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Attempted Scafell Pike from Seathwaite, Borrowdale via Esk Hause. Ascended Ill Crag 935m (3068’) Broad Crag 934m (3064’), somewhat belatedly completing all the English and Welsh 3000’s and “tops”, although the wind, especially on the Scafell ridge above 3000’, was very strong and blustery.
The weather was responsible for our not being able to reach the summit of Scafell Pike despite only being within some 300m distance and c. 150m of ascent of the cairn. Just below the summit of Broad Crag a strong gust of wind caught my companion and blew him over and he landed extremely heavily on a rock, badly bruising his thigh. Despite trying to carry on, it was obvious as soon as we started to climb up from the final col it wasn’t “on”. Some ascent had to be made to get back down but anything other than essential climbing was out, even with a completely empty rucksack. As it was, it took us more than 5 hours to get back down, even using a pair of walking poles.
Weather: Generally dry, sunny, very windy, with some very strong gusts, particularly on exposed ground above 2,800’, excellent visibility.
