Following a great week in the Cairngorms we headed for the Lake District for some Wainwright bagging out towards the Western edge of the district. Sunday wasn't a particularly good forecast so we set out sights low and headed for Loweswater.
It looked like a wild day over the higher fells but this quiet corner was still dry if somewhat blowy as we set off for the day.
Looking across Loweswater to Carling Knott by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrAn easy ascent, slightly altered by some cow dodging, saw us trudge up to the heathery top of Fellbarrow in a strong wind. The views were fine out towards Scotland but heavy shower filled clouds were skudding across the high tops to the east.
Fellbarrow summit by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
A windblown Grace & Hughie by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Gloomy Grasmoor by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrIt was a simple ridge walk over firm grassy ground over the high point of Low Fell to the slightly lower Wainwright summit which has a splendid view over Crummock Water towards the Buttermere Fells.
Crummock Water by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Loweswater fell by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Low Fell by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrThe return to the car was over Darling fell which had a surprising amount of re-ascent and fine views down to Loweswater.
Looking down from Darling Fell by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrA nice easy start to the weeks hill bashing and a good warm up to a far more ambitious route planned for Monday.
Pillar and friends from Ennerdale, 4th August 2014, 20km 1250m
An early start saw us turn up as Bowness Knott car park with a long day ahead of us. It was somewhat cloudy but with sunny spells promised back packs were well laden down with supplies and water. It's odd to start any Lakeland outing with a four mile level walk but at least it lets you get warmed up.
Ennerdale is currently undergoing a re-wilding and effects of this are evident with some felled plantations but overall the scene is certainly not typical of the Lakes. Ennerdale has a grandness you'd more expect in the highlands or even Canada with the River Liza attaining impressive width for such a young watercourse. As you make the long walk in first Steeple and then Pillar with it's rock peeking above the ridge grab the attention.
Pillar by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
River Liza by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrEventually we came to the start of our ascent which would have been all too easy to miss if not for the public footpath sign. From here it's a rough wet path up through the plantation with occasional clearings providing views of Ennerdale. Upon reaching the edge of the trees however you are greeted to a real wow moment as Pillar rock soars up above you looking every inch of its 800 ft protruding from the mountain side. A few steps further and the water falls come into view to give you what must be one of the finest sights in England, more like the lost world than the Lake district!
Looking up Ennerdale by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Pillar Rock by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Pillar Rock wider view by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrBy now the sun was breaking through and the going was hard on the intermittent path as we headed to the left of the magnificent cliff of Pillar Rock. We stopped for a break in these spectacular surroundings before struggling upwards towards the start of the Shamrock traverse.
Above the falls by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Looking past High Stile by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Pillar Cove by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrThe traverse is easy enough to find as it forms a sloping wide ledge heading gradually upwards to your right. It's straightforward enough but did have one section that was wet making it uncomfortably slippy but once this was passed it was easy going to the view point for Pillar Rock. The pictures just don't do the scale any justice but believe me this is certainly a place worth visiting.
Pillar Rock by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
On the Shamrock Traverse by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrFrom here the path finds its way steeply up through the crags in enjoyable fashion with ever improving views before reaching the bowling green top of the mountain. This is probably my favorite ascent of any so far in the Lakes, wild and rough with spectacular sights and plenty of interest, far more like a Scottish hill when climbed this way. We had another break on the summit and enjoyed the rewards of our efforts before the rough descent to Wind Gap.
Looking down on Pillar Rock by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Hughie takes a break by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Grace & Hughie on Pillar summit by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Light catching Yewbarrow by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Grand view to the Scafells by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrScoat fell may have some fine crags on it's north face but it's summit is less than spectacular as the Ennerdale fence(wall) passes directly over the highest point which prompted the building of a cairn on top of the wall. If Scoat fell is a disappointing top the next fell must be one of England's finest summits. Steeple lies at the end of a short airy arete and gives truly stunning views up and down Ennerdale and to the north.
Long way back to the car by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Steeple by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Red Pike by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Grace by Scoat fell summit cairn by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Steeple by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Views back to Pillar and Black Crag by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr Following the short out and back to Steeple the going got easier as we pushed on to mop up the last two fells of the day. Fortunately we were all feeling good so the ascent to Haycock's rocky top wasn't too painful but still required a final break before the last few miles back to the car.
Scoat tarn beneath Red Pike by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
The terrible twosome on Haycock by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Follow the Ennerdale fence by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrWainwright was very scathing of Caw Fell but with it's remote western location it has a fine wild feeling and on a beautiful summers day it provided a nice finish.
Caw Fell top by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Iron Crag and views to Scotland by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrThe descent on the ridge between Caw Fell and Haycock was initially very pleasant but lower down the path through the heather became very stony, not very welcome after a long day. It was a relief to reach the valley bottom once again and a pleasant few miles back to the car.
On the way back down to the valley by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Ennerdale Skyline by johnkaysleftleg, on FlickrThis route was absolutely fantastic and will live long in the memory. If your wanderings haven't taken you this way you might want to consider giving the honey pots of Striding Edge and the Scafells a miss and driving to the quiet backwater of Ennerdale for a really superb route that is every bit as spectacular but with far fewer people.
we hope to finish by late summer/early autumn next year given a fair wind.
The colours in October can be beautiful so I'm sure you'll enjoy it.
