Mothers Day in the fells

[johnkaysleftleg]

With March looking increasingly like a write off in terms of Wainwright bagging it was a relief to see a fine forecast for Sunday. Only problem was I was due to be on standby at work so a deal was struck with a colleague to cover for the grand price of a pack of Grasmere Gingerbread enabling Nicola to enjoy mothers day wandering in the fells.

With place and time set, a very early start (clocks going forward) saw us pull up to the lay-by on the A591 just outside of Grasmere on a beautiful hazy Lakeland morning. This isn't the best place to start a walk from as the coaches and cars hurtle by but this is all soon left behind as we started up the bridleway to Patterdale.
There is a choice of three ways up Seat Sandal from here but in an attempt to avoid retracing our steps I decided upon the long curving grassy south ridge. This looks like a very easy gradient from the road but it soon became apparent that it was far steeper than it looked. It turned out to be hard work and quite unforgiving until the summit plateau is reached.


Looking towards the Greenburn Round


Looking towards Grisedale Hause


Helm Crag


St Sunday Crag


Grace and Hughie on Seat Sandal


Grisedale Tarn and St Sunday Crag

Following basking in relatively warm sunshine on the way up the top of Seat Sandal it was decidedly chilly on the top so we ensconced ourselves behind a small crag and enjoyed lunch as we took in the fine if hazy views.
Seat Sandal to Fairfield is no great distance but unfortunately the substantial declivity of Grisedale Hause stands in the way. The route down starts quite gradually but increases in steepness untill you meet an almost vertical crag; fortunately a scree run heads off to help you get down safely. That said this way would require great care if there was snow or ice involved.
The one thousand foot ascent of Fairfield now loomed ahead of us but largely due to the quality of the path this wasn't too much of an issue and we made steady progress, with Hughie enjoying the few snow patches, to the broad stony apex of the day.
This was our second visit here in less than a year and given we've been granted wonderful views both times I'm growing rather fond of the place. We enjoyed coffee and a few more rations before heading off for the wonderfully easy stroll over Great Rigg.


Seat Sandal


Hughie Larking about in the snow


View towards High Street


Mothers Day


Heading towards Great Rigg


Hellvelyn and Dollywaggon Pike


South from Great Rigg

Once Great Rigg is traversed our route took us out onto a broad spur from the main Fairfield Horseshoe that terminates in the crag of Stone Arthur; it's certainly strange to approach a "fell" by heading downhill all the way. The only other time I recall similar was heading to the infamous Armboth Fell from High Tove, this is far more pleasant however and soon enough the prominent crag of Stone Arthur is reached. It's hard to see why when approaching from the main ridge this qualifies as an individual fell but in all honesty it inspired us to do a route we wouldn't otherwise have done so that's all fine my me.


Approaching Stone Arthur


Grace on Stone Arthur


Heading back to Grasmere

Once down by the road, with Stone Arthur now looking like a fell, Nicola, Grace and Hughie headed back to the car as I marched into Grasmere for some gingerbread. This delicacy has obviously proved to be a very popular mothers day present as it was sold out with only the wonderful aroma in the shop to tell of it's passing. Good job they do mail order!

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[L-Hiking]

I see you have been getting some prctice in!!!
Nice report and good weather too

[nigheandonn]

I wasn't all that far from you, around Red Screes - it did get cold for a while, but it was a lovely day compared to most before and since!

[johnkaysleftleg]

I see you have been getting some prctice in!!!
Nice report and good weather too

Cheers Geoff, starting to get some fitness back now.

I wasn't all that far from you, around Red Screes - it did get cold for a while, but it was a lovely day compared to most before and since!

Another fine fell, it was great to get out on a really fine day.

[clivegrif]

Cracking report about a wonderful part of the Lakes - and a beautiful day too!

Great pictures as always - and the air seemed a lot clearer than it was in Wales (bit murky....).

Good to see you all in fine form.

[johnkaysleftleg]

Cracking report about a wonderful part of the Lakes - and a beautiful day too!

Great pictures as always - and the air seemed a lot clearer than it was in Wales (bit murky....).

Good to see you all in fine form.

Cheers Clive

[AbbsFooty]

Good report!