One man and his dog
Posted: Sat Apr 19, 2014 6:19 pmDAY ONE
A 4 AM start is never easy but It is something I'm fairly used to given my photography obsession. This time however the reason was dropping off Nicola and Grace at Newcastle airport for a weekend in Paris. Hugs and kisses over with I returned to the car containing Hughie the Westie and headed off over the A69. My initial plan for the weekend was to get some photos of sunrise over Hadrian's Wall but an unpromising forecast turned into a gray dull dawn and as a result I ended up drinking my flask of tea at Steel Rigg car park and no more.
As a result of the lack of time spent at the wall I turned up at Sandwick really quite early and had the chance of a little nap waiting for Jimmy, the only fellow walkhighlander I expected to meet today. Sure enough Jimmy arrived on time and following introductions, suited and booted we set off on a blustery overcast morning. As forecast the cloud lowered and the rain started and didn't let up for the duration of the walk. This combined with a fierce wind made conditions difficult at times but the excellent company more than made up for it meaning that overall it was still an enjoyable day. Not many pics I'm afraid, just a couple with my phone.
Typically the clouds parted around tea time so I headed out again for the very short wander up Latrigg to try and nab some photos of the sunset. It was very windy that made things tricky but I still managed a few shots I was happy with.
Rays over Blencathra by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Lakeland Evening by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Keswick from Latrigg by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Latrigg Sunset by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
DAY TWO
A far more acceptable start time than yesterday saw me trundling down to Ullswater for the main day of the meet. The weather certainly looked more promising than yesterday but still with plenty of wind and cloud. Soon enough every body who had stated their intention to attend turned up and our party of eight humans and two dogs set off up Grisedale. Initially the cloud was down on the tops of the Helvellyn ridge but as we made our way up this wonderful lakeland valley it lifted above the summits. I've never walked up Grisedale before but with St Sunday Crag rearing up at one side and the Scalloped Helvellyn ridge on the other it makes for a magnificent walk in.
Just past Lanty's Tarn by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
On the way up Grisedale by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Looking up Ruthwaite Cove by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
We paused at the Ruthwaite Climbing lodge for a bite to eat before starting the steep ascent to the first target of the day in the shape of Dollywaggon Pike. I've been up Dollywaggon before but when climbed from this direction via its east ridge, also known as the tongue, it's a completely different fell with a real sense of occasion upon reaching the summit.
Looking down Grisedale by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Cofa Pike and Fairfield by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Cock Cove by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Nethermost Pike and Striding Edge by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Nearing the top of Dollywaggon Pike by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
St Sunday Crag from the top of the Tongue by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
The most noticeable thing about getting to the top was the wind which was blowing strongly from the west. This didn't pose any problems for the easy amble up to Helvellyn summit via Nethermost Pike but was raising concerns about the proposed descent via Striding Edge. A conflab ensued with the outcome being that as people where standing on the crest of the ridge it couldn't be that bad so off we set, apart from Jimmy and Darren that is who decided to bag Catstycam via Swirral Edge.
Catstycam and Striding Edge by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Catstycam and Red Tarn by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Red Tarn and Striding Edge by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Our reading of conditions was spot on and the wind dropped immediately upon leaving the summit, sheltered by the main mass of the mountain. I wasn't sure just how I would react to the exposure on the edge but in all honesty it wasn't that bad and I found Striding Edge to be great fun and very atmospheric with the clag now hovering just above.
Atmospheric by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Striding Edge by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Excitement over we headed off to find a shivering Jimmy and Darren at the hole in the wall before the simple trek to a very windy Birkhouse Moor. A few group shots and we were off to the pub for a pint and a chinwag. A great day was had by all and I'd like to thank Jimmy, Darren, Pam, Trudie, Emily, Simon, Richard and of course Charlie the dog for joining me on Hughie on this fine route up and down Helvellyn. Hopefully there will be a next time.
Clag on the Edge by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Ullswater from Birkhouse Moor by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Hughie on Birkhouse Moor by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Lakes Meet up Spring 2014 by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
DAY THREE
With the forecast looking exceptional for Monday my only problem was where to walk
I toyed with the idea of a cross border raid to do the Hart Fell horseshoe but decided to stay in the Lakes. With Jimmy planing on a Kentmere Round and Richard thinking of the Coledale Horseshoe both these options where tempting but I eventually stumped for climbing Scafell Pike via Grains Gill returning by the corridor route. This meant I would be able to bag a couple of Hewitts in the shape of Ill and Broad crags without bagging anymore Wainwrights without Grace and Nicola.
The forecast turned out to be spot on and it was a blissful cool but sunny morning at Seathwaite as me and Hughie set off up towards Stockley Bridge. Once this was passed the ascent started in earnest and the last two days where weighing heavy on my legs. Hughie on the other hand was full of beans and getting frustrated by my frequent photo stops but even he was happy to have a snack overlooking Sprinkling Tarn. I was alone for quite a while at this wonderful place that is full of atmosphere. To my left loomed the tremendous North face of Great End where my family's Lakeland odyssey should come to a conclusion in around 18 months time.
Starting out by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Stockley Bridge by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Great End by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Red Rock White Water by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Looking back down Grains Gill by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
The steady climb continued up to Esk Hause, with the impressive Esk Pike looking tempting, and up onto the boulder strewn plateau of Scafell Pike. Finally England's Highest Point came into view but on the way I diverted towards the Hewitt of Ill Crag. Quite why this top isn't a Wainwright is a mystery that will never be solved, with a fine profile from Eskdale and a decent amount of re-ascent from neighboring fells It's hard to explain the omission. It becomes barely forgivable once the truly stunning summit view of Great Moss and Eskdale is taken into account.
The Langdales by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Lingmell by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Great Gable by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
The Pike finally comes into view by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Ill Crag View by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Next in line was perhaps the roughest summit in the district, Broad Crag. Although the top lies just around 50 meters from the main path it's an awkward scramble over large boulders until the summit plinth is reached.
The Pike from Broad Crag by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
The final pull up to Scafell Pike looked like hard work from here but perhaps it was the relief of exiting the boulder field that saw my fairly romp up (for me
) towards the roof of England. As I approached the summit with it's inevitable throng I remembered reading that the South summit had great views and very few people so I veered off and had lunch at this breathtaking spot over looking Eskdale with many of England's greatest mountains seen beautifully.
Hughie sticking his tongue out by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Great Moss by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Bowfell and Ill Crag by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Scafell by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Eskdale Panorama by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Click to see bigger or follow link below to see full size version
https://www.flickr.com/photos/johnkaysleftleg/13933877383/sizes/o/
England's Highest Dog by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
It was while descending towards the Lingmell Col that I noticed Hughie somewhat lagging behind. I though at the time it was just the stones on the path so he got himself a bit of a carry down to the col but even then he continued to move slowly. Although he was better on grass I think a case of sore paws was being exacerbated by a bit of a pull in one of his back legs.
Contrasts by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Great Gable and Styhead by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Top of Piers Gill by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
This made for a slow way down with a fair few carries but even a wee Westie gets heavy after a while. Things where not helped by me missing the arrows signifying the correct way and dropping down very loose and steep ground for around 100 meters before realizing something was amiss
Lingmell and Piers Gill by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Doh! by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Once I corrected my mistake the way was easy all the way back to Seathwaite including stopping to admire Styhead tarn for a while. It was still steady going with Hughie struggling and I must admit to the shine being taken off the day as I was a bit concerned about him. (Hughie had made a full recovery by Tuesday Evening meaning I can look back on the walk a lot more fondly now)
Looking down to Wasdale by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Great End and Styhead Tarn by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
This route quite rightly is considered a classic with great variety and visits to some of the most stunning parts of the district. On a day like this it was a truly wonderful walk to undertake with the views from Ill Crag and the south summit of Scafell Pike being some of the best I've seen anywhere. A fitting conclusion to an excellent but tiring weekend.
A 4 AM start is never easy but It is something I'm fairly used to given my photography obsession. This time however the reason was dropping off Nicola and Grace at Newcastle airport for a weekend in Paris. Hugs and kisses over with I returned to the car containing Hughie the Westie and headed off over the A69. My initial plan for the weekend was to get some photos of sunrise over Hadrian's Wall but an unpromising forecast turned into a gray dull dawn and as a result I ended up drinking my flask of tea at Steel Rigg car park and no more.
As a result of the lack of time spent at the wall I turned up at Sandwick really quite early and had the chance of a little nap waiting for Jimmy, the only fellow walkhighlander I expected to meet today. Sure enough Jimmy arrived on time and following introductions, suited and booted we set off on a blustery overcast morning. As forecast the cloud lowered and the rain started and didn't let up for the duration of the walk. This combined with a fierce wind made conditions difficult at times but the excellent company more than made up for it meaning that overall it was still an enjoyable day. Not many pics I'm afraid, just a couple with my phone.
- Hughie looking unimpressed on Place Fell
- An all too brief burst of light over Sheffield Pike
Typically the clouds parted around tea time so I headed out again for the very short wander up Latrigg to try and nab some photos of the sunset. It was very windy that made things tricky but I still managed a few shots I was happy with.
Rays over Blencathra by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrLakeland Evening by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrKeswick from Latrigg by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrLatrigg Sunset by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrDAY TWO
A far more acceptable start time than yesterday saw me trundling down to Ullswater for the main day of the meet. The weather certainly looked more promising than yesterday but still with plenty of wind and cloud. Soon enough every body who had stated their intention to attend turned up and our party of eight humans and two dogs set off up Grisedale. Initially the cloud was down on the tops of the Helvellyn ridge but as we made our way up this wonderful lakeland valley it lifted above the summits. I've never walked up Grisedale before but with St Sunday Crag rearing up at one side and the Scalloped Helvellyn ridge on the other it makes for a magnificent walk in.
Just past Lanty's Tarn by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrOn the way up Grisedale by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrLooking up Ruthwaite Cove by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrWe paused at the Ruthwaite Climbing lodge for a bite to eat before starting the steep ascent to the first target of the day in the shape of Dollywaggon Pike. I've been up Dollywaggon before but when climbed from this direction via its east ridge, also known as the tongue, it's a completely different fell with a real sense of occasion upon reaching the summit.
Looking down Grisedale by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrCofa Pike and Fairfield by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrCock Cove by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrNethermost Pike and Striding Edge by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrNearing the top of Dollywaggon Pike by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrSt Sunday Crag from the top of the Tongue by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrThe most noticeable thing about getting to the top was the wind which was blowing strongly from the west. This didn't pose any problems for the easy amble up to Helvellyn summit via Nethermost Pike but was raising concerns about the proposed descent via Striding Edge. A conflab ensued with the outcome being that as people where standing on the crest of the ridge it couldn't be that bad so off we set, apart from Jimmy and Darren that is who decided to bag Catstycam via Swirral Edge.
Catstycam and Striding Edge by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrCatstycam and Red Tarn by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrRed Tarn and Striding Edge by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrOur reading of conditions was spot on and the wind dropped immediately upon leaving the summit, sheltered by the main mass of the mountain. I wasn't sure just how I would react to the exposure on the edge but in all honesty it wasn't that bad and I found Striding Edge to be great fun and very atmospheric with the clag now hovering just above.
Atmospheric by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrStriding Edge by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrExcitement over we headed off to find a shivering Jimmy and Darren at the hole in the wall before the simple trek to a very windy Birkhouse Moor. A few group shots and we were off to the pub for a pint and a chinwag. A great day was had by all and I'd like to thank Jimmy, Darren, Pam, Trudie, Emily, Simon, Richard and of course Charlie the dog for joining me on Hughie on this fine route up and down Helvellyn. Hopefully there will be a next time.
Clag on the Edge by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrUllswater from Birkhouse Moor by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrHughie on Birkhouse Moor by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrLakes Meet up Spring 2014 by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrDAY THREE
With the forecast looking exceptional for Monday my only problem was where to walk
I toyed with the idea of a cross border raid to do the Hart Fell horseshoe but decided to stay in the Lakes. With Jimmy planing on a Kentmere Round and Richard thinking of the Coledale Horseshoe both these options where tempting but I eventually stumped for climbing Scafell Pike via Grains Gill returning by the corridor route. This meant I would be able to bag a couple of Hewitts in the shape of Ill and Broad crags without bagging anymore Wainwrights without Grace and Nicola.The forecast turned out to be spot on and it was a blissful cool but sunny morning at Seathwaite as me and Hughie set off up towards Stockley Bridge. Once this was passed the ascent started in earnest and the last two days where weighing heavy on my legs. Hughie on the other hand was full of beans and getting frustrated by my frequent photo stops but even he was happy to have a snack overlooking Sprinkling Tarn. I was alone for quite a while at this wonderful place that is full of atmosphere. To my left loomed the tremendous North face of Great End where my family's Lakeland odyssey should come to a conclusion in around 18 months time.
Starting out by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrStockley Bridge by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrGreat End by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrRed Rock White Water by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrLooking back down Grains Gill by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrThe steady climb continued up to Esk Hause, with the impressive Esk Pike looking tempting, and up onto the boulder strewn plateau of Scafell Pike. Finally England's Highest Point came into view but on the way I diverted towards the Hewitt of Ill Crag. Quite why this top isn't a Wainwright is a mystery that will never be solved, with a fine profile from Eskdale and a decent amount of re-ascent from neighboring fells It's hard to explain the omission. It becomes barely forgivable once the truly stunning summit view of Great Moss and Eskdale is taken into account.
The Langdales by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrLingmell by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrGreat Gable by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrThe Pike finally comes into view by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrIll Crag View by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrNext in line was perhaps the roughest summit in the district, Broad Crag. Although the top lies just around 50 meters from the main path it's an awkward scramble over large boulders until the summit plinth is reached.
The Pike from Broad Crag by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrThe final pull up to Scafell Pike looked like hard work from here but perhaps it was the relief of exiting the boulder field that saw my fairly romp up (for me
) towards the roof of England. As I approached the summit with it's inevitable throng I remembered reading that the South summit had great views and very few people so I veered off and had lunch at this breathtaking spot over looking Eskdale with many of England's greatest mountains seen beautifully.Hughie sticking his tongue out by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrGreat Moss by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrBowfell and Ill Crag by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrScafell by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrEskdale Panorama by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrClick to see bigger or follow link below to see full size version
https://www.flickr.com/photos/johnkaysleftleg/13933877383/sizes/o/
England's Highest Dog by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrIt was while descending towards the Lingmell Col that I noticed Hughie somewhat lagging behind. I though at the time it was just the stones on the path so he got himself a bit of a carry down to the col but even then he continued to move slowly. Although he was better on grass I think a case of sore paws was being exacerbated by a bit of a pull in one of his back legs.
Contrasts by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrGreat Gable and Styhead by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrTop of Piers Gill by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrThis made for a slow way down with a fair few carries but even a wee Westie gets heavy after a while. Things where not helped by me missing the arrows signifying the correct way and dropping down very loose and steep ground for around 100 meters before realizing something was amiss
Lingmell and Piers Gill by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrDoh! by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrOnce I corrected my mistake the way was easy all the way back to Seathwaite including stopping to admire Styhead tarn for a while. It was still steady going with Hughie struggling and I must admit to the shine being taken off the day as I was a bit concerned about him. (Hughie had made a full recovery by Tuesday Evening meaning I can look back on the walk a lot more fondly now)
Looking down to Wasdale by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrGreat End and Styhead Tarn by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrThis route quite rightly is considered a classic with great variety and visits to some of the most stunning parts of the district. On a day like this it was a truly wonderful walk to undertake with the views from Ill Crag and the south summit of Scafell Pike being some of the best I've seen anywhere. A fitting conclusion to an excellent but tiring weekend.
