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Having done two walks around Troutbeck we decided to head west for some slightly different views. Lingmoor Fell looked like a fine target given its modest height and relative isolation making it a good fell to bag on its own. I was somewhat worried that the road would be closed to the Blea Tarn car park and I took a chance by ignoring the ROAD CLOSED sign. Turns out the road was blocked but was snow free until it passed through the col between Side Pike and Pike O’ Blisco
With the clocks going forward and a slow start anyway we didn't park up till after midday and were delayed further by another camera issue
, as the little Samsung compact was dead. Ten minutes charging using my car charger for my phone gave it enough life to get through the walk.
It was very cold around Blea Tarn probably because it is so sheltered it traps the air and the feeling of serenity was increased further by a thin film of ice on the water. The cold had kept the snows from melting and as soon as we set off up the path (not that we could see it under the snow) it was spikes on. It may only be a short pull up to the summit from here but given the steepness and depth of snow it was quite hard work.
Even at this low level a small cornice had formed on the edge of the gill next to the path. We stayed well back but some numpty had been walking as close to the edge as possible
. If it had given way serious injury could certainly have been suffered.
Blea Tarn from the ascent by
johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Coniston Fells by
johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
The route eventually turns summitwards once the top of the gill is reached. The drift at the top of the steep ravine looked very deep indeed. Fortunately no numptys had been testing it out.
The final pull up to the summit of Lingmoor Fell, known as Brown Howe, was rewarded with stunning views, best of which were to the west with a wonderful panorama stretching from Weatherlam to the Langdales proving quite captivating.
Hughie on the fence by
johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
View from the summit by
johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Grace on Brown Howe by
johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
It was quite blowy and cold on top so we continued along the icy path till we found some shelter to enjoy lunch. Lingmoor Fell was quite busy today but many walkers were having troubles with the slippyness of the path. Few problems for us however and we made fine progress until we got delayed by a chap who was struggling badly with a steep section of path that resembled the cresta run. Aware he was holding us up he shuffled to one side onto the snow to let us past. I confidently made my way ahead before even the spikes gave up and I performed a perfect painless bum slide for about six feet. Grace followed but slipped far earlier and shot down the path with a huge grin on her face gently arriving at my feet around 20 feet later
. My better half chickened out however and went onto the snow.
Looking along the ridge to the Langdales by
johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Views from the path by
johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Lingmoor Tarn by
johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
We followed the path down to the col with Side Pike and decided to have a look at the squeeze. Fortunately the path on this section was completely snow and ice free so we continued on through the remarkable narrow gap , (regretting the sticky toffee pudding) and along the relatively exposed ledge around the flank of Side Pike. We visited the Birkett top before floundering our way down through more drifts back to the road and the lovely path around the tarn.
Lingmoor Fell by
johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Grace getting through the squeeze by
johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Langdales from Side Pike by
johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Blea Tarn from Side Pike by
johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Classic view of the Langdales by
johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
This is a beautiful little walk that I would highly recommend, great way to spend a morning/afternoon whatever time of year.