Sunday, 27th July 2008

 

Walk: Elterwater, Spedding Crag, Silver HowBlea RiggPavey Ark, Thunacar Knott, Harrison Stickle, Pike O' Stickle, Loft Crag, Mark Gate, New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel, Chapel Stile, Elterwater
Start Point: Elterwater Grid Ref: NY 329 051
Distance: 12 miles Ascent: 3,377 feet
Weather: A bright and sunny day with hardly any breeze, the hottest day of the year so far
Accompanied by:

Marie, Ray, John L, Ian and Karen

Comments: The forecast was excellent and we were sure that the early morning mist encountered en route to Elterwater would burn off before too long. Sure enough, as we climbed Huntingstile Crag the mist disappeared and we had great views for the rest of the day - causing much discussion as to which top was which. Having tracked down the summit of Blea Rigg we made our way towards Stickle Tarn where we spotted rock climbers just to the right of Jack's Rake. We opted for the less precarious route up North Rake - still a hard climb in the 'burning' sunshine. After visiting Pavey Ark, and making a 'short detour' to Thunacar Knott we made our way to Harrison Stickle and descended by the partly stepped path. A short, sharp climb and scramble later, the views on Pike O' Stickle made the effort worthwhile. Heading back down there was only a slight(ish) ascent to Loft Crag, from where the promise of a brief refreshment stop at New Dungeon Ghyll spurred everyone on. Suitably refreshed the three miles back along the valley took no time at all (well, about an hour).

 

Scroll down to see photos of the walk

Blue skies as we make our way to Silver How . . .

 

from where we can see Grasmere and Rydal Water in one direction . . .

 

and the village of Grasmere in another

 

Kath and Marie pose for the camera

 

The Langdale Pike look a fair distance from here

 

The Langdale Valley comes into view, surrounded by Pike O' Blisco, Crinkle Crags and Bow Fell

 

Three runners - on a different path

 

We finally find the summit of Blea Rigg above the shelter . . .

 

but there is only the makings of a cairn . . .

 

whichever way you look

 

Taking a breather on the way up North Rake (a bit hot for this climb today!)

 

Stickle Tarn outlet with the Langdale Valley and Lingmoor Fell behind

 

Ray chooses his seat for lunch . . .

 

and demonstrates the versatility of his umbrella . . .

 

whilst playing 'King of the Castle'

 

We choose a more comfortable spot

 

Sergeant Man catches the sun as we cross to Thunacar Knott . . .

 

and pose for a group shot

 

Who can name the most fell tops?

 

Well, Great Gable and Green Gable are pretty obvious . . .

 

and Sca Fell can also be seen

 

Harrison Stickle

 

Looking back from Harrison Stickle we can trace our route along the ridge from Elterwater

 

The group begins to wonder how many more summits there are to climb

 

Are we nearly there yet?

 

One for the album on Pike O'Stickle

 

Loft Crag and Gimmer Crag with Lingmoor Fell and Blea Tarn in the distance

 

Looking down South Scree which was the location of a stone axe factory

 

Lingmoor Fell, Side Pike and Blea Tarn

 

Looking back up the valley as we descend via Mark Gate . . .

 

and stop for well-earned refreshments . . .

 

at Sticklebarn

 

Were we really up on those tops?

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