Kirk Fell

 

This walk was planned at the last minute. Elspeth was attending a course at Higham Hall so I took the opportunity of what was forecast to be good weather to look at Kirk Fell from Honister.

The morning was cloudy, summits not visible but the forecast was for it to brighten. Inpasrked at the NT car park at Honister had a quick drink in the slate mine cafe and headed up towards the quarry then took the path skirting Grey Knotts and Brandreth to the Moses’ Trod path under the Gables. It was quite wet underfoot but no rain and relatively mild. On reaching the shoulder coming down from Brandreth the path ahead stood out clearly and looked a long way. Kirk Kell was still enshrouded in mist, as were the other  peaks.

Onwards I plodded, not a soul in slight and approaching the shoulder from Great Gable, above Beck Head the mist came in thick and low reducing visibility to a few yards. Quite an eerie feeling knowing there was no one around in the middle of the hills quite a distance from any roads. It was easy to understand how people could get lost or head off in the wrong direction. However my trusty compass confirmed the direction OS maps app was showing and off I went down to Beck Head. I thought for a minute about turning back rather that going up Rib End in the thick mist but that thought was soon discarded.

The climb up Rib End was as expected, quite steep with rock and scree but no worse than on some other walks and was soon over. Hurray the mist now lifted and once I had myself orientated saw Kirk fell main summit in the distance but it didn’t take long to get there. A few folk on the top but not busy by any means.

The return was by retracing my steps back to Honister, now in the sunshine and clear summits coming and going.

Time  5hrs

Memories

• Solo walk (will have to do it again with Elspeth!)
• Stopping in the mist above Beck Head completely alone
• Great views on the return once the mist has cleared

Completed 209 To Go 5

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

Grasmoor, Eel Crag (Crag Hill), Wandope, Whiteless Pike

Celebrating the day after out 41st wedding anniversary, the weather forecast was good but the threat of thick cloud later on.

We parked at Cinderdale Common and aimed to take the path directly up the R side of Cinderdale beck. However from below this look completely overgrown with ferns so took the path south for 500m  then headed diagonally up to rejoin the initial path. Not a good decision as this was probably more overgrown the our original plan.

However the ascent up to Lad Hows was pleasant with good views back to Crummock Water 

View from start of ascent up Lad Hows

Lad Hows path from Whiteless Edge

The ascent continued without any problems until we reached the steeper loose scree section near the summit which was slight more challenging but worth the effort when the summit plateau was reached.

Summit plateau coming off Grasmoor

A short stroll to the summit of Grasmoor then we retrace our steps to head for Eel Crag (Crag Hill) easily visible to the East. 

No problems from now on. A nice ascent of Ell Crag then we followed along the top of Addacomb beck to Wandope. Coming west off Wandope we followed the easily identifiable path to the start of Whiteless Edge and then down to Whiteless Pike and the valley floor.

Fantastic views all day and no sign of the thick cloud forcast

Time 6hrs 45 minutes

 Memories 

• Fantastic views 
• Variable terrain:  Loose scree on Lad Hows followed by summit 'plateau' and ridge descent via Whiteless edge
• Perfect hillwalking weather

 Completed 205 To go 9

Base Brown, Green Gable and Great Gable

This was a great walk to celebrate my 65th birthday despite involving an early start to avoid the holiday traffic driving through the Lakes to our start at Seathwaite. Our route was the same as we had done a couple of times previously, many years ago, but for some reason the scrambling sections especially by Sourmilk Gill , seemed to pose more of a problem. Must be our advancing years.

Sourmilk Gill

It was a glorious day sunny but not too hot. The waterfalls still impressive despite the recent dry weather.

At the top of Sourmilk Gill I toyed with the idea of heading straight up Base Brown but was persuaded  against, having just negotiated the slabs of the initial ascent. So it was a steady, walk up the hanging valley of Gillercomb, skirting Base Brown then a turn to the north over slightly boggy ground up to it's summit.

Gillercomb

 From here the path to Green Gable was obvious after first retracing our steps. Quite a bit more of an ascent than I remembered but soon at the top for a well   earned lunch stop.

Great Gable next, we knew involved a slight scramble but first we had to negotiate the loose stone path off Green Gable to Windy Gap. The rocky section up to the summit was easily dealt with and soon we were reading the memorial on the summit cairn. Typically for the Lake District the top was now in mist and as someone commented, it must be the only place in the country in cloud on such a glorious day.

Scafell from Great Gable

The descent was a significant improvement compared to the last time we were here, now properly laid paths and none of the loose stones which I remembered. A nice break on the banks of Styhead tarn in the late afternoon sunshine before the final descent by Taylor Force Waterfall, over Stockley Bridge and back to the farm.

Time 8hrs

Grade Excellent

Memories

• Slow initial ascent because of scrambling section
• Summit of Gable in mist despite the glorious weather
• View over to the Scafells through the mist in the the valleys

 Completed 201 To go 13

Caw Fell and Haycock

A relatively simple but long walk involving skirting the shore of Ennerdale to the bridge across the beck at its eastern end then continuing south though the woodland to the first of two close together footbridges . Having crossed the first, after negotiating some erosion in the path, we turned south again before the second, to ascent the shoulder up to the col between our two targets for the day, Caw Fell and Haycock. The initial part of the path ascended through thin woodland to the outtake fence then a moorland path rose more or less continuously to the top. 

The path lead us towards Caw Fell initially  and then we came back to the col following the wall linking the two summits and headed towards Little Gowder Crag. We decided to skirt this on its southern flank crossing the fence and wall then headed easily up to Haycock , now in mist. Lunch on the top in the mist with just a fleeting view of Scoat Tarn below.

Rather than retrace our steps  we descended towards Scoat Fell then took the path down over Tewitt How. Great views across to the Steeple ridge and over Ennerdale.
It was boggy in places despite all the dry weather. The path was very faint in places and we lost it just after Tewitt How heading over the heather towards Lingmel and met the path coming down from Steeple just above the forest.  

A steep eroded descent through some gorgeous heather then took us back to the forest road and the long walk back to Bowness Knott car park

Time  7 hrs

Grade Excellent

Memories 

• Long but gentle ascent
• Path faded on descent then steep and stony descent into forest 
• Sun on Ennerdale water, Haycock in mist

Completed  198  To Go  16

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

Pillar

Rather than attempting the Mosedale horseshoe our plan today was and up and down ascent of Pillar. 

Company at the summit of Pillar

Starting at Wasdale Head we took the obvious route up to Black Sail pass via Gatherstone Beck. The weather forecast was for 70% cloud free summit in the morning increasing to 90% in the afternoon. We were well in the cloudy 30% all morning with no view of our target or any of the Mosedale tops, and the cloudy 10% for most of the afternoon. Even Black Sail pass was in mist when we arrived. Nevertheless, the route was quite straightforward and the path easily followed despite the poor visibility. Only once did we get a glimpse of the valley floor of Ennerdale.

Cloud to the north clear to the south

After reaching the summit we retraced our steps taking the slightly lower path just after the descending form the top, but with no obvious advantage. We thought, mistakenly, there would be less boulders.

As is often the case the mist began to clear as we descended and we gained views into Mosedale, across to Yewbarrow and Red Pike. However with a marked contrast, the cloud to the north was persistent, still with no views down to Ennerdale. Further down the Scafell range came into view as we approached the valley floor. 

Time  7 hours

Memories

• Cloud to the north into Ennerdale whilst clear to the south into Mosedale 
• Long walk but easy route to follow
• Sitting just above Black Sail pass when the mist has cleared, admiring the masses of Kirkfell and Gable

Grade Excellent

Completed 193  To go 21

Great Borne and Starling Dodd

 Our initial plan today was to climb Haycock and Caw Fell. However we arrived at the Bowness car park to find it shut due to forestry work. Luckily we managed to find a parking spot on the road right opposite the start of the walk up Great Borne so we decided this would be an ideal alternative. 

The path started up Rake Beck the soon we took a left hand fork crossed the beck contoured round a short way and then started the climb up to the western ridge of Herdus. A good path all the way with no difficulties. It was quite a haul up to Herdus with an unexpected strong wind blowing however once the steep section was over the walking became easier, the wimd lessened and the sun shone. Perfect weather.

From Herdus we continued the path down then up to Great Borne. The views across to the Grasmoor fells were fantastic, indeed all around the views were amazing, the hill to the south and east silhouetted aginst the blue sky, light clouds and haze.

    

Starling Dodd looked some distance away but following the path by the fence from Great Borne and then cutting across the moorland,  we were soon standing on the summit. We dropped down slightly to a sheltered spot for lunch and distinctly hear sheep dogs and shepherds in the valley below.

The way down was to follow the path towards Red Pike but leave it for the summit of  Little Dodd then contour round  the top of Gilflinter Beck to join the path down from Red Pike. We were fortunate to find a path not marked on the OS map.

The drop down to the valley was enhanced by the wonderful views up the Ennerdale Valley with Gable at its head, Pillar, Steeple and Scout Fell on the opposite side and for the icing on the cake, an opportunity to soak my feet in the crystal clear water as the path down crossed the beck.

It was a longish walk back to the car along the forest track but well worth it after a fantastic day on the hills

Time  7 hrs 

Memories

• Fantastic weather again , mid to late September
• View up Ennerdale valley
• Soaking my feet in the cold clear water on the way down

Completed 192 To go 22

Dale Head

A lovely quick up and down form Hosister pass.  Previously we have been up Brandereth directly from Honister so this time we thought we would ascend the hillside opposite. A very warm day for mid September. The route is easy, the path follows the fence up the hillside then continues in the same direction after the fence comes to a halt. It was good to see the Honister slate mine so busy and we soon lost the noise from it as we ascended.

A long lunch on top in  the sun with welcoming soft breeze and great views across to the high hills to the south , albeit slightly hazy and down  the Newlands valley to the north. I suggest a stroll along to Hindscarth but was overruled as our time schedule would not allow it.

Dale Head summit

View across Honister

Newlands Valley

Time 2 hrs 30mns

Memories 

• Hot sunny day - mid September
• Busy including the summit of Dale Head
• Views across the fells mentally following routes of future walks

Grade  Excellent

Completed 190  To go 24

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

Hard Knott

A very dull day with the cloud base around 400m and drizzly rain on and off. We had a later start today not setting off from Jubilee Bridge at the foot of the Hard Knott pass just before midday. It was a refreshing walk up Eskdale along the river Esk, with it's small waterfalls, to the picturesque Lingcove bridge where we had a bite to eat.

Slightly concerned about traversing Hard Knott fell in the mist and no paths marked on the map, we ascended up the right hand bank of Lingcove beck  following the path skirting between the beck and the small crag immediately above us. The gradient flattened and we continued, now in the mist  keeping the beck down on our left. Looking for some sort of path to head up towards Yew Bank we found it and although not marked, it was this path we were able to follow up the Hard Knott Summit and then descend back to the road at the top of the pass. Occasionally the path disappeared but a bit of compass work soon got us back on track without problems.

Unfortunately there would be no opportunities to see the Eskdale needle today.4

 Back to the car down the road, we discounted the path via the Roman fort because of the bog underfoot.

 

Time 5 hrs

Grade Excellent

Memories 

• Beautiful Eskdale, even with the tops in cloud
• Navigating across Hard Knott in mist
• The Herdwick sheep

Completed 188 To go  26

Robinson and Hindscarth

Again, as so often recently, we were lucky enough to get the last parking spot in the small car park, this time at Little Town in the Newlands Valley

Today our walk took us up Robinson and then on to Hindscarth before descending back to the valley. We would leave Dale Head for another day.

The ascent of Robinson was interesting with the well documented 3 rocky steps, They have been described and 'no problem' to  'a bit of a scramble'. We fall into the latter group. The first and third were indeed 'no problem' but we had difficulty on the middle one as Elspeth was unable to stretch her legs high enough to scramble up the short rock face, However we found an alternative route bypassing the section finding a small path circumventing it down on the left hand side.

We reached the summit easily after this and then descended to Littledale Edge to get out the the cool wind, for lunch. The view across the Buttermere valley and Honister were magnificent.  The high fell of Pillar and the Gables coming in and out of thick cloud, the lower tops of Haystacks, Fleetwith Pike etc easily identified.

Next stop  was Hindscarth with again magnificent, if not better, views whichever way you looked.

The descent north down the ridge of Hindscarth was a delight. Some concentration needed initially and very much so at the end when the gradient increased but overall wonderful with the views up the Newlands valley and the heather, not quite out yet, carpeting both sides of the path.

Time 6 hrs 30 mns

Grade Excellent

Memories

• Rocky step number 2
• 360 degree panoramic views
• Delightful descent off Hindscarth

Completed 187  To go 27

The three rock step on ascent of Robinson

Robinson (R)  and Hindscarth (centre)

Yoke, Ill Bell and Froswick

We just managed to get a parking place at Troutbeck church. Our route was to ascend to Garburn Pass via the Garburn road, an easy gentle ascent. The we took the track bearing left onto the open fell and headed north for our first summit of Yoke. After a gentle descent then steeper climb we were on Ill Bell. The descent off Ill Bell towards Froswick is very eroded much more so that I remember from last time I was here (many years ago). However we were soon down on the col and a short climb to the top of Froswick.

The weather was ideal for walking. Initially the tops were in cloud but by the time we had ascended the cloud had lifted and there was a refreshing breeze. 

We descended form the col between Froswick and Thornthwaite Crag. down to the track of the old Roman Road when we were caught by a heavy shower. We followed Hagg Gill on our right with Troutbeck Tongue on our left, crossed Ing Bridge to Town Head and then crossed the main road to take the path across the fields back to the church.

Time 6hrs

Looking back near end of walk

Memories                                                                             

•     Long but leisurely walk
•     Eroded descent form Ill Bell
•     Views of the Kentemere Valley and the full horseshoe

Grade Excellent

Completed 125  To Go  29

(High Street and) Mardale Ill Bell

Staying alert we arrived at Mardale Head car park at 9.00am to find it full apart form one space. The forecast was excellent for the day which had, understandably, attracted walkers to get out early.
We set off after a quick coffee at the car, no more 'coffee shops on the way'.
Skirting round the head of the reservoir towards The Rigg the path took us up to the crest of the ridge, just above the small wood and then we headed  due west straight up the ridge with Riggindale to the north and Blea Water to the south. Gorgeous views of Hawsewater appeared across the wall as we ascended. The ridge walk is excellent, a mixture undulating grassy knolls and steeper rocky outcrops, but never difficult. The pleasant breeze became stronger and cooler nearer the summit requiring us to shelter for an early lunch just before the final push to the summit of High Street with its vista across to the other Lakeland fells. From here an easy walk across to Mardale Ill Bell then a stony descent on a good path from Nan Bield  back to the car passing Small Water on the right with wild swimmers in the wtaer and on sunbathers on the shore.


Time 6 hrs

Memories

• Gorgeous weather with a stiff breeze on top
• Good to get a change from the confines of lockdown
• Excellent ridge walk

Grade  Excellent

Completed 182 Go go 32

Loadpot Hill and Wether Hill

After another long spell away from our aim to complete all the Wainwrights we finally had got back on track, just before the coronavirus lockdown.

Loadpot Hill

This walk started at Martindale church. We took the path behind the church and skirted the base of Steel Knotts to commence the walk up Fusedale. It was a lovely sunny day but rather a fresh wind. A nice easy walk up by Fusedale beck the after crossing Grove Gill heading up to the shallow coll between our two summits. First a left turn up the easy path to Loadpot Hill. A featureless summit but gorgeous views on a very clear day. Then a retrace of our steps down to the col and then the short ascent up to Wether Hill summit.

From here we carried on south for a short spell then headed down west then north west, eventually finding the path heading for the ruins noted by Wainwright. We then took the path skirting the west slopes of Steel Knotts, rather than retracing our steps down Fusedale, down to the road at Martindale then a short way up to the church and the car.

Time   4hr 30mns

Memories: 

First new Wainwright walk for 30 months

Last for a while whist in lockdown

Sunny but cold wind

Very few people out

Grade Excellent

Completed 181 To go 33

Arthurs Pike, Bonscale Pike

Parked at Roehead just outside Pooley Bridge. An easy track to follow on the Ullswater way, via the Cockpit stone circle across to Aik Beck the up the track directly to Arthurs Pike. The summit is just to the right of the main path. From here we tromped over to Bonscale Pike and retraced our steps to Arthurs Pike cairn stopping for lunch at Swarth Beck. We then headed down the hill to the west to the lower cairn with great views over Ullswater and then turned north on the track over White Knott to meet the path we came up on at Aik Beck.
Weather was warm at lower levels but quite a breeze higher up.

Time 4 hrs

Memories

Back on Wainwright challenge after nearly a year off
Gentle ascent
Good views down to Ullswater

Completed 179 To go 35

Hen Combe

Parked outside Loweswater by the telephone kiosk which now houses a Community Heartbeat Trust Community Public Access Defibrillator. The first park of the walk followed the same route as our walk up Mellbreak. We had no problem crossing Mosedale Beck.

Mosedale Beck

Having gained the ridge by following the wall on our left, we walked up to the summit. Descent was by retracing our steps. A lovely walk for my 60th birthday and to put icing on the cake we saw a red squirrel scuttling across the road and up a tree on out way back to the car


Time 3 hrs

Memories

60th Birthday Walk
Red Squirrel on way back to car
Gentle afternoon walk



Completed 177 To go 37

Harter Fell, Kentmere Pike (Shipman Knotts)

Time 5 hrs

Grade Excellent

Memories

• Flock of Rough Fell sheep 
• Views down Haweswater from Harter Gully
• Cloud free summits and clear views to the West

Completed 176 To go 38

Haweswater from Harter Gully

Herdwick