| Departed from Keswick at about 9:15am
after a very hearty ‘full English breakfast’ for a pleasant drive
through Borrowdale to Seathwaite farm. The sky was relatively clear with a
scattering of white puffy clouds. It looked to have the makings of a good
days walking. As could be expected on a Spring bank-holiday weekend - and
good weather forecast - the roadside parking had filled up rather quick.
(Those familiar with Seathwaite farm will appreciate the problem of
parking) (photo: Looking south over Seathwaite farm.) |
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| The long track
leading from the farm to Stockley Bridge gives the legs a chance to loosen
up. By the time we reached Stockley Bridge the temperature had risen
so, before we started our ascent up Taylorgill Force I changed into a
short sleeved shirt. (photo: Looking back from Stockley Bridge) |
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| Once over Stockley
bridge we followed the path up hill that skirts the base of Seathwaite
Fell. It wasn't long before we reached the top revealing the
spectacular view through the Lingmell and the Scafells. (photo: Taylorgill Force) |
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| The path wound round
to Styhead Tarn. (A beautiful setting for an overnight stop under the
stars!) At the Mountain Rescue Emergency box we turned east and headed
towards Great End, eventually joining the Corridor Route. After a
short descend below Great End, we crossed a small gully up a short
scramble of reddish rocks. (Nothing too strenuous) (photo: Scafell & Lingmell) |
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The next ‘hurdle’ was a scramble down some rocks onto a path/ledge
near the lower area of Piers Gill. From here the path rose steadily to the
head of Piers Gill. At this point the path splits. One left up the col
between Broad Crag and Scafell Pike, the other skirts around Scafell Pike to Lingmell Col.
We
took the path to Lingmell Col. We became more exposed to the chilly
westerly wind on reaching Lingmell Coll. On went the fleece, hat
and gloves before we started the final section. The path is easy to
follow ... in good visibility ... but care is required as it is over loose rocks. (photo: Gentle Scramble .......) |
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On reaching the top I touched the bench mark,
confirming my arrival on top of England, then found a sheltered spot for
lunch. The clouds had broken allowing the sun to show, bringing extra warmth
in the lee of the wind. It wasn't long before we were back on our feet and
heading down the
rocky path to col above Little Narrowcove. We climb up the rocks keeping to the
right of Broad Crag and crossed the plateau of Ill Crag. At Calf Cove
followed the path down to
Esk Hause. (It was rather ‘busy’ with walkers heading up from Esk Hause
towards Scafell Pike in the late afternoon.) (photo: Looking towards Esk Hause from Calf Cove) |
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| At Esk Hause we
turned west and down the path to the top of Grains Gill. All that remained now was the
long slow descent of Grains Gill to Stockley Bridge. We crossed the stream
at the head of Ruddy Gill and
started down the path. The route is good underfoot, although after more
than 5 hours walking the long slow
descent wasn’t particular welcomed by the legs. The occasional pools alongside the path looked rather inviting for a ‘plunge’.
No doubt very cold ..... but refreshing in the heat of sun after a days
walking. (photo: Looking down Grains Gill) |
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| The path levelled
out at the bottom part of Grains Gill bringing us back to Stockley Bridge. All that
remained was the walk back along the track to through Seathwaite farm the car.
Another excellent day of walking. (photo: One of the many waterfalls along Grains Gill) |
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