High Hartsop Dodd, Little Hart Crag, (Red Screes), Middle Dodd

It was good to get out on our quest to complete the Wainwright again after a lapse of a few months, for no good reason.

Ascending High Hartsop Dodd

We started the walk form the bottom of the Kirkstone pass, parking in a layby just south of the Brotherswater Inn. Taking the footpath to cross the valley floor and crossing Kirkstone Beck we headed north towards Hartsop Hall to the base of High Hartsop Dodd. What looks a steep climb from the road was not difficult with a good path to follow. Soon on top of our first summit we continued south to our second target of Little Hart Crag just timing it right for lunch in the sun, sheltering from the brisk cool wind. Our route from across to Middle Dodd was obvious, descending to Scandale Pass the up following the wall towards Red Screes. The only question was weather to contour round the summit of Red Screes (as we had already climbed

Gable appearing 

this) or to take in the higher peak to complete the round. In actual fact there was only one answer, so off to Red Screes we went with glorious view from the top especially over to the Gable and Scafell ranges.
The only concern now was the descent of Middle Dodd to the valley which looked, and was, steep, However a good path took us down safely. Safely that is until soon after crossing the wall about half way down. Wainwright does say to keep to the wall descending to the south on the left of the ridge down. The path, which we followed, however distinctly carries straight on down the ridge but soon we were stopped abruptly by a shear cliff face. However, contouring round to the left, we joined the descending wall and followed it back to the valley floor.

Time 5hrs 30mns
Memories

• Glorious clear day with nice cool breeze
• Knee crunching descent from Middle Dodd
• Completion of all the summits  from The Eastern Fells book

Grade  Excellent

Completed 145 To go 69