Red Pike Buttermere & neighbours

[mamoset]

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I hadn't been to Buttermere for a while, and as i have only climbed Starling Dodd & Great Borne once each, i decided to tick another two off on my way to completing a second round of Wainwrights. The weather on the tops wasn't looking too inviting as i set off.

High Stile ridge.

Headed down to Buttermere Lake for the obligatory Fleetwith Pike shot.

A moody looking Fleetwith Pike.

The views weren't too bad looking out as i gained height through onto Old Burtness.

Across to Newlands.

It is a really good path that takes you up to Bleaberry Tarn, if a little hard work I soon left the tarn, and made my way towards the snow line and onto the Saddle.

Bleaberry Tarn.

The steps were frozen going up here and i was glad i was going up them rather than down

Dodd, cloud topped Grasmoor & Robinson.

I didn't bother going up Dodd, just carried on to Red Pike summit.

Red Pike.

It was pretty cold up here, as the shelter shows.

Hoar frost.

Crummock Water from Red Pike.

I left the summit and made my way down and headed across to Starling Dodd which is a straight forward amble.

Starling Dodd & Loweswater fells.

Mellbreak to the right.

The summit was duly reached, though the views up and down Ennerdale were not improving.

Starling Dodd.

More easy walking across to Great Borne, at least it wasn't too wet

Back to Starling Dodd & cloudy Pillar.

Cloud lifting off Grasmoor.

Great Borne.

Red Pike & Starling Dodd from Great Borne.

Had lunch in the large shelter, before deciding on a route back that would let me visit Scale Force. This wasn't the best idea as it was really wet overland here, but seemed quicker than heading round Floutern Crag and down

My route down.

Looking back.

Floutern Crag, Tarn & Cop.

The sun came out as i made my way back and it got quite warm, resulting in the shedding of some layers

Sun hits Mellbreak & Grasmoor.

Whiteside & Grasmoor over Mellbreak.

Mellbreak.

After much slipping and splodging, i eventually got to Scale Force. This is quite a high waterfall, unfortunately, it is difficult to photograph .

Scale Force.

Left the force, and had a nice walk back to the car, after a reasonably enjoyable walk.

[dav2930]

Unusual walk that, and it makes a change to see some decent weather! Good that you found a route from Gt. Bourne to Scale Force which by happy coincidence also avoided the bogs at the head of Mosedale Beck Nice broody 'obligatory' photo of Fleetwith from Buttermere, and that's a fine shot of Scale Force with slow shutter speed (did you use a tripod?).

[ChrisW]

Beautiful pics of a good looking round Mamoset, looks bloody cold up top but as you say, at least it's not wet

[mamoset]

Unusual walk that, and it makes a change to see some decent weather! Good that you found a route from Gt. Bourne to Scale Force which by happy coincidence also avoided the bogs at the head of Mosedale Beck Nice broody 'obligatory' photo of Fleetwith from Buttermere, and that's a fine shot of Scale Force with slow shutter speed (did you use a tripod?).

Hi dav, Avoiding the bogs was in my mind as for Scale Force, i just stood as still as possible and took numerous shots until i got a couple in focus

Beautiful pics of a good looking round Mamoset, looks bloody cold up top but as you say, at least it's not wet

Cheers Chris, cold up high, but unfortunately well thawed on the way back

[Guinessman]

Never been on Great Borne as it's a bit far west for a day trip, will give your route a try

[trailmasher]

Good report and photos Mamoset and well done you for getting up Red Pike in snow it's bad enough on a good day it was maybe the drier option you took as Floutern Pass is a very wet place to be at times and a great shot of the waterfall

[mamoset]

Never been on Great Borne as it's a bit far west for a day trip, will give your route a try

There is some great views up Ennerdale on a good day, it's worth the walk out Be aware though, the road up Newlands valley is closed due to a damaged bridge at Rigg Beck, if you're thinking of going there soon

Good report and photos Mamoset and well done you for getting up Red Pike in snow it's bad enough on a good day it was maybe the drier option you took as Floutern Pass is a very wet place to be at times and a great shot of the waterfall

Thanks trailmasher, i've been across between Mellbreak & Hen Comb in good weather and it was still an absolute marsh