YHA hopping in The Lake District - YHA Borrowdale to YHA Grasmere

(S) From YHA Borrowdale, join the footpath next to the River Derwent and turn left, heading North-East as far as the bridge over to Peat Howe.

(1) Go over the bridge and bear left across the field to Rosthwaite village. Go North-East through the houses to reach the road (B-5289).

(2) Turn left then right to cross the bridge over The Crook. Turn right along the lane that runs parallel to the stream that becomes Stonethwaite Beck following the signs for the Cumbria Way.

(3) Go past Stonethwaite Bridge (a campsite can be seen on the other side of the stream) and past Galleny Force.

(4) Ignore a path leading off to the right (that goes up Langstrath Beck) keeping Eagle Crag ahead of you. Our route stays on the left of Greenup Gill, climbing steadily, leaving Eagle Crag to the right. The path moves away from the stream to tackle a steeper climb up Lining Crag.

(5) From Lining Crag, carry on over the top to Greenup Edge.

(6) Ignore a path bearing left to Middle How but keep straight on down Flour Gill (Esat-South-East) and round the Birks to reach a dry-stone wall. Here the path divides and in bad weather it is advisable to take the downward path that runs along the valley of Far Easedale Gill. However, the more interesting route lies to the left along the edge of Brownrigg Moss to reach Calf Crag (Wainwright fell at 537m above sea level).

(7) From the cairn, keep heading West along the Carrs, past Pike of Carrs and along the top of Moment Crag. The path continues along the ridge to reach Gibson Knott (Wainwright fell at 422m above sea level). Drop down slightly from the cairn to scramble back up to the top of Helm Crag (Wainwright fell at 405m above sea level),

(8) From Helm Crag head downhill (South-East) towards White Crag and follow the zig-zag path down to the Lancrigg country house hotel. A path through the woods goes past a poet's corner and the hotel has a Poet's Bar for refreshments.

(9) From the hotel gardens, go out onto the road, turning left to walk alongside Easedale Beck.

(10) Go past the footbridge and path that leads off right towards Sourmilk Gill. After the bridge over the beck take the footpath that runs alongside the road (avoiding traffic) but return to the road before reaching the Glenthorne Quaker Centre & Guest House. A short walk under the trees will bring you to the entrance to YHA Grasmere Butharlyp Howe. (E)

• Make sure your boots are comfortable and sturdy.
• Always take wet weather gear as the weather can change quickly in The Lakes. If the weather is bad or the visibility is reduced due to low clouds you might consider changing the latter part of the route by going straight down Far Easedale Gill straight into Grasmere.
• This route goes along some of the Cumbria Way and practically all of it is part of Wainwright's A Coast to Coast.
• After you've showered and sorted out your kit, had your tea, and put your wet stuff in the drying room, pop down to the village to have a look at Grasmere Lake and maybe check out Wordsworth's grave next to the church. Another recommendation is to have a drink in Tweedies Bar which has a good selection of local beers and sometimes live music.

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

This is a moderate walk from the Borrowdale Valley over to Easdale Valley but it's also a ridge walk with great views over Far Easedale Gill and the surrounding landscape. Helm Crag is also known as The Lion and The Lamb due to it's profile when seen from the A591. Take care of yourself and look out for wildlife along the way. Just enjoy the journey and make the most of the moment.