Epic Hikes of the World ( PDFDrive )

- E P I C H I K E S O F T H E W O R L D -
MORE LIKE THIS
BRITISH HORSESHOE ROUTES
COLEDALE ROUND, LAKE DISTRICT
While many tourists are drawn to the Lake District by the collective magnetism of
Beatrix Potter and Wordsworth (see pp218–221), it’s the fells that are the real
attraction. If you’re looking for a walk that’s worthy of your boot leather, the often
overlooked Coledale Round is bristling with incredible summits and littered with
relics of Cumbria’s industrial past. Starting and finishing in the village of
Braithwaite, it takes you over the pyramidal 2595ft (791m) peak of Grisedale Pike
and the spectacular Hopegill Head (2526ft/770m). There’s an optional out-andback
to Grasmoor (2795ft/852m) and Wandope (2532ft/772m), before a finale of
Crag Hill (2752ft/839m) and Causey Pike (2090ft/637m). There are shorter
variants that provide an easier but still-dramatic day out. Whichever option you
choose, you’ll be rewarded with some steep climbs, rocky summit approaches and
one of the best routes in the Lakes.
Start/End // Braithwaite
Distance // 11.5 miles (18km)
BEN NEVIS VIA THE CARN MOR DEARG ARETE, SCOTLAND
Climbing Ben Nevis is an essential tick for anyone heading to Fort William, and
while the tourist path to the top is a trudge, an ascent via the Carn Mor Dearg
Arete is an exciting route for experienced walkers. On a fine day it delivers some of
the best views of the North Face of The Ben, host to scores of classic
mountaineering routes. Parking at the North Face car park you walk towards the
Ben, turning left to climb Carn Mor Dearg. The ridge itself is a long scything
approach that steepens sharply as it reaches the top. Take time to explore the
observatory ruins and memorials on the summit before taking the tourist path down.
In poor visibility you need to follow a bearing of 231° for 492ft (150m) and then a
bearing of 281° off the summit to avoid a dangerous section between Gardyloo and
Five Finger Gully.
Start/End // North Face car park
Distance // 11 miles (17km)