St Sunday Crag

Via the Brothers Parting Stone (Wordsworth History)

A special treat along the route to St Sunday is a visit to the eight-foot-tall Brothers Parting Stone, close to Grisedale Tarn, where William Wordsworth and his sister Dorothy said a final goodbye to their brother, John. Read the poem, inscribed on a rock, to take you back in time...

Our hike sets out along the Grisedale valley, in the shadows of Helvellyn's iconic Striding Edge and then Dollywaggon Pike. With its vast and steep sides, Grisedale fully absorbs you into the sorrounding mountains' history.

After a chance to dabble your toes in the beautiful clear waters of Grisedale Tarn, and a visit to the half-hidden – but fully impressive – Brothers Parting Stone.

We embark on the rocky ascent to Grisedale Hause and the ridge to St Sunday Crag. (This is a domed ridge, so there's nothing to be anxious about!)

Our descent includes a visit to Gavel Pike and Birks before a steep section down to Patterdale.

En route, we can stop to gaze in awe over Ullswater from above. A watchful eye may even spot the red deer who parade, well camouflaged, on the western slopes of Place Fell. Your guide will have a monocular so you can take a beady eye to the screes.

This hike encompasses so many different aspects of history, flora and fauna. And, partly due to the fact that it's much less visited than its illustrious neighbours among the Helvellyn range, it's a favourite with Hiking Highs guides.

£175 first walker + £25 each additional walker up to 8 people. For 9 or more, get in touch for a quote.

Can be linked with a valley hike for groups of different levels