Loughrigg - Stairway to Hell!

[Jaxter]

Sunday - the worst weather of the week. I was shattered from the day before which had been one of my biggest walks Post Corona, so we decided to wander over towards Loughrigg with no expectations. As it turned out we bumped into Malky's parents about 2 minutes after we left They were heading the same way as us for now.


We went steeply uphill (very slowly!) and climbed over towards Red Bank - it was drizzling but the views down towards Grasmere and Helm Crag were still quite impressive


Grasmere


Loughrigg looked a long way away!


Malky and his Dad arguing about something


Rydal Water - the weather looked better over there!




We avoided a steep slippery path and took a different slippery path as we approached Loughrigg itself - we could see Grasmere itself, complete with a couple of swimmer


As we popped out of the trees we could see the Loughrigg Terrace stretching out ahead of us. We had considered walking along it but this would add on even more ascent, and also it was raining


Instead we turned right and headed up the stairway to hell - a steep path of built steps that we started plodding slowly up. It was tiring work - I was already exhausted and was struggling the whole way up. Every time we thought we could see the summit, it turned out to be another false summit

Finally, we could see the top (unfortunately it had more descent before the final ascent - adding insult to injury )


Mummy Clark enjoying the ascent about as much as I was


When we finally arrived at the top it was raining. It rained on and off while we had a break - Malky's folks had had the foresight to bring a flask. We chowed on a few snacks that Malky had in his pockets. The sun didn't come out, but it must have somewhere as we were treated to a beautiful rainbow


After the break we discussed descent routes - we all agreed on shortest and easiest, and headed down the steep path. We had been relatively sheltered on the way up, but now on the other side of the hill we were battered by wind and rain which was never heavy, just annoyingly wet!


When we reached the road we split up - Malky's Dad was certain that turning right would be the quickest way back. We went left across the fields. We walked the last section towards Elterwater on the road, passing Malky's parents' car on the way (we wouldn't like to say we were right, but.... )


A bit damp, but nice to get out anyway!

Next day - better weather on Helm Crag & friends

[Pointless Parasite]

Looks alright to me I think 'hell' would be when there are hoards of daytrippers all over the place but it looks like you had it almost to yourself. I especially like the name 'Scroggs cottage'

[Alteknacker]

If that's the worse weather you had, you did pretty well I'd say! Also, for a place so close to Ambleside, you did well not to be overrun with fellow walkers!!!