Snowy Blencathra

[mamoset]

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The decent weather continues, so headed off for the Lakes. Not really knowing where to go, the freak weather on the A66 (rain freezing on the road causing umpteen accidents ) the decision was made not to leave the A66 and park at Scales.

Great Mell Fell looking summery from Scales.

Set off along the old road, to ascend Souther Fell first.

Great Dodd & Clough Head from the ascent.

The ground was quite firm underfoot, so the going was not too bad As I gained height, Sharp Edge came into view.

Sharp Edge.

Blencathra summit & Sharp Edge.

Souther Fell is an easy traverse over short grass, and the summit was quickly reached.

Souther Fell summit showing Bannerdale Crags beyond.

I had to make a bit of a detour to get off Souther Fell, as the ground was so hard, it was quite treacherous. I headed past the bits of crag at the north end and headed down to the River Glenderamackin.

Approaching River Glenderamackin.

I decided to attempt the heathery ridge up to Bannerdale summit.

Route up Bannerdale Crags.

There are some rocky outcrops up there which are just a bit too rocky to negotiate, so I skirted them into the heather, but was quite a nice ascent.

And closer.

Souther Fell from my ascent route of Bannerdale Crags.

From Bannerdale, it's an easy traverse round to Bowscale Fell, and as the weather was still fine, I decided to pay it a quick visit.

The Skiddaw range from Bowscale summit.

There was plenty of people headed up Blencathra by now, so I made my way to join them

Foule Crag on Blencathra.

The snow was quite hard set, so walking was pretty easy.

Snowy approach to Foule Crag.

Conditions must have been good on Sharp Edge too as plenty were crossing it.

Climbers on Sharp Edge.

My route was a bit easier

My ascent route.

Sharp Edge didn't look so imposing from its exit.

Sharp Edge.

Scales Tarn, however, looked weird!!

Scales Tarn.

Saw someone I wasn't expecting on Blencathra summit

How did you get here????

The cloud started building at this point, so I decided to make my way down.

Descent route passed Scales Tarn.

The route down wasn't as bad as it looked, and I was soon back at the car, hoping for an easier drive home than the one coming!!!!

[malky_c]

This looks like a great day out . I'm impressed with the route up Bannerdale Crags - I didn't realise they were that steep - almost thought I was looking at photos of Sharp Edge for a second!

Great photos

[mamoset]

Thanks Malky, it was an interesting little clamber, made a welcome change from the paths

Chris.

[ChrisW]

A fine winter wander Mamoset with some cracking pics - the cornice one is a beauty, the snowman is awesome and what the hell is with that tarn...weird or what great report, really enjoyed it

[mamoset]

Cheers Chris, shame we aren't getting as much snow as last year really, makes for great walking and photo's

Chris.