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God Rays in God's Country

PostPosted: Wed Mar 06, 2013 3:49 pm
by johnkaysleftleg
Following three long months in exile from Lakeland we finally returned on Sunday. It’s been frustrating seeing loads of beautiful images on here and Flickr of the wonderful recent conditions and it was with an air of inevitability that the blue skies would be gone for the weekend. The forecast was still good however so off we set (a bit later than planned) for Gale road car park beneath Skiddaw.


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We initially left the packs for a quick stroll over to Latrigg summit, from here it is almost certainly the easiest Wainwright to bag but the view is superb taking in Borrowdale and Derwent Water.

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Derwent Water from Latrigg by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

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Taking it all in by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

We were quickly back to the car and set off along the Cumbrian Way across the steep slopes of Lonscale Fell. The ascent of Lonscale from here is steep and somewhat dreary but quicker than expected due to the fact you start from over half way up. The best thing about the trudge up was the views behind with the sun increasingly breaking through the clouds producing crepuscular rays over Helvellyn.

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Look behind you! by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

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Helvellyn from Lonscale Fell by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Rather than head straight for the high point we made for Lonscale Pike (a Birkett top). This is one of those minor tops that are superior to the main fell top, with the ground falling away very steeply on two sides. From here you can appreciate the fine Eastern crags of Lonscale plunging down to the Glenderaterra Beck around 500 meters below. Above this Blencathera broods with its back to you while to the North the wild bleak interior of the Northern fells is laid out culminating in the might of the Skiddaw massive to the North West.

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Blencathra by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

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Skiddaw from Lonscale Pike by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

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Northern Fells by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

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Pals on Lonscale Pike by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

We had lunch, with the hard work of the day behind, us enjoying the views but had to move on fairly quickly as even the light breeze was very chilling.
We then made our way to the main fell top, visiting both cairns (strangely both looked higher when viewed from the other :crazy: ). The main view was towards Derwent Water where the crepuscular rays were increasing in intensity to give a wonderful light show. :D

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Lonscale Fell by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

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God Rays over God's Country by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr (click for bigger version)

We made our way over the partially frozen and snow covered ground towards the (very) minor top of Jenkin Hill before the short sharp pull up to Skiddaw Little Man brought us to our high point for the day. The path had quite a bit of snow on it so it was a case of carefully picking our way alongside until the ground leveled and Skiddaw Lesser Mans extravagant wrought iron enhanced cairn was reached. Another Birkett ticked for the hill nerd (who me? :oops: ) before we reached the top whose view Alfred Wainwright rated above all others. It was impossible to argue today with rays cascading over the landscape rewarding us with a truly memorable view.

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Along the Wall by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

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On the Way to Skiddaw by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

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Coledale by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

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Helvellyn by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

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Derwent Water by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

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AW's favorite by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr (click for bigger version)

We had Coffee and fruit loaf (gave up cake for lent) on the top with me itching to continue on to Skiddaw. Having already bagged the big’un I was unfortunately out voted so all that was left for the day was the trudge down the fairly awful tourist path back to the car enjoying the daring do of the many paragliders up in the sky.

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On the Way Down by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

A fine day out, some lovely light and our Wainwright bagging finally kick started for the year, great stuff.

Re: God Rays in God's Country

PostPosted: Wed Mar 06, 2013 5:02 pm
by SusieThePensioner
johnkaysleftleg wrote:A fine day out, some lovely light and our Wainwright bagging finally kick started for the year, great stuff.

Great stuff, indeed :lol: Glad you're back out in the Lakes and really enjoyed your report of somewhere that I know so very well :D Fantastic views, fantastic photos :thumbup:

johnkaysleftleg wrote:a quick stroll over to Latrigg summit
We'll be staying in Keswick in May and I want to attempt that walk but will take the wheelchair as back up :lol:
If I get there it will be like climbing Scafell, Snowdon and Ben Nevis in one day for me!!! :shock:

Re: God Rays in God's Country

PostPosted: Wed Mar 06, 2013 5:26 pm
by clivegrif
Looks like a cracking day out, and the pictures are beautifully done.

The sun's rays picking out the mountains, just wonderful! :clap:

Re: God Rays in God's Country

PostPosted: Wed Mar 06, 2013 7:22 pm
by Lenore
I can understand Wainwright's choice there (and yours) - what glorious views and play of light. You've captured it so well!! Makes you feel rather small and insignifficant, surrounded by such grandeur, doesn't it? I especially love the second black and white photo.

And about the fruit loaf: how's that not considered 'cake'? Isn't that cheating a bit? :wink:

Re: God Rays in God's Country

PostPosted: Wed Mar 06, 2013 7:44 pm
by morag1
Really enjoyed this report, your daughter and her dog look so happy out there :D

Absolutely stunning photos, loved them 8)


SusieThePensioner wrote:If I get there it will be like climbing Scafell, Snowdon and Ben Nevis in one day for me

Hi Susie, you go for it girl!!!

Re: God Rays in God's Country

PostPosted: Wed Mar 06, 2013 7:58 pm
by Ibex
Wonderful photo's. Verging on mountain porn!
Hope my wife doesn't catch me looking.

Also nice to see that your daughter is out there with you and obviously loving it too. :D

Re: God Rays in God's Country

PostPosted: Wed Mar 06, 2013 9:52 pm
by johnkaysleftleg
SusieThePensioner wrote:
johnkaysleftleg wrote:A fine day out, some lovely light and our Wainwright bagging finally kick started for the year, great stuff.

Great stuff, indeed :lol: Glad you're back out in the Lakes and really enjoyed your report of somewhere that I know so very well :D Fantastic views, fantastic photos :thumbup:

johnkaysleftleg wrote:a quick stroll over to Latrigg summit
We'll be staying in Keswick in May and I want to attempt that walk but will take the wheelchair as back up :lol:
If I get there it will be like climbing Scafell, Snowdon and Ben Nevis in one day for me!!! :shock:


Thanks Susie, I look forward to seeing your pics from Latrigg, I'm sure you'll make it :thumbup:

clivegrif wrote:Looks like a cracking day out, and the pictures are beautifully done.

The sun's rays picking out the mountains, just wonderful! :clap:


Cheers Clive, I just need to decide which one will be my entry for pic of the month :think:

Lenore wrote:I can understand Wainwright's choice there (and yours) - what glorious views and play of light. You've captured it so well!! Makes you feel rather small and insignifficant, surrounded by such grandeur, doesn't it? I especially love the second black and white photo.

And about the fruit loaf: how's that not considered 'cake'? Isn't that cheating a bit? :wink:


Thanks Lenore. I agree about being made to feel insignificant, there's many people out there who could do with a dose of fell walking. As for the Fruit Loaf/Cake thing my good lady wife said as it didn't have fat or eggs in it it wasn't a cake, good enough for me :lol:

morag1 wrote:Really enjoyed this report, your daughter and her dog look so happy out there :D

Absolutely stunning photos, loved them 8)


Thanks Morag :D

Ibex wrote:Wonderful photo's. Verging on mountain porn!
Hope my wife doesn't catch me looking.

Also nice to see that your daughter is out there with you and obviously loving it too. :D


Visit my Flickr account :shifty: Loads of it on there :wink:

Re: God Rays in God's Country

PostPosted: Wed Mar 06, 2013 10:40 pm
by clivegrif
...and your little dog is just great!

Re: God Rays in God's Country

PostPosted: Thu Mar 07, 2013 9:41 am
by johnkaysleftleg
clivegrif wrote:...and your little dog is just great!


Aye he's daft as a brush and loves the hills, what more could you want.

Re: God Rays in God's Country

PostPosted: Thu Mar 07, 2013 11:02 am
by simon-b
That's a fine approach to the Skiddaw range, JK. Excellent views, both south across Lakeland and down into the Glenderaterra valley.

Re: God Rays in God's Country

PostPosted: Thu Mar 07, 2013 4:16 pm
by johnkaysleftleg
simon-b wrote:That's a fine approach to the Skiddaw range, JK. Excellent views, both south across Lakeland and down into the Glenderaterra valley.


Cheers Simon, it might not be as good as Longside edge but It still makes a great alternative to the main treadmill.

Re: God Rays in God's Country

PostPosted: Thu Mar 07, 2013 11:03 pm
by DaveB1
Great pics JK, couldn't see a thing when I was there, now I know. :D

Re: God Rays in God's Country

PostPosted: Thu Mar 07, 2013 11:42 pm
by johnkaysleftleg
DaveB1 wrote:Great pics JK, couldn't see a thing when I was there, now I know. :D

Cheers Dave, worth a return once you've completed.

Re: God Rays in God's Country

PostPosted: Sat Mar 09, 2013 5:53 pm
by L-Hiking
Some great pictures there JK, thats a good way up and does avoid the crowds, but if I remember correctly its hard work on the way up Lonscale

Cheers

Re: God Rays in God's Country

PostPosted: Sat Mar 09, 2013 8:38 pm
by johnkaysleftleg
L-Hiking wrote:Some great pictures there JK, thats a good way up and does avoid the crowds, but if I remember correctly its hard work on the way up Lonscale

Cheers


Cheers LH, It's steep but as I said in the report not for too long. Quite good underfoot as well.