Outerside

Hill, Mountain in Cumberland Allerdale

England

Outerside

Heading for the cloud containing Hopegill Head Deprived of any view from Grisedale Pike, we didn&#039;t have to drop very far at all to be back below the cloud, but the fresh northwesterly was particularly fierce in this gap on the way to Hobcarton Head and Hopegill Head (the latter hidden above cloudbase, whilst the former makes a brief appearance). Only a short distance further, the breeze became quite tolerable once again, though still pretty chilly, as is to be expected in November. At least the nasty patch showing on the rainfall radar forecast in the middle of the day didn&#039;t actually give us a shower. — Heading for the cloud containing Hopegill Head Credit: Andy Waddington

Outerside is a prominent hill located in the Lake District National Park in Cumberland, England. Rising to an elevation of 568 meters (1,864 feet), it is part of the Skiddaw range and is situated near the picturesque town of Keswick. Outerside is often classified as a Wainwright fell, named after Alfred Wainwright who extensively documented the Lake District's fells in his famous guidebooks.

The hill's distinct shape and strategic location offer breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. On a clear day, visitors can enjoy vistas of Bassenthwaite Lake, Derwentwater, and the nearby peaks of Skiddaw and Blencathra. Outerside is particularly popular among hikers and nature enthusiasts due to its accessibility and relatively moderate difficulty level. There are several well-marked trails leading to the summit, the most common starting point being the village of Braithwaite.

The ascent to Outerside typically begins with a gradual climb through beautiful woodland, with a path that eventually opens up to reveal the stunning views that await. The hill's grassy slopes provide a comfortable walking surface, and there are no significant technical challenges to overcome. However, caution is always advised when navigating any mountainous terrain.

Outerside's summit offers a perfect spot for a well-deserved rest and a chance to soak in the awe-inspiring scenery. The hill's peaceful surroundings and unspoiled nature make it an ideal destination for those seeking tranquility and a connection with the great outdoors. With its accessibility, natural beauty, and rewarding views, Outerside continues to attract visitors from near and far, contributing to the allure of the Lake District as a whole.

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Outerside Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.58217/-3.2221973 or Grid Reference NY2121. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Heading for the cloud containing Hopegill Head

Deprived of any view from Grisedale Pike, we didn't have to drop very far at all to be back below the cloud, but the fresh northwesterly was particularly fierce in this gap on the way to Hobcarton Head and Hopegill Head (the latter hidden above cloudbase, whilst the former makes a brief appearance). Only a short distance further, the breeze became quite tolerable once again, though still pretty chilly, as is to be expected in November. At least the nasty patch showing on the rainfall radar forecast in the middle of the day didn't actually give us a shower.

Andy Waddington

Force Crag

Pudding Beck has accumulated enough water to form a spectacular waterfall, Low Force, by the time it encounters the eponymous Force Crag. Although it hasn't cut much of a notch, and certainly nothing deep enough to be called a canyon, it nonetheless looks as if it would be a splendid venue for the sport of canyoning, albeit on a warmer day with perhaps less flow than today. To the right, the screes show evidence of mining activity which continued until quite recently, leaving scars which remind everyone that much of the Lake District National Park is, in fact, a highly degraded, post-industrial landscape slowly returning to nature, not helped one iota by the ugly buildings being declared an ancient monument rather than the former owners being pursued assiduously to cover the costs of removal and remediation.

Andy Waddington

Grisedale Pike summit

Anthony Foster

Force Crag Mine, Coledale

At the head of Coledale is the Scheduled ancient Monument that is the Force Crag Mine processing plant. The mine variously mined silver, lead and barytes, closing in 1990 and passing into the care of the National Trust. In 2023 there were three open days at the processing plant but this wasn't one of them. The walk in is approximately 4 kilometres.

Chris Allen

Force Crag Mine, Coledale

Chris Allen

Force Crag Mine, Coledale

Chris Allen

Force Crag Mine, Coledale - processing plant

Chris Allen

Force Crag Mine, Coledale - processing plant

Chris Allen

Force Crag Mine, Coledale - Level 1 entrance

At the head of Coledale is the Scheduled Ancient Monument that is the Force Crag Mine processing plant. The mine variously mined silver, lead and barytes, closing in 1990 and passing into the care of the National Trust. In 2023 there were three open days at the processing plant but this wasn't one of them. The walk in is approximately 4 kilometres. This shows the entrance to Level 1 that is above the processing plant. This has a gate just inside the opening. The manhole in the foreground covers the drainage water that can be heard rushing forth below.

Chris Allen

Force Crag Mine, Coledale - grizzly

At the head of Coledale is the Scheduled Ancient Monument that is the Force Crag Mine processing plant. The mine variously mined silver, lead and barytes, closing in 1990 and passing into the care of the National Trust. In 2023 there were three open days at the processing plant but this wasn't one of them. The walk in is approximately 4 kilometres. This shows the very coarse sieve or grizzly where the ore is tipped out to be screened and then transported to the processing plant below.

Chris Allen