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Sometimes you just have to get away from your children, not for long, but time spent as a couple is always nice especially when spent in the wonderful environs of Lakeland. We left Grace, despite her emotional blackmail attempts for an evening spent with Grandma. Also remaining was Hughie, so a warning to all of his fans, this will be the last mention of him in this report.
So with sad baleful eyes left behind we headed for The Lakes. We had booked a night in the Lodore Falls Hotel, a place we'd driven past on countless occasions but never stopped once at and it was to be the same again as we passed by the impressive building on the way to Gatesgarth Farm and Fleetwith Pike's North Western ridge.
Fleetwith Pike & Haystacks 8km 720mThis is certainly a walk to shake off the confines of the car quickly, you are afforded a few hundred yards at most before the steep climb sets in. Although it was quite hazy it was a fine day and really quite warm with a definite hint of summer in the air meaning a sweaty climb past several false summits and a few minor scrambles before we topped out. The most fortunate thing about this climb is that the near constant urge to have a breather is rewarded when you turn around and see one of the finest (in my humble opinion of course) views in the district.
Memorial on Low Raven Crag by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
Looking Across to Haystacks by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
The Only Way is Up by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
Looking down to Gatesgarthdale Beck by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
View to Buttermere from the Ridge by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
High Stile Ridge by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
Looking down Fleetwith Gully to Pillar by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
Fleetwith Pike Summit by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
We had lunch over looking Warnscale Bottom and the fine crags of Haystacks before moving off towards our next target of the Birkett of Black Star. This was missed the last time we were here and it's a nice top with as you'd expect a quite dramatic view down to the Honister Pass. The name is quite odd however, perhaps some mining reference? We made our way though the quiet mine workings with increasing company towards AWs fave, Haystacks.
Fleetwith Pike from Black Star by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
Bothy at Dubs Bottom by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
Blackbeck Tarn by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
It's easy to see why AW was seduced by Haystacks; its numerous tarns, Fine crags, big fell feel, great views, many hidden corners, it really has the lot, apart from, since he named it his favourite, any solitude. We still found a relatively quiet spot at Innominate Tarn and sat for a while taking in the views and serenity of this special place. We tore ourselves away and took in the summit before scrambling our way down to Scarth Gap. I suppose this catches out a few people who expect a gentle walk to a summit beloved of a gray old man but it's all good fun.
On the way to Haystacks by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
Looking back to Fleetwith Pike by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
Inominate Tarn by
Anthony Young, on Flickr (click on pic to see bigger version)
Gable and Innominate Tarn by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
Higher nameless Tarn by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
Pillar from Haystacks Summit by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
Buttermere from Haystacks by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
The path down from Scarth gap seams quite improved from when we first did this route over five years previously, far more solid under foot. We were rewarded for our efforts with the lovely surprise of the Ice cream van present back at the farm
Haystacks by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
Our Route by
Anthony Young, on Flickr (click on pic for bigger version)
The Lodore falls Hotel lived up to it's billing, old fashioned in many ways but immaculate and totally charming. The food was exquisite with Nicola declaring her veggie fair the best she had ever tasted while my more carnivorous menu also hit the spot. Following this far too much wine was consumed and at some unknown time in the wee hours we fell asleep.
We awoke feeling somewhat delicate but nothing puts me off a full English so it was kill or cure time and I forced down the lot. We had decided the previous evening that we'd climb Blencathra, this time via Doddick Fell so it was a short drive to Threlkeld on an already roasting morning.
Blencathra via Doddick Fell ridge 8km 815mAs hangover cures go climbing a steep ridge on a hot day probably isn't top of the list, somewhere just above putting your head in a tin bucket and getting someone to throw bricks at it at a guess, but that's what we did at an understandably leisurely pace. Considering Doddick Fell would struggle to make the top three routes up Blencathra goes to show just what a great hill this is as for many Lakeland summits it would be easily number one. The ridge is well defined but never particularly narrow with just a little minor scrambling. By the time we reached the popular route up to Halls Fell and the main throng climbing the hill, hangovers had been banished and replaced with admiration of the splendid views.
Setting off by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
Looking up Gate Gill by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
Looking up Doddick Gill by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
Starting to Climb by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
Hallsfell top and Doddick Fell by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
Looking down to Scaley Beck by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
On Doddick Fell Ridge by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
High on Doddick Fell Ridge by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
From the 'top' of Doddick it's an easy wander up the well built zig zags to the summit while occasionally watching people making very slow progress across Sharp Edge. The top was as busy as expected but with space a plenty a spot for a leisurely lunch and a lie in the sun was found on a very summery day.
Sharp Edge by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
View from Doddick Fell by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
On the way up Hallsfell by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
Classic View from Hallsfell by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
Skiddaw by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
Following a while spent sunbathing and listening to some very odd conversations of other groups we set off towards Gategill Fell along Blencathra's main ridge line. This is a fine lofty wander with views to remember all over the easiest of ground. We paused for a while to check out the ridge up Gategill Fell which look very promising if also very steep at the finish, one for another day perhaps in ascent.
Looking back to Halls Fell by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
Looking down Gategill Fell Ridge to Knott Halloo by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
An easy descent followed, over Blease fell and then down the easy path back to the car. I must admit the hangover, which had been on hold, came back with a vengeance once sat in the car so it was off to find some strong coffee for the drive home.
Blease Fell by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
Gategill fell by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
Towards Derwent Water by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
Knott Halloo and Blease Fell by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
Looking up Blease Gill by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
All said and done a lovely weekend great for Nicola and I to get away but also great to get back home to Daughters and dogs who missed us even if they probably won't admit it.