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Hewitts: Sheffield Pike.
Date: 18/09/2023.
Distance: 7km.
Ascent: 590m.
Time: 2 hours, 45 minutes.
Weather: Breezy sunshine turning to heavy showers.
We didn't really go to the Lake District in 2022 - my sole effort was a 90 minute diversion from the M6 on the way back from Wales to go up Hallin Fell. Roll on 2023 and we were down visiting Jackie's parents for their traditional September week in Langdale. The morning weather didn't look too promising so we found ourselves leaving Glasgow not so long before noon on Monday - that long route we had planned in the Calderdale fells wouldn't be happening! Instead we thought Gowbarrow Fell would be good, or even Sheffield Pike if the cloud wasn't down on the higher hills. As usual we started with a swim - a quick stop beneath Gowbarrow gave us a lovely dip in Ullswater. Even down here it was quite breezy but at least most of the Helvellyn range was now clear.
Swimming in Ullswater We decided to take our chances with the weather window and go up Sheffield Pike - at the last minute we realised we could also take in Glenridding Dodd for barely any extra effort. We parked at Mossdale (free!) and went up the path directly onto the hill. There was no messing about here, as we were going steeply upwards on a rough path through trees and boulders within 5 paces of the car.
Southern end of Ullswater 
Ullswater steamer passing under Place Fell As we got higher there were tantalising glimpses back to Ullswater through the trees, and eventually the gradient relented and we were in a small corrie. I thought Glenridding Dodd was ahead of us but that was actually Sheffield Pike - the Dodd was even closer, just on our left.
East along Ullswater from the steep ascent of Glenridding Dodd 
Sheffield Pike from Mossdale Beck We were able to cut up to the summit path by following a wall, from where the views east and south opened up nicely. Having passed a group of four on the steep section we now met another couple on the summit. After that we didn't encounter anyone else - perhaps being a blustery, showery Monday kept folk away!
Ullswater from Glenridding Dodd 
Sheffield Pike and Hart Side 
Ullswater 
Glenridding and High Street We retraced steps a short distance before dropping to the col. The way ahead was steep and craggy but there was a rough path to follow. Once we reached Heron Pike the skies grayed over and we could see showers moving in from the west. They didn't hit us immediately, waiting until we reached the summit cairn of Sheffield Pike to open and dump a massive load on us. Typically the next section down to Nick Head was the most exposed to the wind and we got absolutely drenched in the next 5 minutes!
Glenridding Dodd from Sheffield Pike 
Ascending Sheffield Pike 
Helvellyn and Raise from Sheffield Pike 
Rain coming in 
Ullswater from Sheffield Pike 
Helvellyn and Raise Reaching the slightly more sheltered confines of Glencoyne, the rain typically eased off. Actually it didn't really stay off for long and we were subjected to more showers as we dropped into the valley. Nice spot though - we had looked down into it from Glencoyne Head previously and thought it would be a pleasant walk.
Rainbow on Sheffield Pike 
Descending Glencoyne 
Glencoyne In order to shortcut back to the car we had to go steeply upwards for a very short distance beneath Moss Crag. We thankfully arrived back at the car just before the next deluge and continued our journey over the Kirkstone Pass to Langdale. While the showers were annoying, this was a nicely snatched walk.
Rainbow on Ullswater