Sunday, 6th September 2009
| Walk: | Seathwaite, Base Brown, Green Gable, Great Gable, Styhead Tarn, Stockley Bridge | ||
| Start Point: | Seathwaite Farm | Grid Ref: | NY 235 121 |
| Distance: | 5.5 miles | Ascent: | 3,000 feet |
| Weather: | Damp initially with rain and mist on the higher fells | ||
| Accompanied by: |
7 members of the group, led by John D |
||
| Comments: | With an uncertain forecast we were hoping that the weather would be kinder than the last time we attempted this walk - when we had to abandon it completely. A little dampness in the air accompanied our climb alongside Sourmilk Gill but the wet and slippery rocks made the scramble onto Base Brown more precarious than previously. The rain arrived as we made our way from Base Brown to Green Gable and the mist decided to join in as we climbed Great Gable. By the time we had reached Sty Head the mist was clearing but with continuing rain and wind we decided to abandon our visit to Seathwaite Fell. Retreating alongside Styhead Gill the rain had almost stopped by the time we reached Stockley Bridge and we were pleased to reach the comfort of the cars. | ||
Scroll down to see photos of the walk
The two waterfall on Sourmilk Gill can be seen from the cars . . .
but an unusual stile must be navigated to reach them
The waterfall at Seathwaite slabs is quite impressive . . .
and so is the one at the highest point
Looking over the higher waterfall to the Seathwaite valley
The scramble onto Base Brown . . .
is quite difficult today . . .
but does provide a good vantage point for a view down the valley
From Base brown we can see the weather closing in . . .
but it's not too wet for our morning coffee stop
From Green Gable we can see the mist hovering over Great Gable . . .
and descending to Windy Gap . . .
we have a view down Ennerdale, with Crummock Water on the right . . .
and in the opposite direction Sprinkling Tarn can just be seen, with the Langdales on the left, Allen Crags in the centre and Bowfell, Esk Pike and Great End on the right
As we climb Great Gable Styhead Tarn can be seen sitting below Sprinkling Tarn
The memorial on Great Gable provides a focal point . . .
before checking out the summit
A steady descent in slippery conditions brings us to Sty Head . . .
where we brave the weather as we stop for lunch - but decide to cut the walk short from here
The long, rocky descent over we take time out . . .
at Stockley Bridge . . .
before tackling the final section of the walk