Date: Thursday 25th December 2025
Company: Myself and Ann-Marie
Distance: 5.9km, Ascent: 522m
Time: 2Hrs 25Mins
Merry Christmas!
Having previously ascended all of the North-Western fells, with the exception of Whiteside, we set out this morning to ascend Whiteside to complete this section.
A steep ascent from Lanthwaite wasn't appealing, so instead we opted to start from Hopebeck for a gentler approach. There is free parking for three or four cars at the start of this walk.
Route:
Once suited and booted we commenced the walk initially following the path next to the wall.
Whiteside and Dodd from just beyond start of track:
It was a bitterly cold, windy morning despite blue sky overhead.
View towards FellBarrow and Whin Fell from start of walk:
I was pleasantly surprised to find a bridge over Hope Beck which wasn't marked on my map.
An unexpected bridge:
We soon picked up the track leading round to the col between Whiteside and Dodd.
Skirting round the base of Dodd:
Path leading to col between Whiteside and Dodd:
By the time we reached the col, the wind was already strengthening and would continue to do so with more height gained.
Approaching the col between Whiteside and Dodd:
Looking back towards Dodd:
View during ascent of Whiteside:
The path was frozen solid and slippery in places.
Ascending Whiteside:
As we approached the 719m top of Whiteside we skirted round on frozen turf towards the 707m top, which is the Wainwright. I didn't realise until now that the 719m top is a Hewitt, that I should also have ascended
. As the
wind was gale force on the ridge, it was a case of head out to the
Wainwright and get back down.Approaching the ridge:
Enroute to Whiteside:
On reaching the summit, we stopped for a few photos and a look down towards Crummock Water before returning back via our ascent route.
At the summit of Whiteside:
Looking down to Crummock Water:
Nice ridge from Whiteside towards Hopegill Head:
Descent towards Dodd:
During the descent, a gust of wind blew some sand/grit into my eye which I am hoping will make its way out soon!