England's Finest View?

[johnkaysleftleg]

Continuing with the catch up reports this time from a superb day in July last year....

I'd only previously climbed Great Gable once previously and then on a bit of a claggy day which restricted views from the summit. In particular the views to the South from the Westmoreland cairn were none existent, a view point which many observers consider the district's finest.

The fine forecast looked to be holding as I pulled into the National trust car park at Honister. Hughie the Westie, my ever faithful hound, wasn't present as the route I had planned would be a little too much for him at his age and as I didn't fancy carrying him in my pack most of the way he got to stay home.

I decided to head for Kirk Fell first which entailed a nice easy wander along Moses' Trod complete with beautiful views down to Buttermere and Ennerdale on what was a truly wonderful summers day.


Heading up from Honister


Looking back to Honister


Across to Dale Head


Pillar


Dramatic Skies


View of Buttermere from Moses' Trod


Buttermere and Crummock Water


The Gables


Ennerdale

A small climb over the North West shoulder of Great Gable following a traverse below Gable Crag brought Wastwater into view as I descended to Beck Head. The route up Kirk Fell from here is very obvious with a clear scar heading up Rib End onto the plateau. Gable looks quite formidable from this climb so I kept it steady to save energy for later.


Wastwater


Kirk Fell ahead


Scafell Crag


...and again


Great Gable across Beck Head


Across to the Scafells from Rib End

Once the initial climb is over with Kirk Fell summit is attained via easy gradients over both tops to take in a fine view of the Scafells and an impregnable looking Great Gable. Following a short rest I returned to Beck Head to set about the climb up to the days primary target.


An Impregnable looking Great Gable from Kirk Fell


Summit Shelter on Kirk Fell


The Scafells from Kirk Fell


Ennerdale again

The climb up the North West ridge of Great Gable is steep and fairly rough but the rewards of the views are more than enough compensation, that said it still comes as a relief as the gradient eventually slackens as the bouldery summit area is attained. Rather than head for the top I headed for the view point considered by many as Lakeland's finest.


Now for the Steep Stuff


Wastwater from the Ascent of Great gable


Simply Glorious view to the North East from Great Gable - Click on pic for larger version


Sprinkling Tarn with the Langdales Behind

I had of course seen many photographs from this point but I'm not sure I was quite prepared for the scale and majesty of the vista before me. The view down to Wasdale towards Wastwater is perfectly framed with the Westmoreland Cairn, wonderfully mossy and mature, taking a prime position. Perhaps even more dramatic is the dizzying plunge down Great Hell gate, past the Great Napes to the valley floor to your left. All of this topped off by a detailed view of the Scafell Massif in all it's rugged grandeur. I sat and took it all in while I had lunch simply not wanting to leave. I'm not going to categorically state this is the best view point in the district, I've visited a few other contenders over the years, but it's certainly up there.


Westmorland Cairn


...and again


Looking down Great Hell Gate


England's Finest View? - Click on pic for large version

Unfortunately I had to leave eventually so I dragged myself away to the summit and then down the rough path to Windy Gap. From here Green Gable, with it's splendid view up Ennerdale is very close, so up I went to take in another great vista.


South West from Great Gable


Summit Memorial


A Very (Red) Green Gable


Gable Crag


Classic View from Green Gable

I could have headed back over Brandreth and Grey Knotts but decided my legs had had enough so I made my way back to Moses' Trod and an easy trundle back to Honister to complete a memorable outing.


Great End


A Glimpse down to Borrowdale


Honister Back in Sight

Kirk Fell and the Gables.gpx Open full screen  NB: Walkhighlands is not responsible for the accuracy of gpx files in users posts

[past my sell by date]

Great report and fabulous views.
The summit cairn l was renewed a few years back. What a splendid memorial. Best thing by far that the FRCC ever did.
You might find this obituary of Rusty Westmorland (cf Westmorland Cairn) of interest. Not many many people survive for twenty years after being diagnosed with stomach cancer
http://footlesscrow.blogspot.com/2015/02/rusty-westmorland-king-of-wild-frontier.html

[vuirich]

Nice report with fabulous views. The Moses Trod approach to Kirk Fell is very attractive.

The original Fell & Rock Climbing Club war memorial on Great Gable was, co-incidentally, unveiled on the same day that George Mallory and Sandy Irvine died on Everest in 1924; it was unveiled by Arthur Wakefield who had been on the 1922 Everest expedition with Mallory.

[johnkaysleftleg]

Great report and fabulous views.
The summit cairn l was renewed a few years back. What a splendid memorial. Best thing by far that the FRCC ever did.
You might find this obituary of Rusty Westmorland (cf Westmorland Cairn) of interest. Not many many people survive for twenty years after being diagnosed with stomach cancer
http://footlesscrow.blogspot.com/2015/02/rusty-westmorland-king-of-wild-frontier.html

Thank you, Rusty seemed like quite the character, his climbing partners read like a who’s who. Obviously had quite the love of life as well.

Nice report with fabulous views. The Moses Trod approach to Kirk Fell is very attractive.

The original Fell & Rock Climbing Club war memorial on Great Gable was, co-incidentally, unveiled on the same day that George Mallory and Sandy Irvine died on Everest in 1924; it was unveiled by Arthur Wakefield who had been on the 1922 Everest expedition with Mallory.

Cheers, Moses’ trod is certainly better than the direct route from Wasdale head, but then again what wouldn’t be
That’s quite the remarkable coincidence about the original memorial.

[mcav]

What a great walk - thanks for sharing.
Good views of the Isle of Man above Seatallan in a couple of your pictures too.

[johnkaysleftleg]

What a great walk - thanks for sharing.
Good views of the Isle of Man above Seatallan in a couple of your pictures too.

Thank you, glad you enjoyed it.