The Grade 1 Scrambler

Guide to scrambling the gill that runs up to Brackenwife Knotts near Grasmere in the central Lake District.  Summary: a quick, accessible scramble that’s a nice challenge in parts for grade 1 scramblers

Route in: park at the north end of Grasmere e.g. in Broadgate car park; cross the A591 and walk up the road beside The Swan pub; then turn right to walk up Greenhead Gill Track and keep going straight, including past the right turn over the bridge taken by the path to Alcock Tarn

Start point: enter Brackenwife Beck where it flows into Greenhead Beck at OS map ref NY 34455 08491

Grading: along with some easier sections, the scramble is mainly grade 1 with three pitches higher up that are closer to grade 2.

Notes: the beck and gill are not named on maps but ultimately run up to Brackenwife Knotts, so I’ve called them Brackenwife Beck/Gill

End point: where a clear path crosses the beck at NY 34487 08743, having completed 250 feet of ascent

Route out: take the cross-path (roughly) south-west and then south beside a wood; then retrace your steps to your parking spot

Map link: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/brackenwife-gill-878a065

Time: 10-25 mins to start point depending on where you’re able to park; 25 mins for the scramble; then 10-25 mins to walk back

Combine with: Greenhead Gill and any of the three gills that run south and east off Greenhead Gill

Gear: drybag and wetsuit useful but not essential, at least in drier weather

Verdict: mossy and overgrown in places but a short, sharp scramble that’s a nice challenge for grade 1 scramblers

Category: Standard scramble

Score: 7/10

Video guide:

Map:

Map image/data from OpenStreetMap via AllTrails