Just a Sail away

[johnkaysleftleg]

For the first trip of the year we decided to mop up a few of the remaining north western fells leaving us with only one more to complete the book. Sale and Ling Fell are probably always climbed as a pair given their location, separated from the Lords Seat fells by one of Lakelands largest bogs and the fact that both are on the small side. So small in fact that even climbing both doesn't come anywhere near filling a day so we planned to head down to Rannerdale Knotts after bagging them.

I've always viewed these two fells as a bit of an inconvenience to be got out of the way but in practice they provided a very nice few hours punctuated by lunch sat in the car between the two at Brumston Bridge.


Starting out by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr


Along the old Corpse Road by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr


Light hits Sale Fell by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr


Light on Distant Fells by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr


Easy this fell bagging by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr


Broom Fell with Dark skies behind by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr


Looking towards Sale Fell on the way down by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Sale Fell is the better of the two in my opinion with a raised platform for a summit giving nice views over to other fells and the pleasant dry grassy expanses of Sale Fell it'self. It even had some mini crags on the way down to provide a bit of interest. The descent from both these diminutive fells provided a bit of a challenge as all the rain of late had left some very slippy sections that lead to some skiddy bum slides.


Moody by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr


Lakeland Light by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr


Towards Ling Fell on the way up Sale Fell by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr


Gloomy Skiddaw by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr


Family summit shot by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr


The deadly duo on Sale Fell by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

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With plenty of time left in the day we kept with the plan and drove around to Rannerdale to bag another Lakeland little'un in the shape of Rannerdale Knotts. The rain started on the 20 minute drive and got quite heavy for a time meaning we set off with water proofs, thankfully the weather gods were kind however and it cleared up nicely before we got to the top for coffee and cake. The contrast between the first two of the day and this fell is quite marked, especially if you tackle it direct from the road. It's a punishingly steep pull up that is really quite lose for one section and it certainly didn't look like a great idea to descend this way following rain. This mini fell has some impressive crags and even more impressive views over Crummock water up to Buttermere and across to the soaring peaks of the main bulk of the North western fells.
We continued along the pleasant ridge to the col with Whiteless Pike before making our way back to the car through the delightful Rannerdale that impresses even without it's bluebells.


Clearing up by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr


Hughie taking a breather by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr


Over to Mellbreak by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr


Towering fells by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr


Grace and; Hughie on Rannerdale Kotts by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr


Searchlight by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr


Looking across Crummock Water by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr


Island by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr


Comb Crags catches some light by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr


Drama over High Stile by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr


Into Darkness by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr


Looking back along to Rannerdale Knotts by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr


Whiteless Pike and Squat Beck by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Yet another great day out in the Lakes leaving us with only one more fell to complete the volume on the North Western Fells. That fell, Sail with it's controversial zig zags, is annoyingly right in the middle of the area. Fortunately Hughie hasn't done Causey Pike, Scar Crags and Outerside so at least it will be all new for him.

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[mrssanta]

lovely! I specially like the picture of the island

[clivegrif]

Beautiful set of pictures, captures the place wonderfully - and I agree that Island pic is first class.

Also good to see Hughie in fine form!

[DaveB1]

Hi JKLL, Nice report and you were pretty lucky with the weather. Great pics as usual with the team looking good! We're off to pick off the remaining Northern Fells for my mate Jim this Sunday, so Its Dodd, Binsey then Longlands and Brae Fell Fingers crossed for the weather, but could be a wet one! Dave

[ChrisW]

Wonderful light captured perfectly in those shots JK, love them all I particularly liked the family summit shot and that cracker of Hughie taking a breather...absolutely awesome shots throughout a great TR

[johnkaysleftleg]

Beautiful set of pictures, captures the place wonderfully - and I agree that Island pic is first class.

Also good to see Hughie in fine form!

lovely! I specially like the picture of the island

Thank you both, perhaps that's my next photo of the month entry

Hi JKLL, Nice report and you were pretty lucky with the weather. Great pics as usual with the team looking good! We're off to pick off the remaining Northern Fells for my mate Jim this Sunday, so Its Dodd, Binsey then Longlands and Brae Fell Fingers crossed for the weather, but could be a wet one! Dave

Thanks Dave, the weather looks a bit dodgy on Saturday but at least none of those fells are bog fests

Wonderful light captured perfectly in those shots JK, love them all I particularly liked the family summit shot and that cracker of Hughie taking a breather...absolutely awesome shots throughout a great TR

Thanks Chris you are most kind

[SusieThePensioner]

A great way to spend a family day out! Lovely photos and just love the one of Hughie

[johnkaysleftleg]

A great way to spend a family day out! Lovely photos and just love the one of Hughie

Thanks Susie, it was a rare moment to get him to pose for a few seconds

[Ibex]

Your mopping up these fells nicely so far, in 2014.
Hughie looks in fine form, as usual. Bless him and his little legs. Although the little bugger is WAY ahead of me!

More fantastic photo's, as usual. The sunburst over the top of the hills is great. Though with the darker photo's, it kind of reminds me of the eye of Sauron, from Lord Of The Rings.

[johnkaysleftleg]

Your mopping up these fells nicely so far, in 2014.
Hughie looks in fine form, as usual. Bless him and his little legs. Although the little bugger is WAY ahead of me!

More fantastic photo's, as usual. The sunburst over the top of the hills is great. Though with the darker photo's, it kind of reminds me of the eye of Sauron, from Lord Of The Rings.

Thanks Ibex, I'm trying to organize a Lakes meet up weekend April 12th this year so perhaps me and Hugh can help you bag a few more

[Ibex]

That would be awesome.
I'd love to come along to a Lakes meet up. i could pick your brains about photography over a few ales. And more likely than not have it all go straight over my head.

Would be great to meet you though. Your walk reports always make me yearn for the hills.

[mikuro]

Lovely to see someone else with small folk out on the fells. My son is almost 6 and has only one to his name but I am hoping this year for us to conquer some together being that we only live a short drive from the lakes. Completing all the Wainwrights together will be a blast!

[johnkaysleftleg]

Lovely to see someone else with small folk out on the fells. My son is almost 6 and has only one to his name but I am hoping this year for us to conquer some together being that we only live a short drive from the lakes. Completing all the Wainwrights together will be a blast!

Six is old enough to get up just about any Lakeland fell, Grace climbed Ben More on the Isle of Mull aged five. Loads of great days out to be had, just take plenty sweets!

[L-Hiking]

Antony

Great report and your picture's are as always truly stunning. Not sure if I can wait until April for a hike. Have you anymore half day slots before then?

[mikuro]

Lovely to see someone else with small folk out on the fells. My son is almost 6 and has only one to his name but I am hoping this year for us to conquer some together being that we only live a short drive from the lakes. Completing all the Wainwrights together will be a blast!

Six is old enough to get up just about any Lakeland fell, Grace climbed Ben More on the Isle of Mull aged five. Loads of great days out to be had, just take plenty sweets!

Food is how I tempted him up Catbells!