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Please note that hillwalking when there is snow lying requires an ice-axe, crampons and the knowledge, experience and skill to use them correctly. Summer routes may not be viable or appropriate in winter. See winter information on our skills and safety pages for more information.
A Song of Ice and Rocks: Glaramara
A Song of Ice and Rocks: Glaramara
by The English Alpinist » Mon Mar 14, 2016 7:51 pm
Wainwrights included on this walk: Allen Crags, Glaramara, Seathwaite Fell
Hewitts included on this walk: Allen Crags, Combe Head, Glaramara, Red Beck Top (Glaramara South Top)
Date walked: 05/03/2016
Time taken: 6
Distance: 15 km
Ascent: 1019m
2 people think this report is great. Register or Login free to be able to rate and comment on reports (as well as access 1:25000 mapping).A reference to one of my favourite books/TV shows in the title for this one! The conditions and terrain seemed like a good location for shooting series 7 perhaps. Possible sightings of white walkers aside, I myself was not so much the 'king o'the north' as a somewhat frightened little English Alpinist. Glaramara is one serious place in cloud and snow. From the upper half of Rosthwaite Fell onwards it was a complete whiteout for the rugged ridge trek to Esk Hawse. I'm not even sure whether I hit Rosthwaite summit, but I'm giving myself this one! Following the compass heading I must surely have crossed it as near as damnit, [edit 25.Sept.2021 No, I didn't, nowhere near!] and I wouldn't have reached Glaramara if I hadn't. It's the same mountain in effect. The 'Tarn at Leaves', an expected early landmark, I somehow missed, but I passed over some rocky outcrop with a sizeable cairn which I'd bet good money was Rosthwaite Cam [edit: it was Combe Head].
Glaramara summit was beyond doubt, with its twin cairns a few metres apart and craggy surroundings half-glimpsed in the frigid haze. Heaven knows what angle I approached it from, and I had a very hazardous climb up a steep snow-ice face to get onto it, barely able to dig my toes in for grip to avoid a 30-foot fall. I should have had crampons on for that, and had an ice axe too. It got a bit more straight-forward en route to Allen Crags, but still some 'tricky' descents. I fell headlong one time, fortunately plunging only into snow. The good old-fashioned compass did it's job magnificently. Reaching the famous shelter at Esk Hause was a major relief (literally a relief for some, judging by some yellow stains in the snow). At that point I met the first humans (definitely not white walkers) since a young couple on the early ascent of Rosthwaite.
After a minor hitch finding the path down to Sprinkling Tarn, things certainly did get easier, and dare I say enjoyable. Seathwaite Fell was a picture of winter beauty, stunning views of the larger fells all around and bright blue waters. Well down on the descent, a lapse of concentration sent me turning over on my ankle, very nearly doing damage. I must be careful now, so close to my goal. Only 8 more walks to do to complete the Wainwrights in Winter. Once again, I reached the bus stop (this time Seatoller) with 15 minutes to spare! I should have had loads of time, but the ice and rocks of Glaramara could easily have cost me much more than a missed bus.
Footnote: 25.Sept.2021. The summit I was hoping in vain was Rosthwaite was in fact Combe head, a subsidiary of Glaramara and a Hewiitt in its own right. This I have only just discovered, after looking into my progress on doing all the English Hewitts. It seems years later I have a nice little bonus from my route-finding troubles of that day! Also, Glaramara's South Top is a Hewitt in its own right, and happily I also summited that on this walk, of that I am certain. If only I had found my intended route, up via Rosthwaite, I would also have bagged 'Dovenest Crag' on the way to Glaramara, but alas this has to remain unticked. Furthermore, I feel far too much uncertainty as to whether I passed over the true (as in Hewitt) summit of Seathwaite Fell, so this must also remain unticked. I should have done more research on this shenanigan. Oh well, I have excuses for a nostalgic revisiting of this walk one day.
Last edited by The English Alpinist on Tue Apr 05, 2022 4:37 pm, edited 9 times in total.
Re: A Song of Ice and Rocks: Glaramara
by ChrisW » Mon Mar 14, 2016 10:06 pm
Lovely closing shots TEA, almost the exact opposite of the opening whiteout
Be careful out there man, it's incredible how a little turn of the ankle can finish you off for weeks (just ask my mrs
)


Re: A Song of Ice and Rocks: Glaramara
by dav2930 » Mon Mar 14, 2016 10:53 pm
That's some of the most complex and confusing terrain in the Lakes - a real navigational challenge in those conditions! You did well to persevere with it.
As Chris says, take care; it'd be a real shame to scupper your mission with a twisted ankle, or worse, after all you've achieved so far.

As Chris says, take care; it'd be a real shame to scupper your mission with a twisted ankle, or worse, after all you've achieved so far.

Re: A Song of Ice and Rocks: Glaramara
by The English Alpinist » Mon Mar 14, 2016 11:01 pm
Thanks guys. It was a real lapse, trying to save time in the race for the bus. I was taking my coat off off and trying to stuff it in my rucksack without stopping! Failed to watch my footing.
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