Crinkle Crags

We  managed to get a space a t the Old Dungeon Ghyll NT car park  at 8.30 am with no problem, despite all the campervans being there. We were aim to follow the route we have previously taken up Crinkle Crags via Oxendale and Red Tarn. We were not prepared for the fact there was no bridge over Oxendale beck and although the beck, which was quite full of water, was potentially crossable over the boulders, the though of spending the rest of the with wet feet was not very appealing so a change of plan and we decided on the route up Hell Gill.  

It is a fantastic route with great views of the waterfall with plunge pool and further up looking into Hell Gill itself. There were no real problems although the path was eroded in places.

                                            

Once above the the menacing looking Hell Gill it was a straightforward walk  up to the top of The Band and the Three Tarns The weather  up to now was just right for walking , coolish, sheltered from the wind and mist coming and going but the tops remaining clear.

As we traverse the Crinkles from the three tarns and the wind got up and the temperature dropped dramatically.  However once on the summit at Long Top we found a sheltered spot for lunch. The same as last time we were up here, the views across to the Scafells was awe-inspiring.

The route back was by retracing our steps towards Bowfell then down The Band back to the valley floor.

Time  7hrs 30mns

Memories

• No bridge over Oxendale led to a great route
• View across to the Scafells
• Windchill of 1deg C on top

Grade     Excellent

Completed 189  To go 25