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.
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| Bowfell |
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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
