Hartsop Horseshoe and Hayeswater
18 people attending
3 places left
A day visiting some lesser-known fells above the hamlet of Hartsop in the Eastern Fells, near Patterdale. The circuit includes the Wainwrights of Hartsop Dodd (618m), Caudale Moor (and summit of Stony Cove Pike (763m)), Thornthwaite Crag (784m), and Gray Crag (698m).
This is day 1 of 2 mountain walks. The Leader will be camping at Gillside Campsite in Glenridding, feel free to join me (no need to book a tent) or you can find alternative accommodation at Helvellyn YHA (nearby), Patterdale YHA (about 2 miles away) or in countless B&B / hotels.
The parallel ridges which rise south of Hartsop hamlet are an impressive sight from my areas at the south end of Ullswater. The end of these two ridges which offer fine walking are the first and last summits of our day, but we have a descent to the shores of Hayeswater, a tarn which is set dramatically in a mountain amphitheatre with steep slopes on three sides.
The are several ascents, including a steep 450m ascent soon into the walk, to head up the northern ridge of Hartsop Dodd. A further 160m ascent, more gentle this time, takes us to Stony Cove Pike. A short steep drop to a pass between 2 deep valleys at Threshthwaite Mouth, leads to the final ascent of some 190m to Thornthwaite Crag. Turning north, a fine ridge leads us to Gray Crag. We continue northwards, now steeply downhill and then turn south east to reach the shore of Hayeswater in its impressive mountain basin setting.
From here, the path follows Hayeswater Gill and countless falls forming a seemingly endless cascade of water and diamonds glistening in the late summer sun (this might be wishful thinking). We return through Hartsop hamlet and head back to our cars.
What to bring
Water: bring at least two litres in a water bottle, or better still, a hydration bladder
Medicines: if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments etc.
Day Rucksack: typically 20-30 litres, they are comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely
Waterproof bags: keep spare clothing, electronics and anything else dry even when your rucksack leaks by using Ziploc type food bags or, better still, outdoor activity waterproof bags
Boots: waterproof and breathable hiking boots with good ankle support
Gaiters: recommended for wet weather or boggy conditions
Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters, and carry a spare, dry pair
Walking Poles: always optional, love them or hate them, but give them a try and decide for yourself
Layered clothing: lets you quickly adapt to changes in the weather and body temperature. Go for a base layer (vest or t-shirt) and a mid layer (a micro fleece or shirt) and in cooler weather add an outer layer (a windproof jacket or thick fleece)
Trousers: no jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry and on warm days shorts are OK
Waterproof jacket: essential when hiking in all but the calmest of weather, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry.
Gloves: Windproof, or better still, waterproof gloves are the best choice, bring a spare pair if expecting rain.
Hat or cap: stay warm in winter and shaded in summer
Sunglasses: for any sunny day, even in winter
Sun cream: can be useful even on cloudy and winter days
Snacks: bring biscuits, energy bars, gels, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit for example and put them somewhere easy to get hold of
Lunch: bring a packed lunch unless otherwise stated
Emergency equipment: the walk leader will bring any emergency equipment required for the group, but you are welcome to bring any that you have, such as additional high energy food, a survival bag, a whistle, a medical kit, a torch and something to make fire (either storm proof matches or a firelighter
Map and compass: the walk leader will have these, but if you like map reading or want to develop your skills, bring yours along
Mobile Phone: keep it in a waterproof bag for use in emergencies, and a spare battery/charger is a good idea
Food & drink
Bring packed lunch, water, snacks.
Option for a pub meal in the evening.