YHA hopping in the Lake District - YHA Patterdale to YHA Grasmere

(S) Leave YHA Patterdale, turning right (North) along the main A592 road. Just past the bridge on the right that goes up to Rooking, there is a small post indicating the route to the left. However, a little further on, past a car park, there is another lane that meets the route further up.

Alternatively, if you want to have a look at Patterdale and maybe pop into the Patterdale Village Store & Post Office, carry on until you get to the Patterdale Hotel and there is a clearly marked path around the back of the building. This option also takes you up to the main path towards Oxford Crag. At the point where these paths meet, take the South-Westerly option that gently climbs towards Hag Beck.

(1) Ignore the path that leads down to the right to Home Farm, cross the beck and follow the path around the edge of the dry-stone wall and through the forest.

Cross the stile over another wall and shortly after, cross another stile to head down to Grisedale Beck and the end of the tarmacked road.

(2) Turn right then left to cross the beck and head up on the other side to a corner of the wall to cross the stile. Bear left, heading upwards almost due West. The climb is steady but not difficult and before too long you should reach Hole-in-the-wall.

(3) Ignore the path that descends to Red Tarn but keep climbing along Bleaberry Crag, passing Low Spying How and reaching High Spying How. This is the beginning of Striding Edge and time should be taken to assess whether to walk the top or play safe and use the path at the side.

Once on the edge, have confidence and the good sense to use hands, knees and bottom to ensure a secure passage and safe arrival at the other end. Even if the weather is unpleasant, don't rush this section and enjoy the thrill of ridge walking. To reach the summit, there is something of a scramble up the rock face. Look out for shiny stones as that will be where others have trodden but avoid slippery surfaces. After passing a cairn and shelter you should reach the trig point that marks the summit of Helvellyn (Wainwright at 950m).

(4) Come back to the shelter and cairn to pick up the path heading down South of the summit, past Lad Crag. At a cairn near Swallow Scarth, keep left (South) to go over Nethermost Pike (Wainwright at 891m). Continue South to go past another cairn near High Crag. Stay on the ridge path to cross Dollywagon Pike (Wainwright at 858m). The path continues along the ridge then drops steaply to Grisedale Tarn.

(5) Cross over Grisedale Beck and head South along the tarn to Grisedale Hause. Before reaching the waterfall, take the right fork (South-West) to stay on the path along Hause Riggs, with Seat Sandal up to the right, to reach Little Tongue Gill. The path descents steeply on the left of the beck passing Tonguegill Force and eventually coming out onto the main A591 road at Mill Bridge Farm.

(6) Go across the main road (A591) and along the country lane that heads towards Helm Cragg. At the junction at Low Mill Bridge turn left along Helm Close to follow the River Rothay and then head past Underhelm Farm.

The lane then goes past the former YHA Thorney Howe (now an independent hostel) and continues past cottages to finally join the Easedale Road.

(7) Turn left towards the village of Grasmere and onto the path on the right after Goody Bridge. This footpath runs parallel to the road and avoids having to jump out of the way of the cars. Get back onto the road at another swing gate, ignoring the path that heads across the meadow to the right. Carry on along the road past a few cottages and through a dark wooded section to reach the entrance to YHA Grasmere Butharlyp Howe. (E)

Always check the weather before setting off in the morning and have alternative plans if the mist comes down. Take gloves and warm hats to make life more comfortable on the high fells. There should be streams and springs along the way to refill your bottle. Make sure you have sturdy boots that protect the ankles as the descent from Dollywagon Pike requires adequate footwear. If you're looking for a decent drink and maybe some wholesome food, check out The Good Sport in Grasmere (it's the Tap-Room for the Grasmere Brewery)

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 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 classic route and should be enjoyed all costs. Not a route to be tackled when the days are short or the weather is bad. If it's summer and the visability is good, 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.