UKC

We were there last week and considered going back down Grunting Ghyll. It looked like it may be a quicker option than going back down the Band. We talked ourselves out of it though. 

Anyone gone up or down via Grunting Ghyll and how was it compared to the Band?

I was there in May, and going down beside the gill was fine - some local guys who were at the crag went out that way and we followed them. Agreed it was probably faster then going back out by the band, it's quite steep though so it's probably nicer to approach by the band. If the bracken is up it might be a pain to get through to the bottom of the valley, wasn't too bad for us but it was earlyiah season

Cheers, that makes sense- my mate thought his knees would prefer the Band so it was probably the right choice!

Up the Band and down the ghyll line works well. Even when the bracken is high you can usually link bald patches together. If you plan on this it is worth wearing fell running rather than approach shoes and a walking pole is handy. 

Saw some folks going down the gill when we were there and it looked fine. Just plotted it on OS and it's a little sorter/cuts out some re-ascent.

Up and down the ghyll has the advantage of taking a mtn bike along Mickleden. Especially good if the ODG parking is full.

About the only use for bracken is hiding a bike.

If walking about the same up, probs quicker back down ghyll. Also water available on way up the ghyll.