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,
- Slow Worm found in woods whilst climbing Whin Rigg
- Ellie climbing woodland path up Whin Rigg
- Ellie near Greathall Gill on Whin Rigg
- Climbing Whin Rigg
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 !
- Damson licks her lips at Tarn
- Full pose
- Looking back on Whin Rigg
- Overlooking Wast Water
- Climb to Ill Gill Head
- Me and Damson on Ill Gill Head
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.
- Birkmoor Tarn
- Rather steep descent !!
- Trek back down Miterdale
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.
- Scafell from Ill Gill
- Kirk Fell & Great Gable from Ill Gill
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).
