An Idiots Day Out

[johnkaysleftleg]

Sometimes not everything goes to plan on a walk and sometimes its all your own fault. Lack of planning, forgetting things you've actually read about on other walk reports and simply being a stubborn idiot can all be contributory factors. The plan was to link Raven Crag and High Rigg visiting Shoulthwaite, a "hidden" valley to turn it into a proper circular walk.

I don't know what the current situation is but back in June, for it was then then this walk occurred, a zonking great pipeline project was underway which basically barred barred access to Raven Crag from the East. Some aimless and frustrated wandering took place, paths were taken which shouldn't have been and idiots got turned around with their tails between their legs.

To cap it all off a new set of lightweight boots caused some very painful blisters on my heels even though I wore lining socks.

I'll let the pictures and route map tell the story as I have little appetite to re-live this day.

St Johns Beck by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Raven Crag looking positively alpine by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Off up High Rigg by Anthony Young, on Flickr


And looking back down by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Dodd Crag by Anthony Young, on Flickr


Fox Gloves in bloom by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Tarn on Yew Crag by Anthony Young, on Flickr

View back to Thirlmere by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Over to Skiddaw by Anthony Young, on Flickr

High Rigg Undulations by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Looking back up Thirlmere by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Skiddaw from the South top of High Rigg by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Hughie enjoying a breather by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Clough Head and Calfhow Pike by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Blencathra from High Rigg by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Skiddaw from High Rigg by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Helvellyn from High Rigg by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Sand Bed Gill by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Reflections by Anthony Young, on Flickr

On the way to Wren Crag by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Across St John's in the Vale by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Blencathra at the end of St John's in the Vale by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Castle Rock by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Aqueduct on the way up Castle Rock by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Devistation by Anthony Young, on Flickr


A nervous look up by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Thirlmere from the top of Castle Rock by Anthony Young, on Flickr

High Rigg from Castle Rock by Anthony Young, on Flickr

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

[Gordie12]

At least it was a nice day and you got some good photos.

[Pointless Parasite]

Brilliant route map I had a lot of bother when I climbed Raven Crag last year. I approached from the other side after climbing Armboth Fell and was unaware of the forestry works. It was a complete nightmare descending, with some very confusing diversion signs.

[trailmasher]

Can't beat an idiot's day out Anthony, had a few of those myself in the past but nevertheless a decent walk on a couple of good hills Great How across from Raven Crag is a nice little hill with some good views to be had from the top . Easy access and egress and now that Raven Crag is once more open for business you could maybe fit 'em both in on a future walk

[Broggy1]

Not an idiot at all.

I linked these two not long before you - https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/Forum/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=88562 - and found similar issues.

I was lucky in that I was coming down Raven Crag when the unhelpful signs were met so the diversion was doable (and I'd already hit the summit) but it did make me wonder how anybody not visiting Raven Crag after Armboth Fell etc would actually find a way to the summit.

I'd have these kind of problems before in Dodd Wood and Wythop Wood.

[dav2930]

That blasted pipeline has been causing havoc! Still, it looked a nice day out all the same and, as Geordie12 says, at least you got some fine photos.

It was very interesting to see your pic of the damage and debris left by the bungalow-sized block that fell from the top of Castle Rock; could have been worse I suppose! I haven't been up there since the warnings were issued. One of my favourite climbs, Overhanging Bastion, has been altered out of all recognition and is still too unstable to be climbed safely.

Your photos of both Raven Crag and Castle Rock are excellent.

[Sgurr]

We also fell into those problems with Raven's Crag, but luckily ran into them early on. Have sent you a trip report from elsewhere.

[johnkaysleftleg]

At least it was a nice day and you got some good photos.

True enough. Still better than work

Brilliant route map I had a lot of bother when I climbed Raven Crag last year. I approached from the other side after climbing Armboth Fell and was unaware of the forestry works. It was a complete nightmare descending, with some very confusing diversion signs.

I really don't know why he picked the blinking thing. On round one we got away with a straightforward forward ascent, might have known it would come back to bite me.

Can't beat an idiot's day out Anthony, had a few of those myself in the past but nevertheless a decent walk on a couple of good hills Great How across from Raven Crag is a nice little hill with some good views to be had from the top . Easy access and egress and now that Raven Crag is once more open for business you could maybe fit 'em both in on a future walk

I was tempted by Great How but only had time for either it or Castle Rock. I guess with it being a Birkett I'll tack it on when I return for Raven Crag ( along with the other couple of Birketts close to Raven Crag).

Not an idiot at all.

I linked these two not long before you - https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/Forum/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=88562 - and found similar issues.

I was lucky in that I was coming down Raven Crag when the unhelpful signs were met so the diversion was doable (and I'd already hit the summit) but it did make me wonder how anybody not visiting Raven Crag after Armboth Fell etc would actually find a way to the summit.

I'd have these kind of problems before in Dodd Wood and Wythop Wood.

Take away all the restrictions and I think my planned route would have been fine. My idiocy was more a case of poor planning and stubborn pig headedness

That blasted pipeline has been causing havoc! Still, it looked a nice day out all the same and, as Geordie12 says, at least you got some fine photos.

It was very interesting to see your pic of the damage and debris left by the bungalow-sized block that fell from the top of Castle Rock; could have been worse I suppose! I haven't been up there since the warnings were issued. One of my favourite climbs, Overhanging Bastion, has been altered out of all recognition and is still too unstable to be climbed safely.

Your photos of both Raven Crag and Castle Rock are excellent.

To be honest I really didn't feel safe and I include my decision to continue on past the warnings and the very graphic sight on the smashed gate as part of being an idiot You can see the huge amount of rock that cleaved off from the lighter patch. I'm really not sure if you can get up there by going around the other side but perhaps I should have tried

We also fell into those problems with Raven's Crag, but luckily ran into them early on. Have sent you a trip report from elsewhere.

I read your report, quite the faff on. At least you got there however, unlike me.