Out of synch to be out of Coledale crowds
Posted: Thu Jun 09, 2011 9:48 amThey say it’s all in the timing. Given the departing minibuses and remaining couple of cars at Stoneycroft in Newlands I’d got this one right.
It was getting on for 6 in the evening and the plan was to get beyond Causey Pike before stopping for the night and enjoy the sunset, solitude and sunrise up high while everyone else was down below. Then, as the sun rose (likely to be about 5), and before the rest of the world had tucked into their full English in the valley, I’d enjoy a round of the Coledale tops on my own. As the half-term crowds began to sweat their way up, I’d be on my way down.
The route is obvious: on the maps, in the guides and on the ground itself. The paths are well-worn, and in places much-improved, so I’ll just let some photographs and their captions tell the tale.
It’s great when a plan works; ducks in a row and all that. A couple of evening fell runners plus one man and his dog were evening visitors, then the first morning soul was at 9.00am on Hopegill Head. Even the route from Braithwaite back to the car was a delightful stroll up beyond Braithwaite Lodge and round the foot of Barrow, avoiding the all too frequent tarmac trudge at the end of the day.
So, I’ll try that again. Skiddaw looks a good contender.
- Skiddaw from above Stoneycroft in Newlands
It was getting on for 6 in the evening and the plan was to get beyond Causey Pike before stopping for the night and enjoy the sunset, solitude and sunrise up high while everyone else was down below. Then, as the sun rose (likely to be about 5), and before the rest of the world had tucked into their full English in the valley, I’d enjoy a round of the Coledale tops on my own. As the half-term crowds began to sweat their way up, I’d be on my way down.
- Dale Head and Hindscarth from ridge of Causey Pike
The route is obvious: on the maps, in the guides and on the ground itself. The paths are well-worn, and in places much-improved, so I’ll just let some photographs and their captions tell the tale.
- Summit cairn of Causey Pike - looking south east
- Looking back across to Causey Pike from Scar Crags
- A soft spot for the night on Scar Crags
- Sunset over Hopegill Head from Scar Crags
- Sunrise from Scar Crags
- First target for the morning - Sail
- Summit of Eel Crag / Crag Hill with Grassmoor in the background
- Grassmoor from Wandhope
- Sleet How ridge descending from Grisedale Pike - before the morning arrivals
- Grisedale Pike from Braithwaite
It’s great when a plan works; ducks in a row and all that. A couple of evening fell runners plus one man and his dog were evening visitors, then the first morning soul was at 9.00am on Hopegill Head. Even the route from Braithwaite back to the car was a delightful stroll up beyond Braithwaite Lodge and round the foot of Barrow, avoiding the all too frequent tarmac trudge at the end of the day.
- Path into Newlands from above Braithwaite Lodge
So, I’ll try that again. Skiddaw looks a good contender.
. For me sitting on a hill top watching the sunset is one of the greatest pleasures in life, almost magical, i envy you that one.