Walkweb

“Bowfell’s companion at the head of Great Langdale was given the name of crinkle Crags by the dalesfolk of that valley because of the succession of abrupt undulations on its log summit ridge. Seen from a distance these seem minor and of little consequence but on closer acquaintance are found to be not merely crinkly but exceedingly rough…”

Wainwright’s Favourite Lakeland Mountains

Parking by the side of the Wrynose pass just east of Three Shire Stone, I walked briefly along the pass and then turned north, following the well-worn footpath past Red Tarn, and turning left at the crossroad of paths a little further on to follow the trail to the Crinkle Crags. There are five summits (although the track doesn’t traverse them all). A quick lunch was had at the last crag, before rapidly deteriorating weather forced a hasty retreat back to my car.

There were a lot of bike riders on the pass that day, and the weather probably contributed to one of them coming to grief on a steep section of the pass. Air and road ambulances caused quite a traffic jam; I pulled off at the first available pub and let the traffic go by while enjoying a nice pint and savouring the completion of all 20 of the Wainwright’s favourite lakeland mountains. (I’ve posted details of 5 walks, the remaining 15 will be posted over the course of the next few weeks).

The next objective is all 214 Wainwright’s…

My rating: B+
Map: OL6 – The English Lakes: South Western area (1:25,000)
Wainwright’s guides: Book four, The Southern Fells

“Legend and poetry, a lovely name and a lofty altitude combine to encompass Helvellyn in an aura of romance; and thousands of pilgrims, aided by its easy accessibility, are attracted to its summit each year”

The Eastern Fells (Pictorial Guides to the Lakeland Fells)

On both my ascents of Helvellyn, I approached from Glenridding on the eastern side, ultimately ascending via Striding Edge which Wainwright describes as the finest way of all to the top of Helvellyn, a judgment that few would disagree with. After lunch at the top, I descended via Red Tarn and Swirral Edge, making a particularly fine circuit walk. The Pathfinder Guide to Lake District Walks describes a good route that follows this basic idea.

My rating: A+. Justifiably one of the most popular walks in the Lake District.

I have found the pathfinder guides to be generally very good at providing interesting and varied walks in the various areas of Britain (I own and have used nine of them). These two books covering the lake district provide a good introduction to some very enjoyable walks in that beautiful region. The first book (Lake District Walks) is the best and will provide an excellent introduction to those not overly familiar with the area. The second (More Lake District Walks) is starting to push the boundaries of the area a little and I personally didn’t find the suggested walks as compelling – having said that, the Newlands Horseshoe is one of my favourite Lakeland walks, and the second book also includes Scafell Pike – the highest mountain in England – which is obviously a Lakeland classic.

The route descriptions are generally pretty reliable, and having extracts of ordnance survey maps rather than line drawings makes the walks (usually) easier to follow. There are however a couple of minor niggles – sometimes the route descriptions leave a bit to be desired – in some places there’s plenty of detail, but in others where a bit more detail would be nice, none is provided; the descriptions of how to get to the start points of the walks could also be improved.

Overall though, both books provide a good selection of routes with generally clear directions and can be recommended. Just make sure that you still carry a full map and compass (and know how to use them).

A beautiful and very warm Saturday for another classic Lakeland walk:

“The most thrilling walk in Lakeland reaches the top of Scafell by way of an ingenious passage that penetrates the rocks of Scafell Crag … A struggle up this unfriendly ladder of rock debris … leads to the foot of Scafell Pinnacle in most impressive surroundings, the Pinnacle soaring above in a tower 500 feet in height. To the right at this point rises a steep narrow channel between rocks, and choked by stones and boulders. This is Lord’s Rake…”

Wainwright’s Favourite Lakeland Mountains

Parking at Wasdale Head we took the public footpath that leads south-east and then south to Lingmell Gill, then following the path as it proceeds upwards through Brown Tongue. Eventually the trail branches into two; following the southerly branch we proceeded to the bottom of Lord’s Rake. At this point it should be noted that there were signs stating that this way was closed. While there were no physical barriers, a large rock slab had dislodged at the top of the Rake, and if this fell down as you were walking up, your walking career would come to a shuddering and rather messy halt. In addition, there was a lot of loose rock and rubble which could easily come tumbling down causing injury. We chose to continue onwards for the traverse up Lord’s Rake and thus straight through Scafell Crag, before eventually (after a couple more up and down sections) reaching the high ground and a gentle stroll to the summit. Nothwithstanding this, a better option would be to continue on the path and then take the gully up to Foxes Tarn. Don’t try going up Broad Stand – this is for roped climbers only!

Following lunch we took the path down through Green How to join a bridleway heading north to return to Wasdale Head and a beer (of course).

My rating: A+. Magnificent, but definitely for experienced walkers only – and note the danger of traversing Lord’s Rake.
Map: OL6 – The English Lakes: South Western area (1:25,000)
Wainwright’s guides: Book four, The Southern Fells

UPDATE: Refer to this page from Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team for the current situation with regard to Lord’s Rake.

“Great Gable is everbody’s favourite. The very name is a compelling magnet, the aspect of the mountain on all sides is challenging and its ascent a highlight in the itineraries of all active walkers in Lakeland.”

Wainwright’s Favourite Lakeland Mountains

We followed the route in the Lake District: Walks (Pathfinder Guide) book, starting from Seathwaite, then straight up Sourmilk Gill, rather hardwork so soon after breakfast, before following the path between Gillercomb and Base Brown, to ascend Green Gable and then Great Gable itself. The descent was down to Styhead Tarn and back along the Styhead Pass over Stockley bridge and back to Seathwaite.

My rating: A. A Lakeland classic.
Maps: OL4 – The English Lakes: North Western area (1:25,000)
Wainwright’s guides: Book seven, The Western Fells