Chapat one

Verified Slow Way

Verified by 100.00% of reviewers

Unfortunately, the day we had booked to walk this route had low cloud, rain and quite a strong wind blowing against us, so it was difficult to enjoy the mountain pass over Grisedale, and past Grisedale Tarn. The initial views leaving Patterdale were very pretty, especially looking back at Ullswater, but we could see the mist ahead, and by the time we reached the 590 metres highest point, we were drenched through. We couldn’t see much of Grisedale Tarn. It was a real shame because I’m sure this is a beautiful route in the right weather.
The path was quite rocky with a hint of scrambling at times, especially in the wet. I was glad to have brought a walking pole. There were also quite a few rocky streams to cross, and I did end up with damp feet, although there wasn’t anything difficult.
We were shocked to encounter two young men heading uphill who asked the way to Striding Edge and Helvellyn. They had inadequate clothing and no maps of any kind. I’m pleased to report that we met them heading back down after a while, having changed their minds due to the weather!
There was an Outward Bound hut part way up (Ruthwaite Lodge), but it was locked. It did provide us with brief shelter from the wind on one side though.
After passing the tarn and the saddlepoint of Hause Gap the gpx plot shows a little zigzag but the obvious path on the ground heads straight downhill on stone steps. The path after this was occasionally unclear, sometimes with a few options, but as we got lower down, it was heartening to get below the clouds at last and see Grasmere ahead. Crossing the A591 was okay, but it didn’t have very good visibility for a main road.
We had an overnight stop in Grasmere as we were continuing on to Coniston the next day, and wondered why the Slow Ways place was Chapel Stile when Grasmere seemed more sensible.
Leaving Grasmere there were some nice views of the lake as we headed steeply uphill again. The route across the moorland of Spedding Crag was unclear, and the official Right of Way track seems to be in between two paths that are used in practice, and it was a bit boggy in places. Once over the top, the view down to Elterwater, the slate quarries and Chapel Stile was a good reward! The path down was steep with stone steps and felt like a marble run in places.
I might have given the route 4* in good weather, but the area is renowned for rain, so maybe 3* is more typical.

We walked form Patterdale to Grasmere - had an overnight (as it has the most facilities en route) - and continued to Chapel Stile the next day.

The views across Ullswater from Patterdale and along the Grizedale valley were beautiful.

As we approached Grizedale Tarn the weather changed (as per the forecast) and we had a lot of wind and rain in our faces. We found a cabin just before the Tarn - it wasn't open but its walls did provide shelter from the wind and the rain. We didn't get to see much of the Tarn itself as it was already incredibly misty as well.

However we did have amazing views just below the cloudline as we came down to Grasmere.

The walk from Grasmere to Chapel stile also has amazing views across the quarry and over to the Old Man of Coniston. The track was a bit boggy in places and sometimes not distinct - but with the OS map app it wasn't an issue.

A very good route in my opinion.

Some words of warning ! Be prepared. Two young men came up to us at Grizedale Valley and asked the way to Striding Edge. They were in the wrong valley to start. They had no map. One had no raincoat. We said it would be tricky to get there via the route we were using. They ploughed on and later on we met them coming down very cold and wet and they had only got to the Tarn and we suggested they get to the pub instead.

In the morning at Grasmere a man pulled his car up to me and asked "where can I see something beautiful". I did suggest he was already there but there were two lakes very nearby. He wanted to get a view so I pointed him up to the hills. He had a child's backpack on the back seat and no map - here we go again ! .

I've walked the Grasmere - Grisedale tarn section twice now and the rest of the route once. The scenery is stunning and navigation is usually fairly straightforward. Take care when crossing the A591 at Travellers Rest as it can get very busy. Grisedale Tarn is a lovely spot surrounded by high fells such as Fairfield and Dollywaggon Pike. The terrain is usually good - mostly grassy paths or rocky steps and no scrambling. You can also do this walk in two legs using public transport as the 516 bus serves Chapel Stile, the 555/599 serve Grasmere and the 508 serves Patterdale. There is a substantial amount of uphill and walking boots are certainly required, but if you're familiar with walking in Lakeland, this route shouldn't present any issues.

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