Branstree and Selside Pike

The last time we were at Gatesgarth Pass, earlier this year, Branstree and all the other fells were covered with pure white snow. Several attempts at walking off the path, then, were thwarted by sinking up to the waist in deep soft snow drifts.  Today the temperature was warm and initially sultry with grey cloud hanging low over the tops.
The walk stared form Mardale Head at the end of Haweswater. We arrived at about 11.45 having stopped in Shap for a coffee at the Abbey Coffee Shop ( recommended).  There was still car parking space available and we set off up the path to Gatesgarth Pass the temperature warm but the cloud level rising with High Street and Kidsty Pike becoming visible.
Once at the pass we followed the fence up, keeping it on our right, to the summit of Branstree, negotiating a significant area of bog before gaining height. The top of Branstree is grassy and rounded . We visited the small pile of stones indicating the top  then walked north west to find a grand viewpoint overlooking Hawswater and the High Street fells, an ideal place for a lunch stop. The sun was now out and the
atmosphere bright and summery.

Looking north east our route was clear. Across to Artlecrag Pike then cross fence, past the survey post heading for an unnamed knoll. Then, down to the col ominously named on the OS map as Captain Whelter Bog (but in fact caused no problems) and then on to Selside Pike. By now we were walking on a gloriously sunny  afternoon, sun cream and sun hats compulsory. The whole Moorland was covered in a carpet of white cotton grass, the cotton dancing in the light breeze. A wonderful sight. The moorland across the top was a good place to practice some micronavigation techniques, timing, pacing and compass work. If misty the fence would always act as a good guide.


Our route down from Selside Pike was to continue down the grassy broad north east ridge to meet the Old Corpse Road and then head west back towards Haweswater descending by the impressive waterfalls to the road. The shoreside path was closed so we followed the road back to the car.




Time  4hrs 30mns
Grade Excellent
Memories:

• Beautiful Haweswater Valley
• Cottongrass moorland
• Views to High Street  Kidsty Pike etc

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