A Borrowdale Bimble

[johnkaysleftleg]

If our last Lakeland outing in the Far Eastern Fells had been somewhat untypical of the district this walk was very much in the heart of things. Seathwaite must be one of the most popular walking destinations due to the number and variety of walks available from here. This means turn up early or end up parking further and further up the road which doubles as a car park. Our primary targets of the day were two of Borrowdale's minor heights in the shape of Base Brown and Seathwaite Fell.
I've admired Base Brown whenever I've been here as it looks from the valley floor a sharp rugged pyramid masking the truth or it merely being a spur of the main ridge running to Honister. The initial climb is steep with some very simple scrambling but with the increasingly impressive views and the beautiful cascades of Sour Milk Ghyll it's a joy.

Sour Milk Ghyll Falls by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

A Stolen Moment by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Sour Milk Ghyll by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Seathwaite by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

We decided to attempt the direct route to the summit rather than a trudge up Gillercombe so headed across open ground towards the huge boulder. Some occasionally rough and steep ground later we found the clear path running beneath the hanging stone. In turn we abandoned this in favor of some simple scrambling on out way to the fairly flat summit. It was a fine way up this fell and looking at the option of the out and back from the col with Green Gable well worth the effort. The views were very fine with the Scafells looking superb.

Path under Hanging Stone by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

The Hanging Stone by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Base Brown View by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Gillercombe by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

The Scafell Massif by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Grace on Base Brown by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

In order to link up the two smaller fells a visit to Green Gable was in order which was hardly an issue given it must be one of the finest viewpoints in England. We had lunch taking in the stunning views up Ennnerdale, and Buttermere stretching all the way to Galloway which could be seen with remarkable clarity. I quite honestly could have stayed there for hours but with time pressing on the started our descent to Styhead Tarn.

Ennerdale Close Up by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

All the way to bonnie Scotland by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Ennerdale wide view by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Ennerdale by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Aaron slack is not a place name that stirs the soul but apart from a bit lose scree near the top it was a perfectly good way off the fell. We were rewarded by an amazingly deserted Styhead Tarn with Great End reflected in it's still waters. It was very tempting to stop and linger but we pushed onwards up to Sprinkling Tarn.

Gable Crag by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

High and Mighty by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Aaron Slack by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Reflecting on the End by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Great End by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Following the climb to Sprinkling Tarn, which seemed longer and steeper than the map suggested we had a rest in this sublime location. Once again we could have sat for hours but were spurred into life by a large wasp that took a particular liking to Nicola. Seathwaite fell isn't much to look at but its bejewelled craggy plateau it's a wonderful place to be on a day like this, so many superb views of some of the giants of Lakeland. We visited both tops before searching out a safe way off the fell without retracing our steps.

Sprinkling Tarn by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Part of Me by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Glaramara by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Great Gable by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Great End by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Hughie by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

True Summit by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

The Jaws of Borrowdale by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Seathwaite Fell by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Grace on Seathwaite Fell by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Way off Seathwaite Fell by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

This was a memorable day with conditions you dream about when the clag is down. The visibility was as good as I've seen in the lakes with no hint of haze apart from to the South. Doesn't get much better to be honest.

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[petenelliewalking]

Looks like you had a great day out. Great set of photos, particularly like 'True Summit'.
Peter

[mamoset]

Looks like you had a far better day for it than I did recently. Some great shots there

[johnkaysleftleg]

Looks like you had a great day out. Great set of photos, particularly like 'True Summit'.
Peter

Thanks Peter it was a cracking day

Looks like you had a far better day for it than I did recently. Some great shots there

Cheers Mamoset

[ChrisW]

Lovely shots as always JK, this post damn near slipped off the page before I saw it...we must be getting some post of late

[johnkaysleftleg]

Lovely shots as always JK, this post damn near slipped off the page before I saw it...we must be getting some post of late

Cheers Chris, at least there's plenty of activity of late on here

[nigheandonn]

Some lovely pictures there - I'm looking forward to getting back to Borrowdale

[johnkaysleftleg]

Some lovely pictures there - I'm looking forward to getting back to Borrowdale

Cheers Nighe, Borrowdale is indeed a grand place.

[stevesey]

Great report - I'm planning exactly that route later in the year. Useful info on the Aaron Slack descent.

[johnkaysleftleg]

Great report - I'm planning exactly that route later in the year. Useful info on the Aaron Slack descent.

Thanks Stevesey, Aaron Slack is no bother, the way off Seathwaite Fell was far more unpleasant, must be a better way.