Wednesday, 13th May 2015

Walk: Stockghyll Woods, The Struggle, Kirkstone Pass, Red Screes, Scandale Hause, Little Hart Crag, High Pike, Low Pike, Low Sweden Bridge
Start Point: Under Loughrigg Grid Reference: NY 371 045
Distance: 12.5 miles Ascent: 3,600 ft
Time: 7.5 hours
Weather: Overcast in the morning anf brighter in the afternoon
Comments: After my ususal visit to Stockgyll Force I made my way to Kirkstone Pass for a welcome break before climbing to the summit of Red Screes. Then it was down to Scandale Hause before a diversion to Little Hart Crag and time for lunch. One more climb took me onto the Eastern arm of the Fairfield Horseshoe, descending over High Pike and Low Pike. Low Sweden Bridge lacks the character of High Sweden Bridge but leads directly back into Ambleside and back to the car. A very pleasant day with the sun making a welcome appearance in the afternoon.

Stockghyll Force

The Langdale Pikes stand out clearly . . .

as does the long approach to Red Screes . . .

but I prefer the short, sharp path which meanders amongst the rocks . . .

heading up from the Kirkstone Pass

The road to Ambleside from the Kirkstone Pass

From the climb, looking over Stony Cove Pike to Yoke, Ill Bell and Frsowick . . .

and down to Windermere

Middle Dodd swoops down from Red Screes . . .

with Brothers Water and Place Fell beyond

Little Hart Crag with St Sunday Crag to the right . . .

and looking down the Scandale Valley

Zooming in on the unmistakable dome of Great Gable

Heading down towards . . .

High Pike . . .

and looking back to the route I had followed

Scandale Beck . . .

where there is a lot of activity . . .

and the access road that starts near Rydal Park - seen on a previous walk (21st April) . . .

when this photo was taken from Loughrigg Fell

Ambleside and Windermere from High Pike

Low Pike requires a short detour from the path . . .

but it is worth it

Continuing down to Ambleside

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