Friday 23rd November 2007

Start point: Brackenclose (NY 182 074)

Brackenclose - Lingmell - Lingmell Col - Scafell Pike - Mickledore - Lord's Rake - West Wall Traverse - Scafell - Green How - Brackenclose

Distance: 6 miles     Total Ascent: 1162 metres     Time Taken: 3 hours 45 minutes

Weather: Cold and clear. 5oC.

Route Map

It was predicted to be clear today and I wasn't disappointed when I went up to Scafell Pike, it was a complete contrast to yesterday's rain. The climb to Lingmell straight up the nose is a steep one and it was really cold on this section as the sun was hidden behind Scafell for much of the ascent. The climb to Scafell Pike was bitterly cold too, being in shade until I reached the upper parts. The top was icy with little clumps of snow around but in glorious sunshine. The only fell I could see with a decent dusting of snow was Helvellyn to the east. I climbed to Scafell via Lord's Rake and the West Wall Traverse before the steep drop down back into Wasdale. A superb days walking; conditions don't come much clearer than this.

Wast Water from the steep climb up the direct route to Lingmell.

Out of the shadows and into the light climbing to Lingmell.

Wasdale Head and Mosedale with Red Pike, Scoat Fell and Pillar encircling it.

Casper is leading the way today.

Near the summit of Lingmell now at Goat Crags. We crossed the wall and headed left for the column overlooking Wasdale on the northern edge of Lingmell.

Great Gable.

The slender columnar cairn on Lingmell. A clear view to the east with Helvellyn dusted with snow.

Looking across to Mosedale.

The column and Mosedale.

The Great Napes on Great Gable.

A distant snow clad Helvellyn.

The summit of Lingmell.

It was really cold approaching the summit of Scafell Pike with a biting wind. No chance of a drink here either as my drinking tube was frozen.

The north-western fells from Scafell Pike. All was clear to Grasmoor and Skiddaw with Derwent Water and Styhead Tarn in view. That looks like a shadow of me on top of Scafell Pike too.

Mosedale from Scafell Pike.

Casper, officially the highest dog in England.

Windermere in view between Bowfell and Crinkle Crags.

Scafell.

Skiddaw, Blencathra and Derwent Water.

Brrr! Looking back to the summit of Scafell Pike.

Following the cairns on the decent before heading over to Scafell.

Scafell Pike from Mickledore.

Pulpit Rock.

Heading for Lord's Rake. These two are already halfway up but we caught them by the fallen chockstone (which has still not moved, by the way). We then went via the West Wall Traverse and Deep Gill, which is to the left.

Looking back down Lord's Rake.

Not the greatest of photos, but this was the top of Deep Gill - snow and sheet ice on an incredibly steep climb.

Finally out at the top of Deep Gill.

Scafell Pike and Esk Pike from Scafell.

Esk Pike and Bowfell.

Water, water everywhere but not a drop to drink - it's all frozen for Casper up on Scafell.

The summit of Scafell.

Descending Scafell towards Wast Water. To the left is Illgill Head, to the right is Middle Fell and Seatallan.

Great Gable and Lingmell.

Burnmoor Tarn and Illgill Head.

Blue sky looking back up to Scafell.

Wasdale Head dwarfed by the giant fells surrounding it.

Wasdale Head and the field system.

Yewbarrow.

Wast Water from the descent.

Lingmell from Wasdale.

Looking through the trees to Lingmell.

You know I can't resist this view.

Lingmell.

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