HAYSTACKS-KIRK FELL-THE GABLES VIA BLACK SAIL - THE LAKES
Posted: Tue Apr 27, 2010 3:50 pm
Another glorious weekend forecast and another 5am wake up and visit to the Lakes, this time parking up at the National Trust car park at Honister slate mines. A beautiful day and quite warm,this could get a little tiring
Our first target for the day was Haystacks so it was upwards from the car park and along by the old drum house. It's not long before we could see our well worn route onto Haystacks We were offered one of my favourite views, into the majestic valley with Buttermere and Crummock Water We walked down to Blackbeck Tarn with Green Crag to our right and were soon on the path upwards to Haystacks, stopping for that great photo opportunity Getting near to the summit we caught our breath at the lovely Inominate Tarn, last time I was here it was also a glorious day but there were a few bugs about. Last push and we were onto the summit It was now the time for a massive height loss as we first descended to Scarth Gap and then down into the Ennerdale Valley and the Black Sail Youth Hostel. We had a quick look down Ennerdale Now it was time for the serious climb to Kirk Fell,our first target after crossing the River Liza was the top of the Black Sail Pass where we were two weeks ago on the way to Pillar, it was tough going We arrived at the flat top of Kirk Fell and were glad to let our calf muscles relax We visited the other cairn on Kirk Fell before descending down Rib End to Beck Head and a view of our next quarry. This was also steep going and this photo to Wastwater shows it Time for a drink and to take in the views There was still some snow for the youngsters to play in !!! We then made the top and what views We made our way down to Windy Gap and up to Green Gable We made our way off Green Gable and veered off to Moses Trod to pick up the tramway again and back to the cars. None of us had a drop left to drink, a tough walk in warm conditions but as always great fun, time to rest the knees,till next time, love Sue