Sunday, 1st May 2011
| Walk: | Mungrisdale, Bowscale Fell, Bannerdale Crags, Mungrisdale Common, Blencathra, Souther Fell | ||
| Start Point: | Roadside just north of High Beckside | Grid Ref: | NY 364 300 |
| Distance: | 11 miles | Ascent: | 3,200 feet |
| Time: | 7 hours | ||
| Weather: | A sunny and mild day in the valleys but a blustery wind on the fells, up to 55 mph on the summits. | ||
Comments: |
A long climb, steep at first, brought us to the summit of Bowscale Fell where the wind was very strong. Continuing across to Bannerdale Crags we were alerted to the strength of the wind by the sound it was making across the grasses. After a short photo stop on Bannerdale Crags we quickly made our way across to Mungrisdale Common where we were disappointed to find that the wind was just as strong and blustery as it had been on the summits. Fortunately the path was much drier than has been previously experienced and we made good time. However, with the wind against us as we made our way towards Blue Screes the going was tough. The climb was made all the more difficult by the very strong and blustery wind. The walk across to the summit of Blencathra was still difficult, as was the summit itself. The quick descent down the zig-zagging scree path dropped us out of the worst of the wind and we were able to find a reasonably well sheltered spot for lunch. Continuing down the path we soon made our way onto Souther Fell, though we were to meet the fierce wind again as we started the descent. We were pleased to arrive back at the car after a very enjoyable walk. |
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Mungrisdale Church
Our first climb is pretty steep with great views
Looking up the Glenderamackin Valley with Souther Fell on the left, Bannerdale Crags in the centre and The Tongue on the right
Bowscale Tarn
Bannerdale Crags doesn't look far now . . .
but we need to visit Bowscale Fell first . . .
battling against the wind
Then it's across an even windier section . . .
to Bannerdale Crags
A group of people head up to Foule Crag . . .
but we make our way across to Mungrisdale Common, with Skiddaw in the background
Climbing to Foule Crag the bleakness of Mungrisdale Common can be seen
Zooming in on Sharp Edge
Making our way across to Blencathra summit . . .
we pass the white quartzite cross which was (according to Wainwright) built by one Harold Robinson of Threlkeld.
The summit trig marker . . .
where a very strong wind tries to blow me over
As we descend Scales Fell Sharp Edge comes into view . . .
and a trio seem to contemplating the route
A little lower down we can see Scales Tarn . . .
and another view reveals the trio . . .
crossing the Edge - in very strong wind!!!
Heading onto Souther Fell we have a very different view of Sharp Edge . . .
and zooming in
Taking a rest on Souther Fell . . .
before heading for the summit
Marie tries out her 'gate vault'