The Scafell Alps

[The English Alpinist]

A great day was had.

My campaign to walk all the Wainwrights in one winter had hit the rocks (so to speak) before this walk. A 3-week interruption after my last effort (Dunnerdale) had put me almost irredeemably behind. I'd actually written it off. Car troubles, personal troubles - you don't wanna know! - meant I had not got out there. This week I had a car again, though, and decided to give things a go. There was a weather window, and the plan was basically to stay out there for 3 days and get as much done around Wasdale as possible, reducing the need to make that journey again (it's a pain in the proverbial to get to). It was still only mid-February, so my conscience was clear in the sense I'd be tackling the Scafells no less very much 'in winter', in line with my supposed goal.

A clear day was forecast, so the chance had to be seized to grab the highest point in England. It's a good job it was clear, because I lost my map near the top of Lingmell! The string of the cover had worked loose before, so it was probably only a matter of time before this happened. I spent quarter of an hour trying to find where the thing had dropped, but to no avail. Being able to see where I needed to go, and knowing the geography around here fairly well already, meant the walk was doable. The section between the Pike and Scafell would have been dodgy indeed in bad weather, and the snow was deep around there, but one set of footprints was a help in finding my way up via Foxes Tarn. Thanks, whoever that was! Nobody else was going that way, although the Pike had been busy. As a terrific bonus, I found I had time and energy to fit in Illgill head and Whin Rigg too. I had to finish the walk with a trek back on the road the full length of Wast Water in the dark, but that didn't matter. Great day. Hope springs eternal!

Austria? No, Cumbria!

The Scafells seen from ascent of Lingmell.

Higher on Lingmell.

Scafell, from close to Lingmell summit.

AW explains why Scafell Pike is a mountain, not a mere 'fell'.

Lingmell summit with Great Gable in the background.

So taken was I, that I lost my map hereabouts.

The other Lingmell summit, with route to Scafell Pike ahead.

The highest point in England, on 15th February 2016.

Little change in 40 years.

Scafell in the background, I'm off to it next.

Route choices have to be made here!

Wainwright explains.

I descend in order to acquire the Foxes tarn route.

Getting onto Scafell via Foxes tarn.

A vision of heaven, or Scafell summit?

Looking back to Scafell Pike.

Heading down to Slight Side.

Burnmoor Tarn and Illgill Head ahead.

On Illgill Head.

Towards Whin Rigg.

Whin Rigg at day's end.

Summit of Whin Rigg.

[Alteknacker]

What a perfect day to be in this environment! Some beautiful pics of a great place.

[dav2930]

Magic. Definitely worth waiting for a sunny day for the Scafells in their winter glory. Well done TEA - extra points for adding on Illgill Head and Whin Rigg! Excellent photos too

[johnkaysleftleg]

Spectacular conditions captured beautifully, a tremendous effort in winter conditions, thanks for sharing.

[ChrisW]

Fantastic winter wanderings TEA, bet you couldn't believe your luck with the weather (about time too I think) as for the map...they're overrated