Swinside to Loweswater village 

Via Ladyside Pike, Hope Gill Head, Hobcarton Crag, Wandope, Whiteless Pike & the shore of Crummock Water. 11miles 3200ft

Setting off from Swinside above Lorton Vale on a perfect spring morning

Lorton Vale and the West Cumbrian coast after gaining height on the path to Ladyside Pike

Ladyside Pike with Hopegill Head now on the horizon

Following the ridge line to the summits....

....and looking back down the ridge from Ladyside Pike

Nearing the summit of Hopegill Head....

....and again

A gap in the ridge line known as 'The Notch'....

....and looking back to 'The Notch' having gained the summit 2526ft

Looking east to Grisedale Pike & Hobcarton Crag.... 

....and west down Gasgale Gill to Crummock Water

Hobcarton Gill from Hobcarton Crag

Hobcarton Gill leading down to the start of Whinlatter forest park

After turning south over Coledale Hause I arrived at Wandope summit 2533ft

Ridges and misty valleys looking east from the summit

Starting the descent over Whiteless Pike to Crummock Water....

....with a stop for lunch on Whiteless PikeThe final part of the descent down Rannerdale

Crossing Rannerdale beck....

....before arriving on the shore of Crummock Water

It was then just a lovely stroll along the lakeside in the warm spring sunshine to Loweswater village....

.....and again

A final rest for a coffee on the lake side before heading into the village for my lift back to the car.

I think this was just about as good as it ever gets for a day's walking in  Lakeland !