Struck by being on Middle Fell with Hugh

[johnkaysleftleg]

As I look over the huge mound which is my stomach following the Christmas excesses and lack of exercise I thought I'd best try to catch up on my reports. And sorry for the terrible title, I should know better.

Following the problems with footwear on my last outing in the Howgills I took remedial action with the evil boots, putting some decent foot beds in them and sticking some heel grips to the back to provide some padding where previously there was none. I could have waited for my Altbergs to be re-soled but as fine winter days are a thing to be treasured I decided to have a shorter walk but a longer drive and headed out to Wasdale to climb three of the more remote (for somebody living in NE England) fells.

It was a great feeling to find the ground largely frozen solid when we arrived at Greendale. This was a classic crisp early winters day and following the seemingly endless drive over it felt so good to be making my way up into the fells with the views opening up with each and every step. If anything due to being totally sheltered from the wind I was overheating and had to shed a few layers as the steepest section was negotiated.


Buckbarrow bathed in morning light


Early light on the Scafells


Scafells and Wastwater


Greendale Gill


Steeply upwards


Hughie


Looking down to Greendale

As height was gained however the breeze became evident and I was soon wrapped up once more for the now steady climb to the superbly situated summit. Last time Hughie and I were here views were curtailed by cloud hanging on the Scafells but this time the view was superb, a light dusting of snow on the higher ground providing the last perfect touch to the wonderful view. Only downside was it was bloody freezing so we found a sheltered spot and enjoyed some breakfast.


Looking past Buckbarrow and out to the Irish sea


Light breaking over the screes


Scafells back into view


Middle Fell summit


Hughie on the summit


The Isle of Man with a snow capped Snaefell beyond Sellafield


Snow capped Scafells from Middle Fell

As it was too cold to really linger much longer we continued promptly upon rations being consumed and were soon crossing the largely frozen bog towards Seatallan. If the views had been curtailed on Middle Fell last time they were none existent on Seatallan on our previous visit. This time more than made up for it with the glorious 360 panorama seen to the full from the ancient tumulus turned summit shelter. We stopped for more rations enjoying the relaxed time table given the shorter walk we were doing and took in the views. By now it was obvious my footwear modifications were successful as I had suffered no issues whatsoever and it was a very happy plod down to the cairn at Cat Bields over the easiest of terrain.


Haycock


Seatallan


Scafells from the way up Seatallan


Great Gable


...and a close up


Sunshine over Greendale Tarn and Middle Fell


Seatallan summit


Hughie on Seatallan summit


On the way down to Cat Bields


Cairn on Cat Bields


Dog Bields


Hughie strikes a pose

From here we continued on to the Birkett of Glade How which had been missed last time due to a very large number of walkers ensconced on the summit as we passed. This time it was just us and we lingered a while before heading off to the lumps and bumps of Buckbarrow.


Glade How


Looking past Seatallan to Haycock

We wandered around all three of Buckbarrows tops enjoying the views from all before reluctantly heading down the path next to Gill Beck. Even the walk along the road was quite blissful with the the sunshine, snowy tops, and autumnal colour painting a beautiful picture.


Scafells looking magnificent from Buckbarrow


Buckbarrow Summit


The Screes from Buckbarrow


Another of Buckbarrow's tops


Screes from Gill Beck


Buckbarrow


Autumn in Wasdale


Buckbarrow from the road


Greendale Beck

This is a beautiful shortish walk made even better on a perfect day such as this. Also helps when your feet don't get savaged by your boots.

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[trailmasher]

Nice one Anthony and what a superb day you both had with absolutely perfect air quality. Excellent images as is your usual standard on what is a great walk in itself And, it is worth the long drive once you get there

[Alteknacker]

Some superb images, as per usual! I've never registered Buckbarrow before, but your pics of it show just why hills don't have to be especially high to be dramatic.

[johnkaysleftleg]

Nice one Anthony and what a superb day you both had with absolutely perfect air quality. Excellent images as is your usual standard on what is a great walk in itself And, it is worth the long drive once you get there

Thanks TM it was just about a perfect day for walking, nice to see the views I missed last time.

Some superb images, as per usual! I've never registered Buckbarrow before, but your pics of it show just why hills don't have to be especially high to be dramatic.

Buckbarrow is a really nice little fell and well worth tagging onto a longer route. Thanks once again for the kind words.