A Shorter Coledale Round

From the centre of Braithwaite, beside the bridge on the way to Newlands Pass. Walk along the road towards the pass, and in 100m (110 yards) from the bridge turn right onto the driveway to Braithwaite Lodge. It is signposted public bridleway.

In front of the lodge bear right following the "Path" directions, through two gates and the farm yard. Cross the field to the gate, go through onto the open fell. Initially bear left for a few metres and then at the stunted signpost turn right onto the path up along the north eastern ridge of Barrow.

The grass path is quite steep in places. The views really start to open out to the vale of Keswick, and across Coledale to Grisedale Pike.

There is a little bump on the ridge, a small drop in height, and then the ridge continues climbing. Heather gradually encroaches to the small rocky outcrop which is the summit of Barrow.

Continue over the summit area, then bear right on the rocky path down to the col of Barrow Door.

Bear right at the crossroads and climb the narrow zigzag path opposite. It is obviously not as well used as the path over Barrow, but it is clear enough.

The summit of Stile End is on the far right hand, north east, corner of a small grassy patch.

From the summit of Stile End turn left onto a narrow path through the heather heading for the obvious north east ridge of Outerside. Drop down to the boggy Low Moss and skirt the worst of the wet ground either left or right.

The onward path through the heather to the ridge was in May 2013 marked by a short white stick and red flag! It is unlikely to be there long but it should not be difficult to pick the path up anyway even in poor conditions. There are a few little rocky steps that appear in the heather just for interest.

The summit of Outerside is a small collection of stones on the rocky top.

Continue over the summit area and bear slightly right down the south west ridge. At the bottom turn left and cross marshy ground to the old mine track from Stonycroft.

Reaching the track, hopefully with dry feet, turn right. Keep on the track as it bears left along a delightful terraced ledge and on up to Sail pass.

Turn right at the confluence of paths. Ascend the raised path as it swings one and then the other as it heads for the rounded top of Sail. Curiously the path misses the summit of Sail which is hardly a stones throw away across a patch of grass. The small summit cairn often has its own moat.

From the small summit cairn of Sail return to the path and continue westerly. The ground narrows alarmingly and drops along a rocky ridge - this is called The Scar. Keep to the ridge top path, there are no tricky bits. It is just rough mountain path.

You soon reach the bottom of the drop and start climbing again. Clamber up the rocky steps and terraces. Only one presented a formidable appearance rearing out of the mist, but on closer inspection was easily assailable by tackling head on following the well worn hand and footholds of countless walkers before.

All too soon the ridge comes to an end on the vast plateau of Crag Hill. Follow the cairned trail to the trig point.

From the trig point turn left to walk away south westwards from the crags on the north east face. Ahead is Grasmoor, follow the path down to the crossroad on the col.

At the crossroads turn right. Descend on the rough path, a beck soon appears on your left. Continue down to the great col of Coledale Hause. As it comes into view up to your right is Eel Crag. The steep boulder scree and precipitous rocky steps make that descent rather difficult.

As you drop down to the Hause bear right on the path to drop down into the valley of Coledale.

There is a good view down into the valley. There is a short section of well engineered zigzags before it reverts to rough mountain path.

The old buildings of High Force mine can be seen high on the fellside from the path where the old track used to be - the path crosses a short flat area with a peat hag and boggy ground to the left just where the track went alongside. Further down the path Force Crag Mine itself comes into view with Force Crag and its waterfall towering above.

The path is easy to follow and eventually drops to a ford and stepping stones across Coledale Beck.

Cross the beck and continue on the track up to the mine road.

If you have time then turn left to go to visit the mine buildings - which are fascinating but largely rusting hulks. You cannot go in the buildings or mine workings as they are secured.

Then follow the mine road all the way back to the Whinlatter road. Turn right down the hill, and then right again just around the corner. This path drops to a small footbridge, cross the bridge and bear left into the back of Braithwaite. Bear left to the junction beside the church. Bear left and then right just before the bridge to return to the Newlands bridge beside the village shop.