Wainwrights in 21 Days
Eastern Wainwrights - Longsleddale
18km & 1111m (11miles & 3644ft)
Predicted Walking Time 5hr 07m
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The shortest of the routes in the Eastern Wainwrights, this is a delightful journey of two halves. It starts with often indistinct paths in bog, but ends with a lovely romp down the Eastern side of the Kentmere Horseshoe.
The route to Grey Grag is indistinct, but aiming NE from Sadgill there is a stile in the wall leading to Great Howe. Continue N along the broad ridge before another stile, after which fthere is a clearer path to the Cairn. Note that the OS maps shows Grey Crag significantly further south than the summit cairn.
Continue north to reach a fence and follow it left cross a boggy region. Once you start to rise up the next ridge, look out for one of the paths leading W to the pillar and cairn on Tarn Crag.
Then down to cross the top of the Mosedale valley and begin the climb to Branstree. Aim right before reaching the summit to find a fence aiming towards Selside Pike, which looks over Haweswater.
Return to Branstree and across Gatescarth Pass track to Harter Fell. In good weather you'll have a superb view down Haweswater. In mist, this section is a bit of a slog. From Harter Fell you get good paths down what is the the Eastern side of the Kentmere Horseshoe. Pass Wray Crag and turn left to return to Sadgill.
Note that the road up Longsleddale is narrow and winding, and you may encounter walkers, farm vehicles and sheep. Get to Sadgill early if you want to be sure of a parking space. Otherwise you will have to park a mile down the valley by the church.