They say it’s all in the timing. Given the departing minibuses and remaining couple of cars at Stoneycroft in Newlands I’d got this one right.
It was getting on for 6 in the evening and the plan was to get beyond Causey Pike before stopping for the night and enjoy the sunset, solitude and sunrise up high while everyone else was down below. Then, as the sun rose (likely to be about 5), and before the rest of the world had tucked into their full English in the valley, I’d enjoy a round of the Coledale tops on my own. As the half-term crowds began to sweat their way up, I’d be on my way down.
The route is obvious: on the maps, in the guides and on the ground itself. The paths are well-worn, and in places much-improved, so I’ll just let some photographs and their captions tell the tale.
It’s great when a plan works; ducks in a row and all that. A couple of evening fell runners plus one man and his dog were evening visitors, then the first morning soul was at 9.00am on Hopegill Head. Even the route from Braithwaite back to the car was a delightful stroll up beyond Braithwaite Lodge and round the foot of Barrow, avoiding the all too frequent tarmac trudge at the end of the day.
So, I’ll try that again. Skiddaw looks a good contender.
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.