Red Screes

We have driven over Kirkstone pass numerous times but never started a walk from here. Our initial plan was to do a circuit from Hartsopp Village, over Hartsopp Dodd. The walk started beautifully in sunshine with a blustery wind but was soon curtailed as we reached the north ridge of Hatsopp Dodd when a fierce persistant wind hurled up the valley across the ridge making standing upright almost impossible, never mind climbing the ridge. Despondent we retraced our steps in the knowledge that we have now had to admit defeat not only on Gowbarrow Fell previously but now also on Hartsopp Dodd - I doubt if many walkers can make this claim.

Red Screes from Kirkstone pass is a straightforward climb on a well marked path through the rocky slopes on it's eastern flank. One particular section could have been tricky if the rocks were wet but no problem today in the sunshine. We met the wind again on reaching the summit plateau but not nearly as strong as earlier in the day. A great summit for views in all directions. Caudale Moor looked particularly calm across the pass.

We decided against dropping down to Middle Dodd before returning to the car. The car park at Kirkstone was now full as one would expect on bank holiday Sunday.

Time 1 hr 30 minutes

Grade Excellent (Considering)

Memories

• Good walk rescuing the day form a disppointing start

Completed 43 To go 171