The car park at the end of Gale Road is almost 300 metres above sea level, and from there the ascent of Skiddaw is probably the easiest climb of any of the highest fells. Today I hoped to get above the cloud.
The Hawell Monument, a memorial to two Skiddaw shepherds, Edward and Joseph Hawell of Lonscale. A third name, that of Robert Walker Hawell was inscribed on the base of the cross at a later date. The epitaph on the base reads –
Great Shepherd of Thy heavenly flock These men have left our hill Their feet were on the living rock Oh guide and bless them still
The memorial was reputedly erected by Canon Rawnsley, one of the co-founders of the National Trust, who was a friend of the family.
The simple ascent, into the cloudsBlue sky above, but not quite properly above the cloudsHaze on top – perhaps if I’d lingered long enough, I might have got what I was after, but it was quite windy and chillyAnd the landscape through gaps in the cloud is very beautiful
Farewell to George
A chilly walk up Helvellyn this afternoon under blue skies, following two parkruns this morning at Carlisle and Keswick. The walk was primarily to find a resting place for George’s ashes.
I didn’t go all the way to the top – although it was a beautiful day, it wasn’t necessary for the primary purpose, and to be honest I was feeling quite tired after the two parkruns, so near this spot, with a grand view north over the Helvellyn ridge, down to Thirlmere, and to Blencathra, Skiddaw, and the north-western fells, was a suitable place. Farewell, George – faithful companion, enthusiastic fellwanderer.
Crinkle Crags
A glorious day for a stunning walk up Crinkle Crags, a contrast to the previous time I visited which was in fog. Chilly on top (forecast said minus 15 with wind chill) but that led to some interesting ice formations.
Crossing Oxendale BeckThe Langdale Pike as I ascend towards Red TarnA right turn towards the top of the pass before reaching Red Tarn and I am more than half-way upIce lining the banks of the streamThe Helvellyn range behind the Langdale PikesThe Scafells on the left, with the top of Crinkle Crags on the rightThe Bad Step is the direct way to the top. I’ve had a look at it before and didn’t fancy it, and definitely wouldn’t attempt it when there is ice about, so I took the easy route around to the left.Ice on the summitThe Scafells from near the summitMost of the Lake District and quite a lot of the Yorkshire DalesDescending to Three Tarns, in the gap before BowfellOne of the Three Tarns (there can be any number depending on how wet it has been, and at what size a patch of water qualifies – three is purely nominal) with the Scafells beyondOne of the tarns at Three TarnsHeading down after a really wonderful walk. The days are short in winter, but there’s little to beat a cold and clear day on the fells.
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