Seat Sandal and a Wander

[L-Hiking]

our_route.gpx Open full screen  NB: Walkhighlands is not responsible for the accuracy of gpx files in users posts

Its been a while since I got myself out in the hills and probably longer since I last got the time to write a report of my experience. How surprised I was when I was asked if I fancied a weekend away in the Lakes. Yes indeed I replied (of course) and was encouraged to book a stay at the Red Lion in Grasmere. I must say it did not take much encouragement and quickly booked and into the diary.

Having got to Grasmere on the Saturday about 1pm we decided to have a wander up Silver How, I think it is Carol’s favorite as this is the first fell I took her up whilst staying at the Prince of Wales Hotel also in Grasmere. A pleasant walk was had and we were presented with some wonderful views especially towards the Crinkles and Bowfell.

The next morning I looked out of the bedroom window to a clear blue sky with snow on the top of Fairfield and Seat Sandal. I had not at this time formulated a plan where to walk, but decided that as I had avoided Seat Sandal on my many trips over Dunmail Raise and indeed needed to bag it, the time and the location we were in was right to tackle it.

Seat Sandal from Hotel window

Looking to Helm Crag from Dunmail Raise

Track up Raise Beck

We were parked up at Raise Beck at 0850 with not a sole around, but a little cloud had dropped onto the fell top otherwise blue skies all around, I was hopeful that the weather forecast would be correct today and we would be treated to a fine day. We continued up the path alongside Raise Beck steadily climbing and passing two delightful waterfalls on the way, there are no difficulties up this path. The views behind towards Steel Fell were very good, as we approached the summit of the path there was a snow covered view of Fairfield ahead at which point we turned right and up the slope towards Seat Sandals top. The views were becoming clearer as we ascended with Grisedale Tarn and the surrounding fells standing out asking for its picture to be taken. The temperature was dropping as we climbed and it was a matter of gloves off and gloves back on quickly to take any pictures.

Steel Fell

A cold looking Fairfield

To Seat Sandal

Grisedale Tarn, Dollwaggon Pk, St Sunday Crag and Fairfield.

Seat Sandal summit is a barren affair, however the views are good towards the coast and especially Grisedale and St Sunday Crag, we didn’t hang around long up here it was too cold and certainly not a coffee stop today. We descended down to Grisedale Hause which is pretty steep in parts and requires hands in places, at the bottom a nice sheep fold was identified as a belated coffee stop.

Summit Pano

The picture looking to Dollywagon and Fairfield from here is quite stunning, as we sat with our coffee and Twix we discussed our next objective as the time was only 1120, there was plenty of daytime left to wander a little more rather than go back. So off we went towards Dollywaggon Pike around the tarn, it looked a long way up to the top up the well constructed old pony route to the top. Looking back to the way we came down Seat Sandal, looks even steeper than it actually is and we asked each other if we actually came down that way!!

Fairfield from the climb up Dollywaggon Pk

Again on the way up and also at the top we were greeted with some wonderful views towards Fairfield and Cofa Pike with Grisdale itself looking particularly picturesque. It was really getting cold now and I felt it more when taking my gloves off to take a picture.

Grisedale and Place Fell

I always find it strange when I see that isolated fence post close to the summit of Dollywaggon and try to imagine how important it must have been in days gone to have these fences in such remote and inhospitable places.

That Post!

View from Nethermost Pike

Helvellyn and Catstycam

Red Tarn

Onward towards Helvellyn via High Crag and Nethermost Crag, the wind was blowing a little up here and already small cornices were forming on the cliff edge. This is a very nice walk at any time of the year, but today with the snow and wonderful vistas it was special. Another cup of coffee at the summit shelter on Helvellyn which of course was not deserted after which we descended back towards Wythburn and a track alongside the main A591 to the car at Dunmail Raise.

Thirlmere on the way down

The way back to Dunmail Raise

A great day out and was now looking forward to a pint of Jennings Cumberland at the Red Lion!

Cheers

[SusieThePensioner]

Great report, Geoff, and so glad to hear you and Carol had a good day
Lovely photos with some wonderful views
The first time I did Helvellyn we caught the bus to Wythburn from Grasmere and then came down via Dollywaggon and Seat Sandal; many years ago
Jeff and I are off to Ullswater next weekend

[simon-b]

Good pictures of a great day on the Helvellyn range, LH. I know it was a good day, because on Sunday 18th I climbed Nethermost Pike from Patterdale and went on over Dollywaggon Pike to Grisedale Tarn, returning via St. Sunday Crag, Birks and Arnison Crag. Perhaps we passed each other, I was on Nethermost Pike at 11:11 and Dollywaggon at 11:50. Do you know what time you were on Nethermost Pike?

[morag1]

A great walk, Lhiking

Some of these photos could easily be mistaken for Munros, they look so similar

[L-Hiking]

Good pictures of a great day on the Helvellyn range, LH. I know it was a good day, because on Sunday 18th I climbed Nethermost Pike from Patterdale and went on over Dollywaggon Pike to Grisedale Tarn, returning via St. Sunday Crag, Birks and Arnison Crag. Perhaps we passed each other, I was on Nethermost Pike at 11:11 and Dollywaggon at 11:50. Do you know what time you were on Nethermost Pike?

Hi Simon, small world is it not? It appears we definitely passed each other, I was wearing a bright blue Mountain Equipment Jacket and I consider we passed on the slopes of Dollywaggon,as we were at the tarn around 11.30 now thats a shame pal

Great report, Geoff, and so glad to hear you and Carol had a good day
Lovely photos with some wonderful views
The first time I did Helvellyn we caught the bus to Wythburn from Grasmere and then came down via Dollywaggon and Seat Sandal; many years ago
Jeff and I are off to Ullswater next weekend

Hi Susie, wonderful day but very cold, And your first route up Helvellyn was the same as mine

I look forward to some of those excellent pictures of yours soon

[L-Hiking]

A great walk, Lhiking

Some of these photos could easily be mistaken for Munros, they look so similar

Hi Morag, its a special area for me, and only 2 hours from home so they are a good substitute for Munro,s

[ChrisW]

Beautiful hike LH, stunning photos of the wonderful lake district, love the dusting of snow even if it did make me shiver a little

[garyhortop]

Great report LH and some amazing pictures there...makes me quite jealous to see some snow....all we seem to be getting at the moment in the SW is rain.......and gallons of it!

[johnkaysleftleg]

Some fine pics there LH especially the one showing Catstycam and Hellvellyn, I really enjoyed your report as well

[L-Hiking]

Great report LH and some amazing pictures there...makes me quite jealous to see some snow....all we seem to be getting at the moment in the SW is rain.......and gallons of it!

Cheers Gary, a great trip and nice to see some white stuff

[L-Hiking]

Some fine pics there LH especially the one showing Catstycam and Hellvellyn, I really enjoyed your report as well

Thanks JK, I can tell you it was cold taking that picture, glad you liked it