Old Man, Brim fell and Dow cragg

[ChrisG]

We got to the walna scar road car park got kitted up as we pulled on our boots it started to rain and didn't stop from start to finish. My intention was to follow the route i'd seen on this site (Thanks Phooooey). Put with the driving rain and the low cloud and mist I managed to get slightly off piste.

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As you can see from my route map, I Just couldn't find the path that leads directly from Brim Fell to the start of the path for Dow crag, I'm not sure this path is actually there, and with no vis and so no reference points I continued north from Brim fell trying to find the next path which leads down and across to Dow crag. With no luck I decided to retrace my steps as I was wet and getting cold. Just as I turned the cloud lifted and the route became clear. Even from the bottom of Dow crag where all the paths cross I still couldn't see our intended route. As I got to Dow crag the rain lightened the clouds parted and I got my first view of the surrounding area. All in all a very enjoyable walk and I got to use my compass.

It's all water under the bridge now

[SusieThePensioner]

First time I did that route was one Easter (about 45 years ago!!) when everywhere was covered in snow but bright blue sky, sun shining and could see for miles. Having said that, couldn't make out any paths so we just followed in other people's footsteps
Found the route more straight forward going up Brown Pike, Buck Pike, Dow Cragg and then up to Brim Fell before turning back to the Old Man. If the visibility was bad we just dropped down to Goats Water as usually then came out of the mist.
Better luck next time!