Setting Off by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Along the Wall by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Heading towards Whitewater Dash by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Dead Crags by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
At the top of Dash Falls by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrThe good going very soon became anything but as we started up the very eroded path of sorts by the fence. Very briefly the sun broke through but this was a false dawn as we soon plunged into clag. Fortunately the ground for this infamously boggy section between Little Calva and the main top was mainly frozen making going far better than it could have been. As we gained height the wind had steadily increased and it was a relief once we reached the summit and clambered over the fence to have lunch in/around the snow filled shelter.
The Days only Splash of Sunlight by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Great Calva by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Blinking Freezing! by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
South from Great Calva by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrLunch was enjoyed in the lea of the wind and some views even threatened to open up. Soon it was time to move off and we received a rude awakening as the wind had increased significantly as we ate. It felt seriously cold on the other side of the fence and it was a case of losing altitude ASAP to get out of the worst of it. This resulted in taking the wrong trod off the top necessitating the crossing of some very rough heather to get back on course. Hughie was not a fan and after a while he was refusing to move meaning the normally resilient hound got a carry.
Getting back on the Cumbrian Way was welcome and soon it was time for the last climb of the day up Birkett Edge
Heading up Birkett Edge by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrThis was good going just about the whole way up and although it was cold on the top it felt tropical compared to Great Calva. I had planed a descent along the top of Dead Crags but given the extremity steep finish to this route and the threat of rain I decided to return the way we came before returning to the car.
Skiddaw from Bakestall by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Bad Hair Day by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Blencathra from Bakestall by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Dead Crags from Birkett Edge by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrI have got to admit that when we set out to climb the Wainwrights the Northern fells did not set the heart racing but I've enjoyed every walk here. These fells, especially the Back o'Skidda and Blencahra have a very special atmosphere not repeated elsewhere in the district. See you later Northen fells, we'll be back.
