(S) Take the path out of the YHA Langdale to the road and turn left. After the cattle-grid head up the grassy slope to the right and over Dow Bank. At a crossroads of paths, turn right to climb up to Silver How (Wainwright at 395m). Head west-north-west from the cairn to pass a couple of unnamed tarns and pick up the path past Swinescar Pike and on to Blea Rigg (Wainwright at 541m). Head west then north-west to slowly climb up to Sergeant Man (Wainwright at 736m). If the mist isn't too thick, you should be able to see the Langdales over to the left and Stickle Tarn in front of Harrison Stickle. About 100 yards further on (on the same heading) you should reach High Raise (Wainwright at 762m).
(1) There are some great views from High Raise across to Great Gable and Scafell Pike. Looking right, Eagle Cragg and Langstrath Beck show the way down to Borrowdale. However, our route heads south-west down to Langdale Combe, where we cross over the Cumbria Way before heading up to Lining Crag and along Black Crag to reach Rossett Pike (Wainwright at 651m). Take the path down to Angle Tarn for a well deserved rest.
(2) Angle Tarn is a great place to stop for lunch and paddle your feet. Then it´s onwards and upwards, heading north-west over Tongue Head and up to Allen Crags (Wainwright at 785m). Come back down to the crossroads of paths and the shelter but don't go up to Esk Hause. Rather turn right and go down to Sprinkling Tarn with the great crags of Great End dominating the landscape on the left. Then on again to Sty Head where you should pass by the stretcher box, with Styhead Tarn down to the right. Take the obvious path that quickly gains height above Raven Crag, bearing left when the climb levels out to bring you out onto the top of Great Gable (Wainwright at 899m).
(3) From the main cairn (if the weather allows) take time to visit the Westmorland Cairn to the south and approach (with care) the northern edge looking over Gable Crag down into the Ennerdale valley. There is a plaque at the main summit dedicated to those who lost their lives in the Great War (WWI). You now have an interesting decent to Windy Gap. Great care is required and strong, steady legs are put to the test until level ground is reached. One last climb is required to reach Green Gable (Wainwright at 801m) and have a look back to Great Gable and Great End. The route now heads initially north to avoid Greengable Crag then descends gently to cross Moses' Trod and continue on the grassy slopes between the river Liza and Tongue Beck to arrive at YHA Black Sail.(E)
