9 months since our last Wainwright top it was great to get out for a short walk on a wintry Sunday in December. Te forecast was for wintry showers and there had been quite a bit of snow further north. We drove along Longsleddale down to Sadgill ( which always seems most inappropriately named) and set off having out on all our waterproofs. As we climbed gently as though heading for Kentmere, above the farm we were soon aware of group of people on the path and as we approached, realised there was a convoy of 6 Landrovers heading over the track to Kentmere , "Off Roading" Unfortunately, for one of them, the track was too rocky and steep and we stood to witness this group of people watching on of the 4x4's attempting to get over this hurdle, wheels skidding and engine revving. it was all to no avail, the section could not be passed so, as the toe ropes were being organised, we walked passed glad we were on two feet. Soon, at the col, as the main track heeded towards the Kentmere valley, we took the obvious track heading north towards our summit, Shipman Knotts. Quite rocky in place and very boggy we headed up always keeping to the left hand side of the wall. As we reached the first hump the View over to the Kentmere Horseshoe open up before us, covered with snow, a fantastic wintry vista. Even better, beyond Yoke and Ill Bell were thick dark clouds depositing their snowy contents over the fells. This was inevitably heading for us. Not deterred we headed on on and soon found ourselves in an exhilarating snowstorm with visibility down to less than 50 meters. Navigation was no problem as the path was clear and the wall was always to our left. However the ground, which was slippery before with the rain was now even more slippery when covered with a thin layer of snow. After about 5 minute the storm passed, the view returned and we climbed our way to the summit.
Feeling fresh we though it would be good to proceed to Kentmere Pike but a few hundred yard after setting off the wind got the clouds again looked menacing and the ground underfoot was extremely boggy. We made the decision to return the way we had ascended, this time keeping to the right of the wall being careful not to drop into Kentemere.
Once out of the wind we stopped for a sandwich and welcome flask of coffee.
On returning to Sadgill the rain came down but the tops maintained their snowy blanket ending a truly great December outing
Time 2 hrs 45mins
Grade Excellent
Memories
- The 4x4 stuck trying to drive over to Kentmere
- An exhilarating snow storm
- Good to start ticking off the Wainwrights again
