Coledale Round

About

From Keswick the peaks that surround Coledale are an intriguing sight. They are close enough to draw the eye yet far enough away that only their silhouettes show. From this angle each of the main peaks show angular and clean cut lines that look particularly challenging, so much so, that on first glimpse, you feel they would demand individual ascents to walk them comfortably. However whilst it is true that there are big drops between some of the peaks, others are linked at high level with little height loss, and the going between all of them is such that a good easy pace can be set. This makes the Coledale peaks an ideal candidate for a skyline walk that gains all the summits in one round.

Coledale itself is a classic U shaped valley that is typical of many in the Lake District, but unlike others it has no habitation. In fact the only obvious sign of human presence is the remains of the old barytes mine at the valley head and the rough track that serviced it. This lack of human presence gives the surrounding peaks and ridges a pleasant wild feel. There are a number of variants to the walk around the peaks as there are a number of 'out rigger' peaks. If you stick to the true skyline then you need to take in Kinn, Sleet How, Sand Hill, Crag Hill, Sail, Outerside, Stile End and Barrow. In addition you can almost not avoid Hopegill Head as it is just a couple of hundred metres off track and if you have enough energy you really should pop up Grasmoor. Grasmoor is such an important view point that any chance to get on to its summit should be taken without hesitation.