Tarn Crag (and Grey Crag)

We signed up to do Tarn Crag and Grey Crags as part of the Wainwright Society's Lakeland 214 Challenge. Despite having done Grey Grag last May this was a good opportunity to visit the top again as part of a complete round having previously done Grey Crag on its own (see 5th May 2008). This time we decided to reverse the route and head up the Longsleddale valley from Sadgill along the broad stone track heading towards Gatesgarth Pass. The weather was fine, a coldish wind initially but although there were dark clouds around, they were high and the tops were clear. A gentle climb along the quarry road under Buckbarrow Crag on the right and the river Sprint on our left we were passed by two mountain bikers who were struggling with the rough terrain. Instead of heading to the summit of Tarn Crag by the wall beyond Buckbarrow Crag, we carried on north for a short distance at the junction of two streams forming the main river and then took the signposted track heading towards Mosedale. Very indistinct and wet underfoot the path crossed a couple of small streams and headed upwards under the slopes of Branstree until reaching a style over a fence. Without crossing the style, we headed south then south east, following the fence, negotiating the bogs up to the summit of Tarn Crag first visiting the 'pillar' and then across to the cairn.

A photo shoot for the purposes of the challenge then headed east, back to the fence, and followed this towards Grey Crag. The clouds had kept high but over to the east dark thunderclouds were now gathering. A quick excursion to Harrop Pike from where the rain could be seen over Shap - but luckily it stayed there - and then on to Grey Crag for another photo shoot.

The descent was the same we had done a year ago, taking a bearing just north of west off the summit and picking our way down through the rock on a small track which eventually lead to a style in the fence and on to the rounded spur to Great Howe. From here a steep descent back to the valley.

Time 4 hours 30 minutes

Grade Excellent

Memories

-Taking part in the Wainwright Society challenge
-Boggy ground
-Vast improvement on out last visit to Grey Crag

Completed 78 To go 136