Braithwaite via Coledale Hause up Hopegill Head: route map, distance and time
770 m · Cumbria
Hopegill Head is a sharp summit at the junction of ridges in the north-western fells, perched above the cliffs of Hobcarton Crag.
Follow the mine track up Coledale to Coledale Hause, then climb over Sand Hill to the summit.
Braithwaite via Coledale Hause starts at about 130 m and gains 797 m over 6.3 km to 732 m on the track. It is steep from the start: the first kilometre climbs 214 m (21%). The steepest kilometre is the one ending at 1 km, which climbs 214 m at an average of 21%, with a 500 m stretch from 3 km at about 37%. The final 0.3 km eases to the top. About 31% of the way is steeper than 1 in 5, so expect hands-on-knees going and a slow descent.
Braithwaite via Coledale Hause at a glance
| Distance | 6.3 km one way, to the top |
|---|---|
| Climb on the track | 797 m up, 194 m down on the way |
| Start and top of the track | 130 m to 765 m (summit 770 m) |
| Steepest 500 m | About 37%, from 3 km |
| Steeper than 1 in 5 | 31% of the way |
| Grade | Moderate |
| Start | Braithwaite / lower Whinlatter Pass car park |
| Start grid reference | NY 227 237 |
| Summit grid reference | NY 185 221 |
| Parking | Braithwaite / lower Whinlatter Pass car park |
Braithwaite via Coledale Hause map
The track from the start (green) to the summit (blue), with a marker at each kilometre.
Height profile and getting to the start
Near the start
- Royal Oak0.4 km
- Coledale Inn0.4 km
- Jasper's0.6 km
- Tea Shop1.7 km
- Hope Memorial Camp0.1 km
- Lanefoot Farm0.9 km
From OpenStreetMap, within 2 km. Check opening times before you rely on them.
Download the Braithwaite via Coledale Hause GPX
Ascent only: plan your way down. A planning track, not checked on the ground; it doesn't show safe scrambling moves. Track data © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), heights from a terrain model.
Braithwaite via Coledale Hause kilometre by kilometre
Height, climb and average gradient for each kilometre of the track, with a grid reference at the end of each one to check your position on the map.
| At | Height | Climb | Gradient | Grid ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 km | 344 m | +214 m | 21% steep | NY 221 234 |
| 2 km | 381 m | +37 m | 4% | NY 213 228 |
| 3 km | 566 m | +185 m | 18% | NY 204 226 |
| 4 km | 698 m | +132 m | 13% | NY 196 222 |
| 5 km | 621 m | -77 m | -8% | NY 190 214 |
| 6 km | 737 m | +116 m | 12% | NY 186 219 |
| 6.3 km | 732 m | -5 m | -2% | NY 185 221 |
How long Braithwaite via Coledale Hause takes
| Pace | To the top | There and back |
|---|---|---|
| Brisk 6 km/h, 8 min per 100 m up | 2h 5m | 3h 10m |
| Steady (Naismith) 5 km/h, 10 min per 100 m up | 2h 35m | 3h 50m |
| Relaxed 4 km/h, 12 min per 100 m up | 3h 10m | 4h 45m |
Times leave out stops. Coming down the same way, the table counts the ascent once; steep descents on rough ground can be as slow as the climb.
Hopegill Head summit weather for this route
There is no recent summit forecast cached for Hopegill Head right now. The main Hopegill Head page loads the live forecast when you open it. Open the live Hopegill Head forecast.
Before you go, also check: MWIS Lake District forecast · Met Office mountain forecast · Weatherline fell top conditions.
About Hopegill Head
Hopegill Head is a sharp summit at the junction of ridges in the north-western fells, perched above the cliffs of Hobcarton Crag. More about Hopegill Head, with the live forecast.
On the lists: Wainwright, Hewitt, Nuttall, Birkett.
Extend the walk: tops near the summit
- Sand Hill (756 m), 0.3 km south-east
- Ladyside Pike (704 m), 0.6 km north
- Hobcarton Crag (738 m), 0.8 km east
- Whiteside East Top (719 m), 1 km west
- Grisedale Pike (790 m), 1.3 km east
- Whiteside (707 m), 1.5 km west
Challenges that include Hopegill Head
More walks from Braithwaite / lower Whinlatter Pass car park
Routes in Peakify's guides that start within 500 m of this one, for another day from the same car park.
- Braithwaite via Coledale Hause up Crag Hill
- Braithwaite via Coledale Hause up Grasmoor
- Braithwaite via Sleet How up Grisedale Pike
- Braithwaite via Coledale Hause up Sail
- Braithwaite via Coledale Hause up Wandope
- Braithwaite via Coledale Hause up Sand Hill
- Braithwaite via Grisedale Pike ridge up Hobcarton Crag
- Braithwaite via Grisedale Pike ridge up Ladyside Pike
Other routes up Hopegill Head
| Route | Distance | Ascent | Time up | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Braithwaite via Grisedale Pike | 5.2 km one way | 760 m | 2h 20m | Moderate |
| Lanthwaite via Whiteside ridge | 5.1 km one way | — | — | Hard |
In an emergency
Call 999, ask for the police and then mountain rescue. Give your location (the start is at NY 227 237, the summit at NY 185 221), what happened and how many are in your group. If you have no signal for a call, a text to 999 works once you have registered your phone with emergencySMS: text "register" to 999 before you go.
Braithwaite via Coledale Hause: questions and answers
How far is Braithwaite via Coledale Hause?
Braithwaite via Coledale Hause is 6.3 km one way to the summit of Hopegill Head. There and back by the same way is about 12.6 km.
How steep is Braithwaite via Coledale Hause?
The steepest 500 m averages about 37%, starting 3 km from the start, and 31% of the way is steeper than 1 in 5. Braithwaite via Coledale Hause climbs 797 m in all on the track.
Where do you park for Braithwaite via Coledale Hause?
Braithwaite via Coledale Hause starts from Braithwaite / lower Whinlatter Pass car park. The grid reference is NY 227 237. Braithwaite / lower Whinlatter Pass car park
Is Braithwaite via Coledale Hause suitable for beginners?
Yes, for fit walkers on a clear day. Peakify grades it Moderate: a long climb on a made path, but the top is high, exposed and colder than the start. Turn back if the cloud comes down and you can't navigate.
Is there a GPX for Braithwaite via Coledale Hause?
Yes. Download it from this page. It is an ascent-only planning track from the start to the summit, plotted on OpenStreetMap paths and not checked on the ground.