Whin Rigg & Ill Gill Head
The sun was out in all its glory for an early April morn so the hour journey up the western flanks of the Lakes and into the head of Eskdale and Miterdale was made by myself, my wife Ellie and Damson.
We parked at the base of Miterdale in the most idyllic of car parks looking up the valley to Scafell. From here we headed west into the woods and after a while (and two detours where the forest tracks misled us) and a some what surprised snake in the middle of the path, we broke out on the southern flanks of Whin Rigg and made our ascent in the sunshine towards the top passing the rock ampitheatre (as Wainwright called it) and up to the summit.
Onwards and upwards from here led us up the eastern edge of the Wast Water Screes and onto Ill Gill Head for a drop of lunch (Pecan danishes go down very well after a bit of a climb). A few pics at the tarns on the way up and Damson was in posing mode !
The way down was a touch more adventurous as we came off the northern path a little early and descended a very steep grass and heather bank down towards Birkmoor Tarn and the base of Scafell. From here we followed a very wet and boggy path back down Miterdale back to the car.
The views of the surrounding fells were spectacular, looking out to Scafell, the Gables, Kirk Fell, Pillar, Yewbarrow et all and the climbing was moderate.
It was Ellie's first trek out for a few weeks so the going was a little slower that my last few efforts (we counted in decimal days rather than hours which is why no time is recorded. (other reports claim about 4 to 5 hours for others attempting this walk).
Warning
Please note that hillwalking when there is snow lying requires an ice-axe, crampons and the knowledge, experience and skill to use them correctly. Summer routes may not be viable or appropriate in winter. See winter information on our skills and safety pages for more information.