Scrambles in the Lake District North

110 graded scramble routes amongst the Lake District's rocks, gills and crags. Scrambling (rougher walking routes where you’ll need to use your hands) is becoming increasingly popular, and is a way of enjoying the wilder Lakeland. This guide covers Wasdale, Ennerdale and Buttermere, Borrowdale, Thirlmere, Patterdale, Mardale and Swindale.

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40. Sourmilk Gill, Buttermere

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Grade 2 NY172162    

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The first half of the route climbs open slabs which are very smooth and often covered with a layer of slimy lichen, which is slippery even if ascended in socks. The second half of the route follows an enclosed ravine with short steep steps interspersed with walking. Height gain 320m.

This is the stream which issues from Blaeberry Combe under Red Pike and High Stile. It is very obvious from Buttermere village, where it appears as a continuous cascade on a reddish-tinged bedrock, cutting an open swathe through the adjacent forest.

WARNING
This traditional scramble is an accident black spot. Novice scramblers can easily be tempted by the innocent-looking but holdless slabs into irreversible situations, especially in the usually greasy conditions. Anyone unused to balance-climbing on easy-angled slabs should avoid this route as a slip can result in a long fall. The route is only suitable for those experienced enough to form their
own judgements.

Approach: The popular lakeside path from Buttermere village goes past the start of the gill near the outlet of the lake.

Route: The first half needs no description – go where fancy takes you and avoid setting foot off the slabs. Above the forest the stream becomes narrower and runs in a small ravine. A steeper cascade is climbed on its left, ­followed by a short steep wall above a pool – again keep left on large sloping holds. Continue by rock stairways ­to a steeper cascade climbed awkwardly on its right or more easily in the centre if not awash. A long cascade is started on the right, then cross a pool to finish on the right.

Blaeberry Tarn is not far above and a steep path leads to Red Pike. Further scrambling is easily reached in Birkness Combe of High Stile (Route 39).

41. Hassness Gill, Goat Grag

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Grade 1, 2 or 3 NY189161   

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A fairly open gill where one can choose between the slabs of the streambed, if dry, or excursions on the buttress on its right. Height gain 250m.

Above the northern side of Buttermere lake is Goat Crag, deeply riven by a many fingered gill.

Approach: Park at a layby near Hassness where the stream crosses the road. A path leads into the gill.

Route: Where the path leaves the side of the gill, continue up the left bank to enter the ravine proper. Scramble to a fork at a small reservoir. Keep to the left branch and a rocky defile. This can be difficult in high water, when it is advisable to use the buttress on its right. There are several small falls to surmount. A broader fall can be passed on its left to reach an amphitheatre with a choice of exits. The left branch is the best and runs over slabs that in dry conditions make an excellent way. If it is too wet, scramble up the easy heathery broken buttress between the left and centre streams until the left stream can be regained and followed more easily to a rocky exit.

A descent path is well over to the south-east, past a prominent hollow. Alternatively, a pleasing circuit is over High Snockrigg, where an old path zigzags down to Buttermere village and the lakeside path back to the start.