stagecoach’s winter 2026/27 guide, valid from 2 November 2026 to 21 March 2027, lists the X5 at Braithwaite Croft Terrace. Add the walk from the village to the quarry start. The 2026 summer timetable for the 77/77A ended on 1 November, and the separate Cockermouth–Buttermere 77C shuttle finished its summer season in August. Check the current service for your exact start and the last bus home before making plans. Stagecoach journey information.