Walks

Great Borne

Oct 3, 2016

Baitstops Facts and Figures

Height: 616m
Height: 2021 feet
Bible Position: The Buttermere Fells
Conditions: Warm and sunny

Wainwright Facts and Figures

Book: The Western Fells
Position:
Other Wainwrights on this walk: Hen Comb

The last walk left “unlucky” 13 tops to do so it would be good to move on to the final 12 as quickly as possible! We did Seatallan last time out and fully intended doing Haycock today, just a little further on. However in the car on the way there I said to Peter I had a cold coming on so thought we would do the smallest top out of the 71, Great Borne. The idea being it would be easy enough to get up and down fairly quickly, well its only 2021 feet after all!

Start of the walk

So we headed to the Fish Inn at Buttermere and we were going to walk around Crummock Water and go up the way we came down when we did Starling Dodd back in May 2015. We arrived at the Fish around 8.30 and with my knee strapped up and full of scotch egg, ready to walk around 8.45.

Early morning Crummock Water

Crummock Water

We walked between Buttermere and Crummock Water, alongside Buttermere Dubs heading towards Scale Force. It was a clear and quite warm morning for early October, actually much warmer than our last walk in July.

Crummock Water on the left, Buttermere on the right

Scale Force

We crossed the bridge at Scale Force and begun to climb towards Hen Comb and Whiteoak Moss.

Crummock Water Panorama with Grasmoor in the distance

Whiteoak Moss was very boggy, in fact most of the walk was wet under foot, just as well it was a fine day.

Flautern Tarn and the final climb to the summit

We climbed above the boggy area towards Flautern Tarn just under Great Borne, it was now just before midday as we looked up at the final ascent to the summit. It appeared a steep walk but had to be done as we were so close to another top.

At the bottom of this final push we met an older guy, only the fourth person we had met on the whole walk. Not a very popular walk this, unless you had to do it!

Looking towards the coast from the climb to Great Borne

Great Borne summit

As it turned out the climb was not as tough as it looked and we reached the summit around 1pm. A little over 4 hours walking and around 20,000 steps so far. So much for the shortish walk to the lowest summit!

The summit with Red Pike on the left and Great Gable in the centre

Even at the summit it was still quite warm. We now had to decide what was the quickest way down. That final ascent would be a tough descent and we didn’t fancy crossing the bog again so we headed towards Starling Dodd to descend the same way we did back in May 2015.

Looking back to Great Borne

The descent

We knew there was still some distance to be covered to get back to the car but it was a nice day and we had plenty of light left. As we walked around Starling Dodd, just missing the top, we were heading in the direction of Red Pike. Dropping down to find the path which would lead us back down towards Scale Force. It was a tough path, not too steep but rocky and a few difficult parts around the waterfall. Also by now this was becoming the longest walk we had done so the legs were very tired.

Fitbit stats showing almost 9 hour walk!

A new record for a day

We got back to the car about 5.20 almost 9 hours after we had set off, very tired but satisfied that another one was chalked off, only 12 left to do now.

Seatallan

Jul 30, 2016

Baitstops Facts and Figures

Height: 692 m
Height: 2270 feet
Bible Position: Copeland Forest
Conditions: Misty and cool

Wainwright Facts and Figures

Book: The Western Fells
Position:
Other Wainwrights on this walk:

Second walk of the summer and we were off to Wasdale to make the most of the long days. Seatallan was going to be our target today. As its a long drive to the Western Fells, Peter came for me at 6.00 am. We arrived in Wasdale at the entrance to Windsor Farm around 8.30 and parked up. We got ready and I was trying out my new knee braces for the first time thanks to Peacocks Medical Group. Hopefully they would support my knees today and help me finish the remaining 14 tops.

Early morning view of Sellafield and the coast

Start of the walk

We set off walking before 9.00 am and began climbing straight away, walking up the road towards Windsor Farm. Just before the farm we took a right signed Bridleway and followed the wall past the farm onto the fells. The path we were on was heading towards Iron Crag (save that one for another day). We wanted to veer off to the right towards Seatallan, our target for today.

This was the direction we were heading, over the top of this rise.

It was a long, slow slog towards Cat Bields over boggy, tufty grass. Also at this time we got a bit of a shower and the temperature was dropping. As the rain eased off a little we decided to have a cuppa and a little bait.

Boggy walk towards Cat Bields

We were still climbing steadily all the way and the top was shrouded in mist. There was only a faint path too which would be difficult to pick up on the way down, so Peter ingeniously drew some arrows in the mud so we could find the way back down.

A very misty summit

Seatallan summit

We reached Seatallan summit just after 11.30, a trig point and a shelter but unfortunately we couldn’t see past them. On a clear day it would have been a great view from up here but sadly not today. It was a good job Peter drew those arrows because the mist was making directions very difficult.

Descent through the ferns

The descent

It was actually quite cold now so we dropped down off the top as quickly as possible, out of the mist. We got back down to Cat Bields and had a choice whether to turn right to go back the way we came up or left down by the side of Buckbarrow through these ferns.

Looking back up towards Cat Bields

We took the left turn down through the ferns until we reached a path for the descent back down to the road.

Back down to the car

The path was actually quite steep although my knees were doing fine thanks to the knee braces. These braces have lateral support around the knee rather than the simple neoprene bandage I got from Boots. They were certainly providing much better support today, so thanks again to Peacocks.

Gill Beck

Buckbarrow

The Screes

We got back to the car at 1.15, somewhere around 19,000 steps and just under 7 miles and top number 58 in the bag.

See you on the next one hopefully in September.

Ullscarf

Jun 26, 2016

Baitstops Facts and Figures

Height: 726m
Height: 2382 feet
Bible Position: The Central Ridge
Conditions: Warm and sunny, then a little cloudy

Wainwright Facts and Figures

Book: The Central Fells
Position:
Other Wainwrights on this walk:

Time flies again, the last walk we said we were planning mid May and here it is the end of June. Since the last walk though, Sunderland managed to stay up yet again, Newcastle were relegated and we have had a Brexit from Europe. Time does indeed fly. Back to the business of chalking off these Lake District tops with only 15 to go now, we were aiming to get down to 14 today.

It was my turn to drive and as usual I was a little late for Peter, picking him up after 6.30. It was a very bright morning, blue skies and quite warm. We were heading for the Central Ridge and Ullscarf in particular. We drove through Keswick, around the lake towards Borrowdale but took a left to Watendlath. Up past Ashness Bridge, this was a nice little winding road that took us to Watendlath, a tiny hamlet owned by the National Trust apparently.

Start of the walk

We had a scotch egg and a pasty to get us going and then started climbing more or less immediately out of the car park until we reached a gate at the top of the path and took a right here. We now walked by a wall through ferns and looked back down at the car park.

Start of the walk looking back down to the car park

The path was reasonably marked at this stage but became increasingly boggy and less obvious as we walked towards Blea Tarn. The weather was still fantastic, although as we passed Blea Tarn on our right, it became pleasantly cloudy. We were heading towards Standing Crag where we would turn right and climb towards Ullscarf.

A nice bait stop under Standing Crag looking back to Blea Tarn

Wainwright talks about this walk being “dull” and “featureless”. There were certainly not many landmarks or points of interest but on a nice day like today it was a great walk and very quiet, we only bumped into a handful of people. In mist, this would be a very difficult walk especially at the summit with only some old fenceposts to guide you to the summit.

The final ascent to the vast summit

Ullscarf summit

We reached the top just after noon. It was difficult to pick out the actual summit as it was a big flat top with multiple cairns.

The summit with some classics behind. Gable, Pillar, Kirkfell, Fleetwith Pike, Robinson and Grasmoor to name a few

The descent

We descended the other side of Blea tarn following the ridge over High Saddle and Low Saddle.

Looking down to Low Saddle, Derwent Water in the distance

Final bait stop

It was a long walk back to the car, seemed much longer than the ascent (although it wasn’t). Again it was very boggy and certainly the boots paid their way today. By the time we got back to the point of the first photo above, the knees were beginning to ache a little! We got back to the car just after 2.30 and checking our Fitbits had done around 25,000 steps and depending on which one you believed around 9-11 miles. So quite a long walk although fairly steady without either massive ascents or descents. Most important only 14 to go, hoping to get to 10 by the end of this year.

See you on the next one.

Red Screes

Apr 17, 2016

Baitstops Facts and Figures

Height: 776m
Height: 2546 feet
Bible Position:The Fairfield Group
Conditions: Cold and sunny

Wainwright Facts and Figures

Book: The Eastern Fells
Position: 14th highest in Eastern Fells
Other Wainwrights on this walk:

We were both chomping at the bit to get walking again, with no Christmas walk last year and nothing since October we were ready to get going again. We both wanted to watch Norwich v Sunderland at lunchtime so decided on a quick walk near Ambleside to get back down in time to see it. I picked Peter up just after 6.00 am and we were heading to Red Screes.

There was a dusting of snow on the tops coming over Bowes Moor so we knew it was going to be cold. We arrived at the car park opposite the Kirkstone Pass Inn just after 8.00 am and sure enough it was freezing! We got ready, had our breakfast and started walking around 8.30 through the gate at the top of the car park and straight onto the path.

Red Screes from the car park

Start of the walk

Red Screes was right in front of us and we were climbing straight away. The path was clearly marked, left of the middle of Red Screes. Further up the mountain we could see the screes that lead to the Kilnshaw Chimney, we were walking to the left of here through the crags below the summit. The walk was quite easy, although quite steep and a couple of scrambles over rocks.

Red Screes summit

We reached the summit just after 9.30, it was cold and windy up there so just a few quick photos.

Red Screes summit with Caudale Moor in the background

Coniston Fells on the left, Scafells in the middle, Great Gable on my shoulder

The descent

It was icy cold and quite windy on the top, so we dropped off quickly, retracing the ascent path for our descent. The descent was quite easy and we had plenty of time to get back down to watch the match.

Looking back down to the Kirkstone Pass

Windermere in the distance

We had time for a sit down a little further down out of the wind to have a cuppa and some bait and watch the traffic on the Kirkstone Pass. The walk was getting busier now with two or three people passing us while we sat and then a few more when we set off walking again.

Kirk stone Pass Inn from the bait stop

We were back at the car just after 11 so a short, quick walk today but another one chalked off. Only 15 to do now. Ambleside was only 15 minutes away, so we went to the Churchill Inn to see a fantastic 3-0 win for Sunderland. We are planning the next walk for mid May, see you then.

Another look back at the walk, Raven Crag on the left

Scar Crags

Oct 11, 2015

Baitstops Facts and Figures

Height: 672m
Height: 2205 feet
Bible Position: The Coledale Round
Conditions: Warm and dry

Wainwright Facts and Figures

Book: The North Western Fells
Position:
Other Wainwrights on this walk:

Only 2 walks this year but we were about to have our second walk in a month! Peter arrived for me at 6.30 am because we were only heading past Keswick. We had decided that Scar Crags would be the destination today. The last top in the Coledale Round because we had done the others back in July and August 2008.

We would drive to Braithwaite, just past Keswick and park just outside the village. We arrived about 8.30 am and parked in the little car park just as you climb out of Braithwaite on the way to Whinlatter. There was a path out of the car park which would take us towards Grasmoor, Eel Crag etc. However this would mean we would have to do two tops before we reached Scar Crags. So we decided to walk back into the village and pick up the old mine road mentioned in Wainwrights book which was a much more direct route. It took a little finding but we eventually picked it up behind the Coledale Inn.

Start of the walk

Initially it was a long residential road climbing towards the fell. There was actually some parking at the top of the road and if we do this again it will cut about 20 minutes off the walk and a bit of a climb.

Early morning view of the Fells

We were now on the fells heading towards Stile End. It was a steady trod up towards the foot of Stile End and once there we walked around the bottom through the Barrow Door with Barrow on our left and Stile End on the right.

Barrow Door looking towards Barrow

We stopped here for our first bait stop with Causey Pike and todays target Scar Crags in front of us now. We set off again on a very easy part of the walk towards High Moss with Outerside on our right and our target on the left.

Walking over High Moss

We now turned slightly left to walk around Scar Crags and began the hardest part of the walk. However it was clearly laid out in front of us and was only about 100 yards climb up light scree.

Looking back towards the climb to Sail

Scar Crags summit

As we reached the top of this part of the walk we were now on a very clear path towards the summit of Scar Crags. The photo above shows us looking back down this path towards the climb to Sail. We arrived from the right of this photo.

Approaching the summit

We were now quite close to the summit and when we reached the top of this path the actual summit was maybe another 100 yards away so maybe a bit of a challenge in mist to find the actual top. We arrived at the summit of Scar Crags just after 11.00 am and stopped for a few photos in warm October sunshine.

With Causey Pike behind me

With Grisedale Pike behind me

Skiddaw in the distance

With Sail and Crag Hill behind me

The descent

We dropped off the top a little, towards Causey Pike and had another bait stop with some great views. This was an unusual walk because we could see our start point back in Braithwaite village for the majority of the walk.

Looking back down to Braithwaite with Skiddaw in the background

We continued to walk towards Causey Pike and then took a very gentle descent back to High Moss over spongy grass so it was easy on the knees. It was now a very easy walk back down the same path we ascended. We stopped again at Barrow Door, now very busy and then arrived back at the car before 2 pm. So, just time for a pint in the Royal Oak in Braithwaite although they stopped serving food at two (it was now 8 minutes past two!!) so no Jockeys Whips!

Next walk planned for 8th November.

Harter Fell (Eskdale)

Sep 20, 2015

Baitstops Facts and Figures

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Bible Position:
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Wainwright Facts and Figures

Book:
Position:
Other Wainwrights on this walk:

I keep starting blogs like this but it has been some time since the last walk! Only one done this year so far, the second walk of the year and its September! My turn to drive and as we were heading over to Harter Fell we got an early start so I picked Peter up at 6.15. On the way we were trying to work out if it would be quicker going over Wrynose and Hardknott Pass or round the main road to Eskdale. After much discussion we decided on the passes. My Sat Nav also decided to include Kirkstone Pass which made the journey to the start a little longer than it should have been. (That’ll teach us, not to rely on Sat Nav!) Wrynose and Hardknott are very steep but more importantly very tight, with only just enough room to pass another car at passing places. Fortunately we only met two vehicles at that time of the morning. However we realised it would be much busier in the afternoon when we were on our way home. So we decided to head out to the A595 and follow that route back home. We arrived at the parking spot at the foot of Hardknott Pass just after 9.00 am. Peter had brought Scotch Eggs for breakfast and we started walking around 9.20.

We set off over a small bridge (Jubilee Bridge) and turned right through a gate heading towards the fell. It was a reasonably warm morning for September and the climb was fairly steady at this stage. Plenty of time (and breath) for a chat and putting the world to rights. The path was clearly defined most of the way to the summit. We crossed a couple of gills and then took a left on a less defined path. Very shortly the climb started to get a little steeper although it was still relatively easy. The final 70 – 100 feet were a little more rocky and a little steeper and also in a little mist. We reached the summit just after 11.15 still in mist which was a shame as all the books talk about the views from up here.

A slightly misty summit

We had a sit down over looking Hardknott Pass and had some bait. The mist was starting to lift and very quickly became quite clear.

Looking down to Hardknott Castle and Pass

We could now see cars on the Pass and could actually hear tyres screeching as they struggled to get a grip on the steep road. In only a few minutes we counted 7 or 8 cars trying to pass each other and we realised our decision to avoid that route on the way home was the right one. As we sat we heard voices approaching and quite quickly there were several other people at the summit. Harter Fell is a particularly nice summit with plenty of space to sit in solitude. However this morning everyone seemed to want to sit right next to us! We left the top around noon and decided to follow the same route down.

It seemed a little steeper going down than the ascent but again it was relatively easy, fairly steady on the knees. We took our time aiming to get back to the car around 2.

The Scafells in cloud

So we had a little time for another bait stop and time to take a few more photos of the fantastic views.

Looking back at Harter Fell

We ended up sitting for about half an hour, soaking up the sun and just chilling.

Eskdale towards Sellafield and the coast

We got back to the car just after 2.00pm and had time for a couple of pints at the Sportsmans on the way home. A steady, but extremely enjoyable walk today, just over 16,000 steps on the Fitbit, around 6 miles. Now only 17 to go! Next one planned for 3 weeks, see you then!

High Stile and Starling Dodd

May 30, 2015

Baitstops Facts and Figures

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Wainwright Facts and Figures

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This is our first walk of 2015 surprisingly. Peter picked me up at 6.15am to head over to Buttermere. We had been here twice before, once in late 2014 but it was just too windy to attempt on that day and then again in January but I didn’t feel well on the climb after about half an hour so we turned back. This time there were clear blue skies and no sign of a head cold from me so I was looking to get at least High Stile, maybe Starling Dodd chalked off. We parked in the public car park behind The Fish and set off walking with the usual Angus the butcher steak and kidney pies.

Start of the walk

We walked around the edge of Buttermere, crossed a little bridge and entered the woods and immediately started to climb. It took about 20 minutes to walk through the woods onto the open fell. Once onto the fell we continued to climb steadily towards Bleaberry Tarn. It was here that we turned back on that windy day in November. Today was much calmer as we sat and had some bait at the tarn. There was a clear path heading up from the tarn towards Red Pike which we took. This path started off quite easy and then the second half was scree and very steep. We eventually reached the top just below the summit of Red Pike and turned left towards High Stile. It was now a fairly easy walk to the summit.

Looking back to Bleaberry tarn and Crummock Water beyond

Summit just ahead

High Stile summit

We sat at the top just out of the wind for some time having lunch and looking back down to Bleaberry Tarn, Buttermere and across to Grasmoor and further to the right Robinson with Skiddaw and Blencathra in the distance. It was a clear day and we got a great view of the surrounding fells.

Great bait stop this

The path we followed from the tarn on my left shoulder, Crummock Water in the distance

High Stile ridge

We walked along the ridge and then turned back towards Starling Dodd. We were either going to tackle this one as well or turn right and head back down to the car.

Our next destination – Starling Dodd centre of picture

Starling Dodd summit

As we walked around Red Pike and dropped towards the start of Starling Dodd it seemed well within reach and it made sense to do this one too. It would be nice to only have 18 tops left after today. It was a fairly short but steep climb to the summit in what was now a biting cold wind.

Starling Dodd with Red Pike and High Stile behind, Pillar on the right

The descent

We just grabbed a quick picture and came straight back down. We turned left and crossed some heather heading towards a stream which we followed all the way down to Crummock Water. It was a really steady descent, fairly easy on the knees today. Once down, we walked around Crummock Water towards Buttermere and then back to the car. We arrived back at the car just before 5.00 pm so a long day, just short of 30,000 steps and over 11 miles. Most importantly only 18 to go now!

See you on the next one.

Loadpot Hill – Christmas Walk 2014

Dec 7, 2014

Baitstops Facts and Figures

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Wainwright Facts and Figures

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The last walk saw the 50 milestone chalked up and 2 weeks later I reached another 50 milestone – in years. So it was good to know that the next walk would leave only 20 summits to do. Peter picked me up at 6.30 for our annual Christmas Walk. Rather than head to Yorkshire as we usually do, we wanted to get that last Lake District top of the year in. The forecast was for a cold, dry day with cloud thickening later. As we would be carrying the full Christmas fayre we didn’t want to do too much height so chose Loadpot Hill, one of the smaller mountains near Ullswater. Loadpot Hill sits on the Roman Road that carries on to High Raise, Rest Dodd and High Street which I had already done.

We arrived in Màrtindale about 8.30 and Peter had brought ham and egg pies for breakfast. It was certainly very cold as we set off and I already had 4 layers on, hat and gloves and a very full rucksack. We took the path around the back of the church and set off walking away from Loadpot Hill strangely. After a short while the path was no more than a sheep path, climbing diagonally higher and higher above the forest below. The path was very narrow and at times difficult to get a foothold. As we got close to a stream in front of us, we took a left turn and started to climb straight up now. This was now much steeper until we reached a flatter part which took us over a stream to a ruin where we sat down for Christmas lunch. We started with chicken drumsticks marinated in garlic, ginger and honey. For dessert we had mince pies, Christmas cake and custard although for some reason my custard had thinned out in the flask. All of this washed down with a bottle of wine.

We set off again for the final push to the summit, walking straight up a grassy slope. The top was in mist but we could see the general direction. As we reached the ridge we knew it was generally left we were heading but we could not see. We got to a small cairn but we knew it was not the top. As we set off further along the path it seemed to be descending which was concerning, so we turned back the other way. We walked that way for a hundred yards or so and realised that was not right either. Just then, the mist cleared and we could see the top in front of us but there was a bit of a drop and more importantly another climb. We were so close though, so we carried on. Once we were climbing it was not as bad as it looked and we reached top number 51 about 12.30.

Loadpot Hill Summit

We turned around and headed back down, the wind had picked up now and it was freezing. The grassy slope was much easier coming down than going up as it was quite spongy. We were heading straight for the ruined hut but there was someone in it this time so we went for the smaller ruin just behind where we had lunch. Peter had brought some oatcakes, cheese and home-made pickle which went down very nicely with the last drop of wine we had. We were now ready to make the final descent back to the car.

I had in my mind the narrow path but I had completely forgotten the initial steep descent back to the narrow path. It was difficult finding the path but we thought we had found it and followed it in the direction of the car. It was particularly difficult going the other way and the height was something that was playing on my mind. There were several times when I had to resort to crawling along as there were no footholds. I was almost at the point of giving up (although there was no option other than to go on) when we saw a cave we had passed earlier that morning. At last we were back on the proper path. It was still a difficult walk but better than it was.

We eventually reached the car about 3.30. A very satisfying walk and my Fitbit device told me we had done over 28000 steps, around 11 miles so a long walk too. The last one of 2014, we will be back in 2015.

Dow Crag – Number 50!

Sep 7, 2014

Baitstops Facts and Figures

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It’s been a busy summer and we haven’t had much time to go walking so this was our first outing since June. Peter picked me up at 6 sharp in the pouring rain although the forecast was looking good.

We had planned on doing the Central Ridge but thought we would decide as we got over Bowes Moor. The Central Ridge is a boggy walk so plan b was Dow Crag. As we reached Bowes Moor the rain had died off but we thought Dow Crag would be a better walk as it was a little shorter (I have a 20 mile sponsored walk along Hadrians Wall to do next week). So we headed in the direction of Coniston, drove up the very steep Walna Scar road and parked at the car park at the top. We arrived at 8.30 ready to set off with a piece of Gala pie to get us going.

Start of the walk

We set off up the track used by 4×4 vehicles towards The Old Man and Dow Crag. The path was wide and steady as we climbed slowly. The tops were covered in low cloud but even at this early hour the cloud was clearing occasionally. After about 30 minutes we took a right off the main track and started to climb towards the Cove. Even though there was low cloud it was still quite warm and the cloud was coming and going all the time.

First bait stop at Goats Water

We arrived at Goats Water about 9.30 and had a sit on some rocks for a cuppa. Dow Crag was directly in front of us, one minute you could see it the next you couldn’t. We could just pick out a couple of climbers on the crags about half way up.

Looking back to Goats Water

On the way up to Goats Hawse

Dow Crag when the cloud cleared

Selfie with Goats Water!

We set off again towards Goats Hawse where we could turn right towards The Old Man or left towards Dow Crag, our target for today. It was still quiet on the fells and we met our first walker at Goats Hawse, heading the same way as us. We climbed towards the summit stopping before the top for another bait stop and some pictures of where we had just come from.

Goats Water below

At the summit with The Old Man in the background

Dow Crag summit

We reached the summit about 11.30 am, still in and out of cloud but enough time to get a picture with The Old Man of Coniston in the background. There was hardly any breeze today so it was pleasant just sitting getting rehydrated. This was a milestone top as it was number 50 for me out of 71 so only 21 to go now. Really going to have to work out which one will be my last soon!

Looking back to Dow Crag from the shelter

Coniston Water

The descent

We continued along the ridge in the direction of Buck Pike and then Brown Pike where we would join the Walna Scar road again. It was getting warmer and the cloud was continuing to clear all the time.

Looking back up Walna Scar Road

It was only 1 pm and we were only about a mile from the car park so we had a final bait stop next to Cove bridge.

Cove Bridge

Sunshine on the Fells, time for a drink!

A very pleasant walk today, quite easy as well, no trouble at all for my knee. Time for a pear cider in the Sun hotel in Coniston. Just make sure you order your plate of chips before 2.30 pm!! Hoping to get another walk done at the end of September.

Fairfield and Dove Crag

Jun 16, 2014

Baitstops Facts and Figures

Height: Fairfield – 873m, Dove Crag – 792m
Height: Fairfield – 2864 feet, Dove Crag – 2603 feet
Bible Position: The Fairfield Group
Conditions: Warm and Cloudy

Wainwright Facts and Figures

Book: The Eastern Fells
Position: Fairfield – 5th highest in Eastern Fells, Dove Crag – 12th highest in Eastern Fells
Other Wainwrights on this walk: Hart Crag

After a good walk last time out considering my dodgy knee, we set off again after a little more recuperation. It was Peters turn to drive and he arrived for me in daylight just after 6.30 am. We had already planned to do Fairfield. On the journey I suggested we also consider Dove Crag as Wainwright suggested it was a fairly flat summit walk of just under 2 miles each way – it would seem a shame not to fit two in today!

Start of the walk

We arrived at a very busy Dunmail Raise just before 8.30, strapped on the boots and crossed the road ready to start walking. We were setting off on exactly the same descent of the previous walk to Seat Sandal, Grise Beck. This was a fairly steady walk up to Grisedale Tarn taking in the black and white of the landscape at this still early hour.

It was quite warm as we climbed and I could feel drips of water on the back of my legs. At first I thought it was dew being kicked up as I walked. However when I stopped I realised my water bladder had sprung a leak and was dripping out the bottom of my rucksack. Possibly the warmest walk of the year with a limited water supply, so much for my time saving gadget! Fortunately Peter stepped in with a spare bottle he had.

We walked around Grisedale Tarn stopping for a bait stop before the final steep ascent to Fairfield. As we were sat eating our bait, the summit was in mist but it was clearing up as the morning went on. We set off for the final climb getting to the point where the path set off to the left and began to zig zag up the mountain. It was at this point when we were eating our bait that the mist started, however by now it was clearing as we climbed and eventually cleared all the way to the summit.

Fairfield summit

It was a very steep climb and I knew it would be an even steeper descent. We reached the top at 11.20, stopped quickly for a photo and then headed in the direction of Dove Crag.

Fairfield summit with Helvellyn behind

My knee had been fine on the ascent but now we were on the flat, as soon as I set off towards Dove Crag I could feel a twinge. I kept walking though towards Hart Crag but stopped at a short descent followed by a rise to Dove Crag and I thought it would be tough to add this part of the walk on AND still have that heavy descent of Fairfield. We stopped for 5 minutes, had a cuppa whilst I decided what I wanted to do.

Dove Crag with Fairfield behind

Dove Crag summit

I set off on this short descent and it seemed OK so we decided to plough on, it would be such a shame not to get 2 tops in today when we were so close. We arrived at Dove Crag around noon, again a quick photo and turned around to retrace our steps back to Fairfield. The views today were fantastic, in particular a great view of Helvellyn and Striding Edge with Catstycam behind..

Helvellyn and Striding Edge with Catstycam on the right

We arrived back at the summit of Fairfield about 12.40. It was a very confusing summit with a number of cairns and a shelter and it was difficult to tell which one was the actual summit. We went to a couple of cairns just to be on the safe side before deciding that the first one we visited was definitely the top!

Beginning the descent from Fairfield

Grisedale Tarn and Dollywaggon Pike

The descent

That long, steep descent was still ahead of us but I knew that once we got past those zig zags it started to flatten out back down to the tarn and then it was a steady descent back to the car. Our last walk to Seat Sandal was on our left as we came down Fairfield and seemed tiny in comparison to where we were today.

Seat Sandal from the Fairfield descent

When we were back at the tarn and walking round it, I stretched to step over a large rock and my left thigh tightened and now I couldn’t move. We were still a good hour from the car. I sat motionless for a few minutes whilst we had a cuppa and fortunately it was just cramp. We got up and set off again – phew! Whilst we were sat though we got a great view back up Fairfield, a view that was shrouded in mist earlier this morning.

Looking back up Fairfield from Grisedale Tarn

On closer inspection you can clearly make out the path we took and those zig zags to the summit.

A closer look at todays ascent

The walk down by Grise Beck was slow and very steady. It was a much tougher descent than it felt last time. However we had the extra height of Fairfield and the walk to Dove Crag in our legs.

On the final stretch back to the car

We arrived back at the car around 3.30 and stopped off for an ice cold Pear Cider at the Sportmans.

Nice cold Pear Cider

Delighted to have got 2 tops chalked off today leaving only 22 to do and the milestone of top number 50 coming up on the next walk.

Start of the walk

Great Borne summit

The descent

Start of the walk

Seatallan summit

The descent

Start of the walk

Ullscarf summit

The descent

Start of the walk

Red Screes summit

The descent

Start of the walk

Scar Crags summit

The descent

Start of the walk

High Stile summit

Starling Dodd summit

The descent

Start of the walk

Dow Crag summit

The descent

Start of the walk

Fairfield summit

Dove Crag summit

The descent

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