Round of Mickleden and Langdale

[davekermito]

Inspired by good friend Mendonca's recent report of one of our joint days in the Lakes, I thought I'd return the favour by posting a report of a particularly photogenic day we had at the head of Langdale!

Mickleden Round.gpx Open full screen  NB: Walkhighlands is not responsible for the accuracy of gpx files in users posts

Starting from Dungeon Ghyll, we took separate routes up the Langdale Pikes away from the usual tourist routes. Encouraged by ever widening views across the valley, the base of Harrison Stickle was achieved very quickly.

Lonely cloud over Crinkle Crags

Langdale opening up

Stickle Tarn and Pavey Ark from Harrison Stickle

From the broad plateau of the Langdale Pikes, it was across the well traversed moorland to shapely cone of Pike of Stickle. A lovely position to evaluate the rest of the day from!

Pike O Stickle

Dropping down of the Pikes meant a muddy traverse of Martcrag Moor, following the edge of Langdale Combe, from here there was a lovely view down the full length of Mickleden

Mickleden

Climbing up to Rossett Pike was a joy, staying in rocks all the way on it's crag, before descending to Angle Tarn. The area from Angle Tarn to Esk Hause must rate as my favourite place to be in England, so many wonderfull hills surrounding you it's almost impossible to choose the best one.

Rossett Pike

Angle Tarn and Bowfell

Esk Hause and Gables

From Esk Hause, it was up to the under-rated Esk Pike for a sandwich. Having the nerve to stop for a minute annoys my Cocker Spaniel, Jake - so he's keen to see off any errant sandwich to allow him to get to the next nearest tarn, stream, bog or area of black mud....

Impatient Jake on Esk Pike.

Scafell range

From here it was down to Ore Gap and up to Bowfell and the crowds. A lot of people have made the pilgrimage to the top of Bowfell and rightly so, as it's a wonderful top. After an explore of the top and a look at the option to descend via the Climbers Traverse, time restraints meant it was the 'normal route' to Three Tarns. However to avoid the tedious Band, I decided to follow Buscoe Sike into Hell Gill. Highly recommended alternative route. If I hadn't needed to get back to the valley to meet Mendonca, I would have happily crossed Crinkle Crags as well.

Three Tarns and Crinkle Crags

Pike O Blisco

Hell Gill and Crinkes

Probably would rate this as a favourite day in the Lakes, possibly due to the beautiful weather and clarity of the air. Hopefully will get a few more reports on here from now on!

[Alteknacker]

Great looking round - I've only been in this area when it's been pretty clag-bound and snowy.

PS I don't know if others are having this problem, but your pics look super low-res to me - no definition at all...???

[davekermito]

Great looking round - I've only been in this area when it's been pretty clag-bound and snowy.

PS I don't know if others are having this problem, but your pics look super low-res to me - no definition at all...???

Thanks Alteknacker.

I was being lazy when I re-sized the photos and used a bit of software I won't be using again! Bit of a novice with this lark, but I think hosting them elsewhere will be the plan for the next report! See if these are any better?