Rossett Pike, Allen Crags, Great End, Esk Pike and Bowfell from Great Langdale

It was mid November, and I had the opportunity to stay overnight at a cottage in Ambleside, when family members vacated the cottage they were staying in after seeing the village's Christmas light switch on over the weekend, which is quite an event, with street procession, fireworks and Santa illuminating the streets by sprinkling his.......erm magic dust to finish.

This opportunity allowed me to arrive in Langdale early Monday morning, without getting up at stupid o clock, for a long night drive north.
Driving to the Lake District on a quiet Sunday afternoon, on my own without the pressure of finding a parking space at the other end of the journey before a walk, was a nice change to the usual. The family had now vacated the cottage and were on their way home, leaving me to settle in for the night with a beer or two along with pizza.

Ambleside's Christmas lights viewed from the cottage

Conditions in the Lake District were dry and free of snow, so a good walk over a hand full of summits was on the cards. 

My plan was to get into the Langdale Valley before dawn, parking at the Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel, before heading out west along the Cumbria Way, heading for Rossett Pike, using the old zigzag pony route. then onto Allen Crags, Great End, Esk Pike and if daylight allows, Bowfell, returning down ‘The Band’ which should be a little over 10 miles.

I chose anti clockwise because all but Bowfell would add to my Wainwright list of 125. 
if I had little daylight left after Esk Pike, or just ran out of steam, I could bail out at ‘Ore Gap’ leaving Bowfell, and head down to Angle Tarn and return on the now familiar route back.

The planned route and mileage

Monday's weather forecast was reasonably good for this time of year, although overcast with the possibility of occasional snow flurries, the cloud base was expected to be above all summits with temperatures just above freezing at summit height. 
However a strong north westerly wind was expected to blow in at around 40 to 50 mph at times, so it was going to be cold and breezy.

  

After a less than perfect nights sleep back in Ambleside, I was late leaving the cottage.

As always, my gear took longer to pack, and locking up the cottage took even longer.
I arrived at the ODG car park in the Langdale Valley just after 8 am, after driving the 20 minutes from Ambleside in the low light of dawn.

As a National Trust member, parking is free here, and as you’d expect on a winters Monday morning, the car park was almost empty.

I was wearing a 'Fitbit' tracker today for the first time on a hike. This measures steps taken, heart rate, calories burned etc, so I was interested to see what kind of stats it would reveal from the days activities.

With GPS set, or so I thought, and rucksack firmly in place I was finally walking along the Cumbria Way by 8.15 am heading west in eager anticipation of an excellent day ahead.

It’s quite a long flat walk along the valley from the Old Dungeon Ghyll car park to the bridge which would take me across Mickleden Beck, walking a firm stoney farm track towards the mountain slopes.

Leaving the Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel heading west on the Cumbria Way

'The Band' seen from the Cumbria Way

Gimmer Crag and Pike of Stickle

This first section of walking gave my old legs a good chance to stretch and warm up before the climb ahead, which was staring down at me in quite an intimidating way.

Being in the valley, the NW wind didn’t feel too bad, but the air felt cool and fresh.

Walking along Mickleden Beck, the rock faces of Gimmer Crag and Pike of Stickle were bearing down from the right. To the left of the track, I could see my possible return route down ‘The Band’ from Bowfell. 
Ahead of me was Rossett Crag and Black Crags of course, this was my intended route. Climbing steeply up to Rossett Pike, Alfred Wainwright described this climb as “Tedious and stony”. It looked quite steep from the valley floor, but in all truth, once on it, it would be fairly easy going. The rest of my route although higher still, was beyond the view I had.
One bonus walking along the valley floor, was the high crags all sheltering me from the wind.

Following The Cumbria Way towards Rossett Crag, my route would take me up to the col on the  the left, before the final section to Rossett Pike summit (right of col)

Looking back along the Cumbria Way towards Great Langdale

I’m not a big fan of night-time navigating in the mountains, and especially in the winter months, probably due to a lack of time and experience walking in the hills at night. 
So I try to keep it to a minimum, knowing a route will be tight on daylight hours, I will make a rough calculation of times and where I should be during the day on paper. This schedule then allows me to decide if I have time or not later in the day to complete the route or not, avoiding any tricky route finding in the dark. It’s not a time I’m conscious of trying to keep to, that would reduce the pleasure of the day and make it a race against time. No it is purely for easy reference to my progress during the day. However this does show if I need to pick the pace up if I decided to commit to my original route or if conditions or circumstances changed for the worse.

I figured it would take about 45 minutes to arrive at the bridge crossing Mickleden Beck from ODG, and I was pleased to arrive at the bridge pretty much on time, which was a good start.

Crossing the bridge over Mickleden Beck, a couple of fell runners came passed me heading towards Rossett Pike, and gave me a polite nod. Walkers or runners would be few and far between during the day, and as I made my way up this old smugglers route, following them at my more modest pace, they were soon out of sight, and once again, I had the mountains all to myself.

The start of the climb up to Rossett Pike

This part of the climb, although stoney, it was a well constructed path with lots of steps, with a zigzag course that takes out much of the steepness. It made the walking slow but it was steady, passing over a layer of pinkish coloured rock in the higher reaches of the fell. 
While negotiating this section, I would stop for the odd breather, while looking back behind me, at the now excellent views opening up of Mickleden below, and the surrounding peaks.

A brief change in colour

Again I’d allowed just over an hour from the bridge to my first summit of the day, and It was looking good. I could now feel the wind picking up as I gained height, and no longer had the crags protecting me from the west.

The final ascent to Rossett Pike from the pony track route is marked by a large cairn. Turning right at this point allows for the short and easy walk, mainly on grass, up to the rocky summit. 

The cairn indicating the right turn up to Rossett Pike. Allen Crags, and Great End's peaks popping up in the far distance.

From here at the cairn though, I could weigh up my route to Allen Crags, dropping down the other side of Rossett Pike’s flanks to Angle Tarn, then a climb to Allen Crags, higher still was Great End, looking west was Esk Pike and my possible bailout route, Ore Gap.

But for now, the summit of Rossett Pike was calling. It’s always nice to reach the first summit of the day, as it’s usually the longest climb and hardest earned, and Rossett Pike was no exception to this general rule. 

View of Rossett Pike summit from the cairn

Rossett Pike has a small ridge formation dropping from the 651 metre summit, to a lower cairn a few metres further on along the ridge, with Rossett Crags below. I thought it was worth a wander down for the excellent views down to Mickleden, the Langdale Valley in the far distance and surrounding fells, and it was worth it.

Looking back down to Mickleden and the route I've followed so far, viewed from Rossett Pike. Pike of Stickle is seen on the left. The Band on the right.

Pike of Blisco (centre) seen beyond The Band.

It was now as windy as hell, and my balance was almost lost a couple of times as I wobbled back, returning to the summit before heading down the grass slope of the north side of the peak, regaining the pony route heading down to Angle Tarn.

Rossett Pike summit 651m

The temperatures felt a little milder than forecast when out of the wind, but the wind speed forecast was probably spot on, making it a pretty chilly day. 

As I made my way up towards Allen Crag. I noticed the Esk Hause junction first, this is about 100 m higher than Rossett Pike. Here a crisscross of paths merge from Sty Head, Great End, Esk Pike, Allen Crags and of course Rossett Pike. Here a wind shelter provides the perfect spot to stop, and although it was only just gone 11 am I decided to grab a bite to eat and drink here, as it was such a good spot. Although I intended to push on to Allen Crags first, I needed a break from the wind as it felt so cold.
Taking my gloves off just to take a photo or eat a sandwich was now uncomfortable, so I was quick to get them back on after retrieving a sandwich from my pack.

The shelter at Esk Hause

It was at this point, while just looking out from this shelter at the col, that two fighters on a training exercise, I would presume, flew straight passed me from the NW into the Langdale Valley. I did manage to capture one of them, albeit at some distance as it took time to get those blumin gloves back off with cold hands, and unfortunately those jets weren’t hanging around.

The jet fighter seen centre of photo from the shelter

Having topped up my energy levels, I slipped my rucksack back on, gloves in place, and pushed on to Allen Crags about half an hour behind my pencilled calculations, a very short stony path winds up to the summit cairns. Again excellent views out to the north looking at ‘Glaramara’ along the undulating ridge. High Raise and Ullscarf to the NE. Keswick can be seen from here too. Dominating the view NW is Great Gable. 
But unfortunately I was being severely buffeted by the wind here, struggling to take a steady photo, in the biting wind, so my stay was cut short, as I retreated back down for some protection back at the ‘Hause’ 

The short climb to Allen Crags from Esk Hause

Allen Crags summit 785m 

Looking north towards Glaramara. Derwent Water and Keswick can be seen in the distance.

The route I was taking up to Great End is usually a busy one, with many Scafell walkers using this route, but it was pretty quiet today, as I made my way up to Calf Cove. It was here the couple of runners I met down in the valley below passed me again, this time descending presumably from Scafell Pike.

Climbing Great End

I reached the windy 910 m rocky summit of Great End just after midday, touching both cairns, not being totally sure which was the true summit. At a little under three thousand feet, Great End would be the highest point of the day. 

I could see the summit construction on Scafell Pike just over a mile away, so close, but it didn’t look an easy mile. No quick there and back, but it did cross my mind for a few seconds to go for it. 

But knowing I still had a good way to go back to Langdale, via Esk Pike and possibly Bowfell, about 6 miles, adding any more mileage to the day at this point, in these windy conditions would be unwise.... for me anyway. I had a route planned for Scafell Pike, which included Lingmell, so I was happy to leave it for another day.

Looking SW to Scafell Pike from Great End

Looking down at Wasdale Head, Lingmell to the left and much of the Mosedale Horseshoe on show including Kirk Fell (right) and Yewbarrow, Red Pike and Pillar in the distance.

I stood admiring Great Gable from the summit of Great End for a short time, barely able to stand at times, as gusts of wind were still strong. 

It’s extremely rare I get annoyed about anything on a day like this, but I had a rucksack strap-end that had caught me in the cheek twice with a whipping motion, while looking right and continued flapping in the wind. This had threatened to happen earlier, my fault of course, I forgot to fix it when I stopped.

Great Gable and Green Gable separated by Windy Gap and Styhead Tarn at it's foot.

I headed back down to Calf Cove, backtracking until I reached Esk Hause again. 
From here, Esk Pike looked an interesting fell, lots of rocks to negotiate and it didn’t disappoint. By the time I arrive at the rocky cairn summit, I was ready for a short stop.
But then the flapping rucksack strap finally caught me in the eye, what can I say apart from, I should have secured it earlier.

Esk Pike and Bowfell ahead

The formidable eastern crags of Scafell Pike

Looking back at Esk Hause and Allen Crags in sunshine from Esk Pike

Sharp rock formations on Esk Pike

Esk Pike summit 885 m

It was just after 1 pm when that wind finally got the better of me. While my foot was wedged momentarily between some of the sharpest rocks I’d seen and felt all day, I lost my balance, and partially fell over, narrowly avoiding a bang on the head. Luckily no harm done, but it was a ‘what if’ moment. There was no one on the mountain but myself, that I could see, I try to be as careful as possible, but there is always a small risk climbing amongst rocks, especially walking on your own, and especially in winter when the mountains are quieter. Any help may not be at hand for some time. It certainly focused my mind again anyway.

Looking at Bowfell from Esk Pike

After a much needed break and drink, perched behind a rock for shelter, it was time to push on down to Ore Gap, although this was my optional bailout route down to Angle Tarn, it wouldn’t shave much mileage off the return route to the car, it just meant I wouldn’t need to climb Bowfell, and then navigating the slightly trickier route down ‘The Band’ potentially in the dark. 
But I felt fit and well, I'd made good time so far. I reckoned it was less than an hour from Esk Pike to Bowfell summit, putting me on Bowfell summit for around 2pm. 

That would give me plenty of time to return via ‘The Band’ before darkness.

Looking south from Esk Pike

Bowfell from Ore Gap

It was the first time for me, climbing Bowfell from Ore Gap. The route was on a nice easy gradient, on a good path part way up, before giving way to a line of cairns to guide walkers through a boulder field, should you find yourself in mist heading to the summit. 

As the afternoon drew to a close, the wind finally started to ease on the tops, and a pleasant scenic view could be admired now without having to brace for those annoying gusts.

A little bit of scrambling was required to gain the rocky summit of Bowfell, at 902 m. Amazingly Great End stands about 2.5 miles away but there is only about 7 metres between them in height.

Last bit of scrambling on to Bowfell summit

Here on the summit sat, I presumed to be father and young son, admiring the fantastic panoramic views. It felt a little awkward hanging around after saying hello, as the pair weren’t going anywhere soon, so I quickly descended back down to the shelf below, latching onto the cairns heading SE, passing by the top of the ‘Great Slab’ on my way down to ‘Three Tarns’ 

Pike of Blisco in sunshine, Windermere (top left)

As I made my descent off Bowfell, the rays of mid afternoon sun brushed the tips of the nearby Langdale peaks, the clouds giving way to blue skies.

The silence from the now calming air was only broken by the dry stone crunching from my boots, and an annoying squeak from my rucksack, as I dipped into shelter from the breeze.

‘Three Tarns’ indicates my turn east and down ‘The Band’ the route south continues up to Crinkle Crags, one I’ve only descended.

There were only actually two small pools of water here today at 'Three Tarns', maybe not a lot of rain recently? I continued my descent now heading east back down towards Great Langdale.

The route down to 'Three Tarns' on Bowfell

This was indeed the best part of my day, my memory was full of the days mountain vistas, and my body was tired but full of satisfaction, I’d achieved my modest goals and thoroughly enjoyed every minute. 

I’m not sure why, but days like this give me the feeling of enormous well-being, just the tonic for some of the down sides to coping with Crohn’s Disease, and everyday life in general.

It was a familiar descent for me down ‘The Band’ a long sloping spur that gently lowers walkers back into the Langdale Valley at Stool End farm.

With the sun slowly setting, I passed through the busy farm, up the lane, only to be welcomed by a flock of sheep, before joining the tarmac road for the last few minutes of the walk to the Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel, arriving back at 4.20 pm.

The Langdale Pikes seen from 'The Band'

Great Langdale

Stool End farm sits at the foot of The Band

My welcoming party

Looking back at Stool End Farm

Back at the The Old Dungeon Ghyll

Unfortunately I didn’t reset my GPS properly at the start of the day, so I didn’t get an accurate mileage reading.

However, my Fitbit recorded the days efforts, which I found interesting.

Once again an excellent day with some staggeringly beautiful views in all directions. a bit windy at times but the visits to four new summits was worth it. an absolutely unforgettable experience, and my Wainwright journey takes me to 129.

All that was left for me to do, was make the two hour drive home, stopping only for a Burger King at Lancaster's M6 service station, before joining the industrial wheel again the following day...... 

Gray Crag, Stony Cove Pike and Hartsop Dodd

I woke up on day two of my Lake District trip to the music of “First Light” on my mobile alarm at 6.30am. Staring at the underneath of an empty top bunk bed in the Helvellyn YHA. It was still dark out, but time to get up for another day on the fells and time to get my stiff legs moving.

My plan after yesterday’s 16 mile walk, was an easier one from the Brothers Water car park into Hartsop, which is just a couple of miles away from the hostel. I’d be following Pasture Beck through a glen, up to Threshthwaite Mouth, from here a walk to Gray Crag, returning to Threshthwaite Mouth, before a scramble onto Caudale Moor from the east ridge and onto the summit of ‘Stony Cove Pike’. Finally finishing the day on Hartsop Dodd, about 10 miles later.

Today's planned route

I needed to be finished by mid afternoon so I would miss the rush hour traffic back in the world of reality on the M60 and be home for a reasonable time. 

So I needed an early start, hence the 6.30am alarm.

Thankfully in the hostel bathroom, I had the two persons shower all to myself, and although it was lovely and hot, I really didn’t fancy any company, so it was a very quick shower. But while I was standing at the sink, brushing my teeth, now half dressed I might add, a lady, probably in her 60’s walked in and asked if she could use the shower? I think I might’ve put her off when I politely explained it was a double shower without a locking door and as this is a gents bathroom, a bloke could walk in on her..... she left quickly, although she looked strangely disappointed. 

With a clean change of clothes, my overnight bag packed, and feeling refreshed, I stripped the bedding and left it on the floor of my room as instructed by staff, I checked out, dropping my key that didn’t lock the bedroom door at reception and with a “many thanks” walked out into daylight. This hostel really is in an amazing location, one I couldn’t see last night on arrival, situated right by Glenridding Beck, with mountain views all around, a very peaceful place with a feel of isolation to it. 

I was keen to get an early start on this fresh chilly but clear beautiful October Monday morning.

And while most folk were heading out to work, I was trying my best to save my shock absorbers and my teeth while driving down that very bumpy lane from the hostel back into Glenridding.

As I drove through Glenridding, mist was rising from the waters of Ullswater, it was like something out of “Lord of the Rings” I should have stopped to take some photos of the small boats moored near the shore, but didn’t and regretted it instantly.

Apart from a camper van, the Brothers Water car park was empty as I pulled up to park. A voluntary donation box is on display here and I dropped £3 through the slot, before having some breakfast.

Having Crohn’s Disease doesn’t get in the way of hill walking much for me, I am very fortunate, however, precautions are needed, and the urge for the loo halfway up a mountain isn’t desirable. So the full English breakfast is left for another day at let’s just say a more convenient time. While I stick to a safe bet with Weetabix with milk and a banana from the cool box out of the boot of my car.

Just then, a couple parked up next to me and all three of us went through our pre walk preparations, you know like changing into boots, packing or restocking rucksacks with food, checking route etc. 

I was carrying much less today, waterproof pants, camera and gloves were left behind, just 1 Ltr of water and a couple of jam sandwiches. I poured fresh bottled water into my empty drinking bladder, I think bottled water tastes better through the tube rather than tap water, I reset my GPS and I was ready for the off.

The couple walked passed me heading by Brothers Water stopping only to comment on such a lovely day and to wish me an enjoyable walk.

I left the car at 8.45am for the short walk into the village of Hartsop, stopping to take a photo of a scenic view that caught my eye. The village was quiet as I passed through, walking through a carpark, which I didn’t know about until I found myself passing through it, over the bridge of Pasture Beck, turning left, in a southeasterly direction.

Looking south from Brothers Water, the northwest ridge of Caudale Moor (left) High Hartsop Dodd (right) and Middle Dodd (centre)

Sometimes on the Wainwright journey we tend to head up onto the fells at the first opportunity, missing out on some low-lying areas and in particular the quiet valleys.

Today I wanted to explore the steep sided valley of Threshthwaite Glen following “Pasture Beck”

I was still feeling the effects of the previous days walk, and to be honest, kept an open mind on just how far I’d walk today.

Hartsop Dodd looked steep, but Gray Crag looked formidable, the sheer steep side of this fell soared high above me, as I entered the valley, the towering peak sat in sunshine, and made me feel tired just looking at it, and the thought of climbing it’s height as I started to get into the valley was off putting.

The Glen itself was fascinating, the floor was in shade and covered in a light frost. Apart from the sound of running water from the beck, it was silent. 

But I was surprised to discover a well established stone path making the walking easy. Apparently Charolais/Limousin cows live in the valley during the summer months and can be aggressive, as much of their time during the winter is spent in cattle sheds away from the public, so thankfully no cows were in sight today as there’s only two directions to run in.

As I looked back down the Valley, the village of Hartsop was now out of sight and “Brock Crags” dominated this view, the whole surroundings gave a sense of real remoteness, as I moved further into the valley.

Threshthwaite Glen

A frosty start to the day

Beautiful red and orange fungi grows sporadically just off the path here, although it was a bright sunny day beyond the valley, in here the shade was deep and I could imagine on an overcast day, light would be sparing, making for dull and damp conditions. And damp it certainly was, with lots of water courses running off the fell sides as I moved along the valley, if it hadn’t been for the stone path, my feet would be soaked as my Mammut summer boots were now wetting out, so the streams needed a bit of careful negotiating in order to keep my feet dry.

Approaching Raven Crag

A good path makes the walking easy

Looking at “Threshthwaite Cove” which is at the head of the valley, as I got halfway along, I tried to spot my exit route up to the col at Threshthwaite Mouth which lies between Caudale Moor and Thornthwaite Crag. I couldn’t see a route up and it looked steep, “this could be interesting” I thought.

At the foot of Raven Crag, a boulder field lay over the path. The boulders were the size of cars and bigger. It looked to me as though at least some of the rocks had come away from the crag long after the path had been established as some of the rocks seem to sit on the path itself.

The rocks were easily negotiated as the path snaked through them and I continued walking towards the head of the valley.

The boulder field below 'Raven Crag'

As I got up close to the cove, the route up finally revealed itself to me, and again, pleasantly surprised to see that the stone path continued in the form of steps. But it was steep.

I set a target of counting 200 steps before stopping to look back at the view and catching my breath. Then continued for another 200 steps and so on until I made it onto level ground at Threshthwaite Mouth and into the warmth of sunshine, which was nice after being in cool shade for most of the morning.

The steep stepped climb out of  'Threshthwaite Cove'

Having made it to this point, I was definitely going on to visit all three peaks. I felt okay and it was only 11.00am.

From Threshthwaite Mouth, excellent views down to Troutbeck and Windermere could be seen and Froswick, Ill Bell and Yoke all part of the western side of the Kentmere Horseshoe were on show. To the west, was a steep scramble up the east ridge of Caudale Moor, but that would be later.

A great view of the western side of the Kentmere Horseshoe's 'Yoke' 'Ill Bell' and Froswick

Looking east and my continuing route, there was a rough steep path following a broken wall which should lead to Thornthwaite Crag, but unfortunately for me, following this route would have made an unnecessary steep and hard climb and gain unnecessary height to get to the ridge path that would take me to Gray Crag.

So instead I chose to cross the pathless moorland tops of Gray Crags, following a sheep trail which quickly disappeared into long grass as I crossed the fell on a gentle ascent. 

Not easy walking on uneven ground with long grass and marsh, it’s the sort of terrain that pushes your ankles over every now and then, but eventually I joined the easy ridge path connecting Thornthwaite Crag with Gray Crag.

Looking back at the col of Threshthwaite Mouth and the scramble up the east ridge of Caudale Moor to the right. Windermere can be seen in the distance.

Difficult ground to cover

Pasture Beck below Gray Crag 

I finally made it to my first Wainwright summit of the day after covering about 4.5 miles.

Gray Crag stands at 699m, and after taking in its panoramic views, I began retracing my route leaving the path to Thornthwaite Crag pretty much at the same spot I’d joined it earlier. Again crossing the rough undulating ground aiming for Threshthwaite Mouth.

Gray Crag summit and views east 'Rest Dodd' and 'The Knott' along with 'Rampgill Head'

This was about the first time I’d been in descent all day and suddenly I felt some discomfort in my right knee, so before it got any worse, and as a precaution, I stopped, and after removing both boots, opened up my first aid kit, sprayed each knee with a cold muscle spray, slipped on a knee support on each leg. Swallowed a couple of “Paracetamol” tablets and then slipped my boots back on again before continuing onwards. And that seemed to do the trick.

The East ridge of Caudale Moor

I was back at Threshthwaite Mouth just after midday. Here, I could have chosen to head down into the valley again, but the knee didn’t seem too bad, so having put my walking poles away on the back of my rucksack, I made the easy scramble by a broken wall up onto Caudale Moor. The top of this fell is a broad flat moorland with a number of walls crossing the top.

A good path leads to the cairn summit of ‘Stony Cove Pike’. From here excellent views in all directions were enjoyed in the early afternoon sunshine.

 'Stony Cove Pike' summit, from here the 14 foot summit beacon of Thornthwaite Crag can be seen. Beyond to the left 'High Street'

Several paths lead away from the cairn, and although I was heading north in clear weather, it wasn’t completely clear I had chosen the right path until I passed over a broken wall. From here it was clear to see I’d be following a wall all the way to Hartsop Dodd.

View North following the wall and my final fell of the walk ahead 'Hartsop Dodd'

It was easy walking now, following the wall and the views out to the west were stunning. Much of yesterday’s walk were visible, St Sunday Crag, Dollywaggon Pike Nethermost Pike and Helvellyn, but the Northwestern ridge of Caudale dominated the foreground, and looked a fine route to incorporate in a future walk.

Looking West at much of yesterdays walking area 'St Sunday Crag' 'Fairfield', 'Dollywaggon Pike'  'Nethermost Pike' 'Helvellyn' and even 'Catstye Cam' were on show

I finally sat down for a short break after passing a token cairn on Hartsop Dodd. I have got to say it was one of the nicest spots I have ever sat in, and certainly was the most enjoyable jam sandwich I've ever eaten.

Looking out over green fields and the village of Hartsop in miniature, all bathed in sunshine. Peaceful, calming, and so memorable.

What a spot for a picnic

An excellent two days walking was coming to an end, I just had the very steep descent off the fell to negotiate. The path down is grooved, and zigzags, making it a little easier, but it is extremely steep. My knee started to feel uncomfortable during the descent and it was a relief to get down and on the flat of the village.

Looking back at Hartsop Dodd from the village

I just had the short road walk back to the car, arriving back at 2.45pm. The walk covered 11.35 miles and about 2,800ft of ascent and of course three more Wainwright summits taking me to 125.

A final look back at Gray Crag (left) and Hartsop Dodd

I didn’t manage to avoid the rush hour traffic around Manchester, but that’s a small price to pay for such a great day. And the knee was fine next day.

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