YHA Hopping in the Lake District - Dungeon Ghyll to YHA Grasmere

Start : The path starts from the information shelter at the top of the National Trust Stickle Ghyll car park.

(S) Take the path that leads out of the National Trust Stickle Ghyll car park and turn left (West) along the Cumbria Way. After a short distance, the path rises to meet a gate in the intake wall. On the other side of the wall, take the path off to the right and head uphill by the side of the wall. The path reaches a stile in the intake wall and then turns left, descending to cross Dungeon Ghyll (the stream).

(1) The path moves away from the stream to climb up to Mark Gate. The path is well defined and flagged with stones in a number of stretches due to footfall erosion. Higher up, the path threads its way amongst the rocky outcrops above Raven Crag.

The path bears left, crossing a boggy section and climbing to a narrow col. Bear right to step onto Thorn Crag where breathtaking views are to be appreciated. Turn back towards the col and take the path or rake between the subsidiary top and the summit of Loft Crag (Wainwright 682m above sea level).

(2) From the summit of Loft Crag head straight along the crags in a North-West direction to reach Pike of Stickle (Wainwright 709m above sea level). There's a bit of a scramble to reach the top and be careful choosing the descent, especially in bad weather as it's very exposed. From the base of the Pike of Stickle bear slightly left (East) away from the crags.

(3) Cross Harrison Combe and over the stream Dungeon Ghyll. The path is easy to follow with a few rock steps higher on the slope up to the rounded top of Harrison Stickle (Wainwright 736m above sea level).

(4) Head due North along the crags with Stickle Tarn down to the right, gradually bending round to the right to reach the cairn on Pavey Ark (Wainwright 700m above sea level). Having taken in the views, which continue to be spectacular on a clear day, head west past a couple of small tarns to reach the summit of Thunacar Knott (Wainwright 723m above sea level).

(5) Work your way back to the main path heading North, across the head of Bright Beck, bear round to the right to reach the cairn on top of Sergeant Man (Wainwright 736m above sea level).

(6) Head in an Easterly direction off the rocks to pass a cairn at the top of a rake that heads down below Codale Head. Take this diagonal route down to the boggy area under Lang Crag and bear right to pick up the path that runs along the Eastern side of Codale Tarn.

(7) Follow the path round the Western side of Belles Knott before joining a bigger path at a large cairn at the top of the descent down the side of Eagle Crag to Easedale Tarn.

(8) At the Eastern end of the tarn, descend alongside Sourmilk Gill to the waterfalls and down into Easedale.

(9) Follow the well-defined path through gates, along the valley, by the side of Easedale Beck to reach a footbridge. Step onto the Easedale Road turning right to head into Grasmere. For some of the way, there is a path that is entered by a kissing-gate, running parallel with the road and exited by another kissing-gate. Go along a shadded road to reach the entrance on the left to Butharlyp Howe YHA Grasmere. (E)

Make sure your boots are comfortable and sturdy. If the weather is bad or the days are short you might consider shortening the route by going straight up to Stickle Tarn and down to Easdale Tarn on the other side, avoiding the high ground.

Keep an eye on the weather and always have a Plan B if the mist comes down. There aren't many sheltered spots along the route but there will probably be other walkers to help out if you run into difficulties. Water shouldn't be a problem and anywhere is good for a lunch break or just a 5 min rest, especially if there are views to be contemplated. Waterproofs are an absolute essential, even if the day promises to be clear and sunny.

Before leaving Dungeon Ghyll, treat yourself to a good breakfast as you're going to need all that energy to enjoy the day ahead (save some titbits for a mid-morning or lunch break).

The YHA is a great institution and I guess most fell walkers have stayed at a hostel at some time in their lives. They were created "to help all, especially young people of limited means, to a greater knowledge, love and care of the countryside, particularly by providing hostels or other simple accommodation for them on their travels".

This is a tough route but take time to enjoy the scenery around you and be careful on the high ground. Once you are down to Easedale Tarn the route is fairly easy and can be accomplished with a good rhythm and a steady pace giving time to look around and take in the countryside. This is a classic route and should be enjoyed at every stage. Don't rush it, there is time enough and there are some fantastic views to be appreciated. Look around and take in the beauty that is The Lake District. Take care of yourself and look out for wildlife along the way. Just enjoy the journey and make the most of the moment.