Great Gable Walk
Honister Hause - Grey Knotts - Brandreth - Green Gable - Great Gable - Stone Cove - Brin Crag - Bell Crags - Honister Hause
This route to the summit of Great Gable is a little bit different. Rather than begin the walk in Wasdale or the southern end of Borrowdale, as most people do, this route starts at Honistor Hause to the north. As there is car parking at Honister Hause, this route has the advantage of starting at quite a high altitude (approximately 1170 feet).
From Honister Hause, head south-south-west, ascending steeply over the rocky northern slopes of Grey Knotts. This is a fairly tough start, but be thankful you were already at 1170 feet when you started (assuming you drove to Honister Hause!). The path takes you across the summit, ascending gently in the same direction to Brandreth, approximately half a mile further. The route from Brandreth heads south, over Gillercomb Head to Green Gable. The path then heads south-west, dropping into the appropriately named Windy Gap, before taking you up the steep climb to the summit of Great Gable. Many people are surprised to see a war memorial on their first ascent of Great Gable, and every Rememberance Sunday many people make the climb, in all kinds of weather, to pay their respects.
The path from Great Gable heads north-west towrads crags just a few yards east of Beckhead Tarn. From the crags, turn right and head east, dropping into Stone Cove. The path then follows the foot of Greengable Crag, heading north and then north-north-west above Brin Crag. At the northern end of Brin Crag the path turns to the right, heading north-east and then east-north-east to a junction of paths. Continue north-east, passing beneath Grey Knotts on your right, and then heading north to a T-junction a short distance north of the disused tramway. Turn right and head east-north-east to Bell Crags, and from Bell Crags head east-south-east, descending gently to your starting point at Honister Hause.
Approx. distance: 6.1 miles
Approx. total ascent: 2441 feet
Approx. time: 3-4 hours