| Walk: | Elterwater, Spedding Crag, Silver How, Blea Rigg, Pavey 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?