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 FlickrWe 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 FlickrIn 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 FlickrAaron 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 FlickrFollowing 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 FlickrThis 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.
