Little Hart Crag and Red Screes, Kirkstone Pass to Ambleside

[Rodhumphreys]

This is a linear walk which can be approached by using the bus up the Kirkstone Pass from Windermere. I was fortunate to have a lift from my partner who then retired to a coffee shop in Grasmere whilst I tackled the three hour route up my two remaining Hewitts in the area to the west of the Pass.

I started the route at 1pm on a cold but sunny day. The approach to the ridge steadily climbs Caiston Glen which was in deep shadows with the promise of warming winter sunshine ahead on the col at Scandale Pass. Little Hart Crag is a clear summit just to the north. It looks as if the final ascent will be a clamber over rocks but an easy path avoids the crags and the summit is reached very quickly. There is a fine view of the next ascent up Red Screes which was covered by a very light snow fall.

I retraced my route to Scandale Pass and then followed the line of the footpath on the OS map directly to the top of Red Screes. I have a strong sense that the path following the wall to the right would have been a little easier. Stunning views from the top, especially as the sun was setting over the western fells and then a clear path all the way down to the minor road rising from Ambleside to Kirkstone (The Struggle). This was a really pleasant descent and I was accompanied by a great guy I met at the top, so good conversation all the way down.

Red Screes marked my 100th English Hewitt in just 54 weeks from starting. Onward and, inevitably, upward!