Managed to park and the small hamlet of Longlands despite the road being closed for roadworks and a long diversion through Uldale. The sun was shining as we set off but the forecast was sunshine and showers. We headed eastwards along the Cumbria Way and soon left the main track along a small but distinct path up to the north ridge of Longlands Fell and soon up to the summit. The wind was getting stronger but on descending to the col towards Lowthwaite fell we were sheltered and stopped for lunch, greeting the only couple we met on the whole walk. The path skirts Lowthwaite fell to joint the main track up Charleton Gill and the ascends up to Little Sca Fell initially (which could easily be mistaken for the summit in mist), and then on to Great Sca Fell. We were fortunate to be in sunshine most of the time but to the west we were acutely aware of a wall of low, thick black cloud and rain heading our way. Such was the clear forewarning of the inclement conditions that we were able to put on our waterproofs and get out the compass in dry sunshine knowing that it would not be a waste of time. Skiddaw was in the mist most of the time but now, even Binsey across the valley was obscured. Soon after leaving Geat Sca Fell the mist came down, the temperature dropped and the horizontal sleet stung hitting our faces. It was enough to consider abandoning the ascent of Knott. However conditions like this on the hill pose an exciting challenge against the elements and a test of navigation, so on we went. There is a path leading up to Knott but quite indistinct in places amongst the peaty terrain and compass bearings, first south then south east, were a great comfort to hep us to the summit cairn. No view, just the required kiss on top and the retraced our steps to Great and Little Sca Fell where we came out of the mist to see a distinct track north to our final summit of Brae Fell.
The path off Brae Fell was heading North East, and knowing we had to aim for Longlands we decided to go 'off piste' and head straight down the grass slopes to meet the Cumbria Way where it fords Charleton Gill - no problems but quite a grassy trudge which we were glad we were not ascending. The rain now was well set in and we arrived back at the car drenched.
Time 4 hrs
Memories
- Navigation on Knott
- Watching the weather close in from the west
- Isolation
Grade excellent
Completed 163 to Go 151
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