Starting from Dungeon Ghyll, we took separate routes up the Langdale Pikes away from the usual tourist routes. Encouraged by ever widening views across the valley, the base of Harrison Stickle was achieved very quickly.
- Lonely cloud over Crinkle Crags
- Langdale opening up
- Stickle Tarn and Pavey Ark from Harrison Stickle
From the broad plateau of the Langdale Pikes, it was across the well traversed moorland to shapely cone of Pike of Stickle. A lovely position to evaluate the rest of the day from!
- Pike O Stickle
Dropping down of the Pikes meant a muddy traverse of Martcrag Moor, following the edge of Langdale Combe, from here there was a lovely view down the full length of Mickleden
- Mickleden
Climbing up to Rossett Pike was a joy, staying in rocks all the way on it's crag, before descending to Angle Tarn. The area from Angle Tarn to Esk Hause must rate as my favourite place to be in England, so many wonderfull hills surrounding you it's almost impossible to choose the best one.
- Rossett Pike
- Angle Tarn and Bowfell
- Esk Hause and Gables
From Esk Hause, it was up to the under-rated Esk Pike for a sandwich. Having the nerve to stop for a minute annoys my Cocker Spaniel, Jake - so he's keen to see off any errant sandwich to allow him to get to the next nearest tarn, stream, bog or area of black mud....
- Impatient Jake on Esk Pike.
- Scafell range
From here it was down to Ore Gap and up to Bowfell and the crowds. A lot of people have made the pilgrimage to the top of Bowfell and rightly so, as it's a wonderful top. After an explore of the top and a look at the option to descend via the Climbers Traverse, time restraints meant it was the 'normal route' to Three Tarns. However to avoid the tedious Band, I decided to follow Buscoe Sike into Hell Gill. Highly recommended alternative route. If I hadn't needed to get back to the valley to meet Mendonca, I would have happily crossed Crinkle Crags as well.
- Three Tarns and Crinkle Crags
- Pike O Blisco
- Hell Gill and Crinkes
Probably would rate this as a favourite day in the Lakes, possibly due to the beautiful weather and clarity of the air. Hopefully will get a few more reports on here from now on!
