Carrock Fell & High Pike
Steve picked me up at 5.45 to start our previously postponed Christmas walk. We drove over to pick up Peter and then started the journey to the Lakes. As the last walk was in November and on that walk my knees were in bad shape I was a little apprehensive. We got to Mosedale just before 8.00 am, Peter had brought a steak pie from Angus the butcher in Seaham which was a great start to the day.
Early morning Mosedale
Start of the walk
Start of the walk
We walked towards Swineside and almost immediately started climbing, whilst the climb was not over strenuous coming so early in the day it was still hard work. The first part of the climb was mainly negotiating lots and lots of boulders and gorse bushes. However once we got to the top of the shoulder the walk became much easier. At this stage we could not see the summit but the climb was much steadier now.
The wind was starting to pick up and it was quite cold.
Very soon we came across some old ruins which we decided to shelter behind the walls to have a cuppa. From here we could see the summit.
Carrock Fell summit
Summit up ahead
We had our drink and a frankfurter courtesy of Steve and then headed off for the summit. I put an extra layer on as the wind was quite biting now. We got to the summit and almost immediately headed for High Pike as it was too cold to stand around. As we dropped below the summit slightly the wind also dropped.
High Pike summit
The walk to High Pike was about 2 miles but the summit was always in view. There was a sprinkling of snow in a few places as we crossed the fell. About 40 minutes later we arrived at the summit of High Pike, 2 down by lunchtime and more importantly 2 down by the end of January, ahead of my target of 1 per month.
We stopped to take a few pictures at the top of High Pike as there were good views from there.
High Pike summit
Looking back towards Carrock Fell from High Pike
Satisfied with two tops knocked off we headed for Lingy Hut for our belated Christmas lunch. About half an hour later we arrived at Lingy Hut and it was empty.
Lingy Hut
Lingy Hut, time for Christmas Lunch
Christmas lunch was Chicken breasts courtesy of Steve, Wine courtesy of Peter and Mince pies and custard from me. Peter also brought the XMAS crackers. After our fill of Christmas fayre we headed back down to the car. On leaving the hut I got a twinge in my left knee even though the descent was quite gentle. However it was nowhere near as bad as St Sunday Crag. It was a steady drop down to the valley to some disused mine workings and then along the road back to Swineside and the car.
Next walk already planned for 22nd February, after such a good walk today I can’t wait!
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