Grisedale Pike & Hopegill Head Walk

The Grisedale Pike & Hopegill Head Walk is a challenging experience that will take you through some exposed and rugged mountaintop terrain. Make sure to wear sturdy walking boots and take your time while making your ascent to the summit. Additionally, the top of the trail is fairly exposed to the elements, so bring several layers in order to combat the cold and windy conditions.

Despite the steep, and rugged terrain along the ridge, this is an amazing outdoor experience with spectacular views overlooking the surrounding Lake District landscape. The trail sets out from the car park and follows closely along Grisdale Gill before breaking off to the west on the steep ascent of Grisedale Pike. From here, you will traverse the ridgeline along Hobcarton Crag and Hopegill Head, while enjoying some amazing views of the mountains to the south. This is a great walk if you are up for a bit of a challenge and don’t mind heights!

Setting out from the Revelin Moss car park, follow the trail south for 0.21mi along the edge of Grisedale Gill before taking the path on the right to cross over the water. From here, keep right along the track for 400ft, before making two quick left turns that will bring you to a stile. Make your way over the stile to break out of the dense cover of the forest and begin the steep uphill climb to the summit of Grisedale Pike.

Keep straight for 1.0mi, where you will reach the rugged but beautiful lookout at the summit. After pausing to catch a breath after the long climb, make your way west along the ridge to traverse the summits of Hobcarton Crag and Hopegill Head, while taking in the amazing views of the mountains peaks to the south that include Grasmoor, Crag Hill, Wandope, and countless others.

Keep right at the junction near the summit of Hopegill Head and continue straight along the trail for the next 1.3mi, as you gradually begin to make your way downhill. Once you have reached a wall that stretches out to your right, follow it in the direction towards the wood and you will eventually meet up with a road. Follow this to the left to pass through the beautiful expanse of the Hobcarton Plantation.

Keep straight at the first junction, followed by a left turn that will bring you over Hobcarton Gill. Make another left shortly after the crossing and continue straight for the next 1.5mi, enjoying the serene atmosphere of the woodland landscape as you make your way through the final leg of the walk. At the junction, head left and continue straight to cross over Comb Beck and arrive back at the car park where you began the Grisedale Pike & Hopegill Head Walk.