Yewbarrow

 

An early start to get into Wasdale for 9.00am . Car Park at Overbeck bridge was full but we managed to park back at Netherbeck bridge. At least this gave us a flat walk along the road before the ascent of Yewdale. We had read a lot about going up the imposing face as viewed from the valley. We weren't disappointed. Initially a nice climb by the wall then continuing the path up towards Dropping Crag to enter the gully.  A couple of birds of prey, possibly Red Kites were circulating over the crag. We started in the gully with a few easy scrambling pitches but then progress became more difficult, doable but on climbing out to the left we found the walkable path up the left hand side. Although walkable there was a lot of loose scree and care was needed.

One at the top of the Great Door the ridge walk over the summit was a delight with perfect stop for lunch just below the summit.

The difficulties were not over, however. We had already decide not to descend over Stirrup crag so headed left and the col north of the summit Although the pass was easy to follow it there were again a lot of loose stones as it passed under the crags and then down to the valley.

It was an easy walk back to Dropping Crag and then retraced our steps to the car, discovering a path down by the lake rather than on the road back to Netherbeck.

Time 5 hrs

Grade excellent

Memories

• Loose scree on ascent and descent
• Wonderful short ridge walk
• Concentration required on ascent and descent

Completed 196  To Go 18

Glaramara and Allen Crags

The walk started form the National Trust car park in Seatoller.  A short walk along the main road to Strands bridge then then the small road on the right towards Thornythwaite farm. After a couple of hundred yards a signpost pointed us to the main path up Thornythwiate fell reading Glaramara 2miles. A short ascent through the trees, we spotted a pied flycatcher , before reaching the open fell with Combe Head directly in front.  We took the right hand fork to ascend to the ridge line lost the path in a couple of places but soon found it without difficulty.

A gentle climb along the ridge was accompanied by splendid views all round. We gained the summit of Glaramara via the grassy route to the right of the rocky main route. After a long stop for lunch we enjoyed the ups and downs of the ridge to the south with it's small picturesque tarns and the imposing view of Gable to the west and Great End to the south

                                            

After Allen Crags a short descent took us to Esk Hause then the descent down Grains Gill via a much improved path, busy with many groups of people  heading back to the valley after a glorious day on whichever hills they had ventured.

Time 8 hrs

Grade excellent

Memories

• Perfect walking weather with time for many stops
• 360 deg panoramic views from summits
• Ups and downs and the small tarns on the ridge to Allen Crags
  
  

Completed 195  To Go 19