Out of synch to be out of Coledale crowds

[old danensian]

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.

Skiddaw from above Stoneycroft in Newlands

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.

Dale Head and Hindscarth from ridge of Causey Pike

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.

Summit cairn of Causey Pike - looking south east

Looking back across to Causey Pike from Scar Crags

A soft spot for the night on Scar Crags

Sunset over Hopegill Head from Scar Crags

Sunrise from Scar Crags

First target for the morning - Sail

Summit of Eel Crag / Crag Hill with Grassmoor in the background

Grassmoor from Wandhope

Sleet How ridge descending from Grisedale Pike - before the morning arrivals

Grisedale Pike from Braithwaite

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.

Path into Newlands from above Braithwaite Lodge

So, I’ll try that again. Skiddaw looks a good contender.

[canisp]

A marvellous set of photos from my local hills, especially like the first two . For me sitting on a hill top watching the sunset is one of the greatest pleasures in life, almost magical, i envy you that one.

Steve……

[ndhudson]

Looks absolutely blissful!