Great End

We were aiming to do this walk the following day but looking at the mountain weather forecast, today looked a much better option - a good decision.

 We managed to park easily at Seathwaite and took the direct route up Grains Gill, Ruddy Gill, Esk Hause, Calf Cove then onto the summit.

 Despite good weather in August the route up was relatively quiet with only a few other walkers on the path. The water was rushing down the gills and becks from previous wet weather and we only realised the extent of the noise when it left us for while as the path moved temporarily away from the stream.

Once at the top of Ruddy Gill the lack of people changed as we met parties of folk both ascending and descending from Scafell Pike. 

The weather was perfect. sunny but not too hot and a refreshing breeze.

We decided to retrace our steps for the route down rather than take the detour around Styhead Tarn

Time 6hrs 30mn

Memories

• Water noise from Grains Gill and Ruddy Gill
• Fix the fells volunteers on path by Esk Hause
• Long but leisurely walk

Completed 208  To go 6

Slight Side and Scafell

This was a direct ascent of Slight Side and Scafell returning by the same route.

There were still parking spaces at Wha House farm car park at 8.00am when we arrived. After a short pre-walk coffee and bap we set off up the terrace track heading for Cat crag. The day was beautifully sunny with a mild breeze to make it comfortable. We were carrying plenty of water and sunscreen.

Bowfell

Slight Side and Scafell
from Catcove Beck

Slight side and Scafell came into view - still quite a bit to go! A relatively flat stretch of path followed across the moorland to an isolated boulder then the steady climb to Slight Side. Only one section of scree but the main difficulty was the final route to the summit which was blocked by a a rock wedged into a crack that the path followed. We ended up skirting the R sided of the summit then a short backtrack to the rocky summit itself. 

After a break for lunch the climb to Scafell started. It looked further and steeper than appeared on the map but we soon made progress albeit slowly over the scree and boulders.After the summit we descend the same route except  skirting to the west of Long Green to avoid the boulders, which was much quicker. Back at the terrace path we thought ' not much further now' but we somehow lost the path (not very clear in places) and ended up descending too soon and having to follow a dry stone wall up and down for a short way to regain the main track.

Very tired when back at the car but soon rejuvenated by a very welcome pub meal at the Brook Inn Boot

Time 9 hrs

Memories

• Gorgeous weather
• Fantastic views vey few people around
• A long walk

Grade Excellent 

Completed 207  To go  7