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Regions - Trip reports, destination advice, recommended routes, etc. => Lake District => Topic started by: April on 17:44:42, 10/09/19

Title: TR 3 nighter from Gatesgarth Fri 6 Sep to Mon 9 Sep 19
Post by: April on 17:44:42, 10/09/19
Sorry, this is a long one, feel free to skip through it  :D

Day 1
We got the Buttermere bus to Gatesgarth on Friday, we were out for 3 nights. It was 2.20, late to do too much but we'd already decided to pitch in Ennerdale, it was going to be too windy to pitch above the Black Sail Pass, our original idea. So we had an easy start, just 3 miles with 380m of ascent and 180m descent on the first day.

Looking back, on the way up to Scarth Gap
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48710820087_9be66d049b_z.jpg) (http://)

It was raining on and off and we hoped we weren't going to be soaked on the first day out.

The welcoming committee at Scarth Gap
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48710648266_715c83847e_z.jpg) (http://)

Our packs were heavy with 4 days food (and wine  :)) but we had a new tent with us, the MSR Hubba Hubba NX, 1 kg lighter than the MSR Elixir. 

A view of Ennerdale Water on the descent to the valley
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Great Gable and Kirk Fell 
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The descent was slippery with the rain falling earlier. The rain had stopped so we weren't that wet. This would be the first of a few torturous descents over the long weekend, I much prefer to ascend than descend.

We passed the Black Sail hut and walked across the footbridge and started looking for a pitch out of the wind. Not easy because the ground was saturated but we eventually found a spot near what we called the Ennerdale Matterhorn rock. We got the tent up just in time before the heavens opened.

The Hubba Hubba
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48710379028_a5fb52eff1_z.jpg) (http://)

It is almost the same as the Elixir. When the rain paused we got some water filtered and had some tea. The rain started again so we didn't bother looking out of the tent at sunset time. We had our wine and went to sleep. The tent seemed to be warm enough and not too draughty.

Day 2
We awoke to a dryer day and we packed up excited for the day ahead, first stop was to be Pillar. Pillar is a grand mountain, the views are wonderful and the route up is entertaining.

Leave no trace
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48710859767_f42bb31eef_z.jpg) (http://)

Gear packed and ready to go. There was a bit of cloud on some of the tops.

On the way up to the Black Sail Pass I had to stop a couple of times because my pack was dropping to the right when going up the scrambly bits and it nearly dragged me over a couple of times. I moved a few things around and tightened the straps. We were slow and we were overtaken by a couple of blokes and a woman. We weren't in a hurry, we had all day. We were going to pitch on Yewbarrow later.

Kirk Fell from the Black Sail Pass
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We stopped at a tarn to filter some water, this would most likely be the last water source until we descended from Red Pike later. It was really windy and it was a bitterly cold wind too from the north. We had our gloves on and hoods up. Beefy had a bit of a cold and wasn't feeling that great, not the best timing to do this walk, the terrain is rugged and demanding.
  
Beefy, Squeaky and Pillar    
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48710754951_ba77600a2c_z.jpg) (http://)

When the sun was out and when we were sheltered from the wind it was really warm. We were being frozen then roasted!   

High Crag and High Stile 
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The cloud had lifted off the tops and we had great views.

Great Gable and Kirk Fell   
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48710787326_389bfdf2f9_z.jpg) (http://)

Pillar and Black Crag  
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48710439218_d8886e6baa_z.jpg) (http://)

We stopped for lunch before we got to the summit, sheltering from the wind behind some rocks. We had an hour sunbathing and taking in the view. 

Yewbarrow from the path up to Pillar summit 
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The view to the north and east from the way up Pillar                                           
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Beefy and Squeaky on Pillar summit
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It wasn't windy up here which was strange, we'd expected it to be as cold and strong as earlier on the exposed part of the ridge.  

Great Gable and Scafells from Pillar summit                         
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Scoat Fell and Steeple in view from the descent to Wind Gap
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The descent to Wind Gap is loose, eroded and a total pain. I really hate descending these days.
 
Looking back at Pillar and the descent to Wind Gap
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Wind Gap was not windy and the wind from earlier had disappeared. We were running late, it had taken longer to get up and down Pillar and we had left our camping spot 45 minutes later than I'd planned so we omitted Scoat Fell and Steeple out. We can come back to do them another time.

Great Gable and Scafells 
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What a lovely view this is 

Heading toward Red Pike
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It seemed a long way up but we were at the summit pretty quickly because it was much easier terrain than the route so far.

Beefy and Squeaky on Red Pike summit
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48711090597_4c23e2bf91_z.jpg) (http://)

On my request the man sitting on the summit kindly moved so I could get this summit shot  O0

The view from Red Pike summit
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We moved away from the cairn to take a few shots of the view.

On the way down to Dore Head
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Another descent over sometimes loose stones and a few rocky steps. We had got our second wind by now and we were soon down at Dore Head.

On the way up to the col on Yewbarrow from Dore Head
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We turned left on a trod off the main path, the way up to the col. We came to another fork in this trod. We took the left fork but we wished later we'd taken the right fork!  

The steep route we took up Yewbarrow  
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48710615413_6db0bd2604_z.jpg) (http://)

Some masochist  ;) has cairned this route, up very steep loose scree in places. Much better to use the grass a bit further on, using the right trod we'd ignored, still steep but not quite as steep as this! There are no easy ways up Yewbarrow. I have never wanted to try Stirrup Crag or the Bell Rib ascents, I always use the col.   

The Hubba Hubba on Yewbarrow  
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48711100177_b9dd2a61cc_z.jpg) (http://)

A fine view of the Scafells. We had a wow moment when they came into view, we found a pitch and put up the tent. We were tired and ready to rest. We could see a helicopter hovering over Broad Crag col. A google back at home found someone had injured themselves coming down from Broad Crag, injured their ankle and they had to be winched off. Report from Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team here: https://www.wmrt.org.uk/incidents/broad-crag-col-scafell-pike-sat-7th-sep-2019/

We got some water from a nearby tarn on to filter and had a welcome cuppa. We scoffed our tea and waited for the sunset, we were going to get one, there wasn't much cloud about.

The golden hour on Yewbarrow 
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The setting sun lighting up the Scafells 
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48711129037_684881f7b4_z.jpg) (http://)

We had some wine and waited for the sun to set.

It set in between Seatallan and Haycock with enough cloud to defuse the sun                     
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48710663573_9b21e966c3_z.jpg) (http://)

Not the best sun set we've had but nice all the same. We had the rest of our wine and got into our sleeping bags. It was going to be the coldest night of the weekend, down to 6 or 7 degrees, we wondered if the Hubba Hubba would keep us warm enough. Day 2 was 6 miles, 980m ascent and 500m descent, it had taken 6 hours walking time! One mile an hour!

Day 3
It had got cold overnight and if we were cold it was because perhaps we should have brought our warmer sleeping bags. The Hubba Hubba so far has impressed, although there is a bit more draught and it isn't as warm as the Elixir, it seems to be going to be warm enough to use until the weather does get colder by the middle of October? We had our breakfast, packed our gear and bagged Yewbarrow summit.  
                           
Beefy and Squeaky on Yewbarrow summit   
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It was cloudy today and a bit dull.

The view down to Wasdale from Yewbarrow summit    
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I spotted a trod that seemed to lead down to Wasdale Head. I haven't been up or down that route, better to use the route I knew, down to the Over Beck valley even though that isn't a very nice descent.
                   
Looking back at the fellside we had descended
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This photo doesn't capture the steepness of this route. Have I mentioned I am not liking descents these days?

Wast Water and another Matterhorn rock
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48711256652_f01586bf71_z.jpg) (http://)

I'd spotted a few triangular rocks over the weekend but hadn't taken photos of them.

Looking back at Bell Rib  
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48711084086_89b08f371b_z.jpg) (http://)

Another Matterhorn shaped rock! We got to Over Beck Bridge and walked along the road to Down in The Dale bridge. The road was busy with cars and it was relief to reach the footpath at the bridge. We stopped for some lunch next to the beck. We were flagging a bit and I had caught Beefy's cold and had a sore throat. We filtered some water for our brews but we should have filtered more. When you are tired you start making mistakes.

On the way up to Sty Head                      
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The cloud cleared a little and the sun came out and it warmed up a lot. This was when we realised we needed to have topped up our water during lunch. I was really thirsty when we reached the first water source. Only to find we still had half a bottle of squash to drink! We had a good guzzle and filtered some more water to take with us.

Almost at the top of the pass  
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At the bottom it looks a long way but before we knew it we were at the top. There are a few rocky steps that are entertaining to do. I enjoy this ascent but really dislike descending it! 

At Sty Head we turned right on the way to Sprinkling Tarn and Seathwaite Fell. We passed by Sprinkling Tarn and the usual wild campers to find a spot away from the more popular area. We found such a spot near some pools. Seathwaite Fell has a lot of possible pitches I don't know why so many people stop at Sprinkling Tarn, the fell has so much more to offer. 

The Hubba Hubba on Seathwaite Fell  
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We were optimistic putting our chairs outside. It was too cold to sit out and we got in the tent. Beefy got some water to filter from a nearby pool and we had a brew and our tea, then opened some wine. 
 
Hubba Hubba view on Seathwaite Fell                                                                          
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48710808693_ea08364be3_z.jpg) (http://)

We didn't get a sunset , there was too much cloud to the west. It was another good pitch and we enjoyed the camp regardless. Day 3 was 8 miles with 670m ascent and 570m of descent.

Day 4
The wind picked overnight and it started raining. It was still raining and windy when we woke up and we didn't think we were in for a good day going down to Seatoller. We didn't bag Seathwaite Fell summit, it was too windy and wet for us to be bothered. It rained on and off as we descended to Stockley Bridge and I took no photos, I felt really crappy with the cold thing. Another awful descent it is from Sty Head to Stockley Bridge in the wet, sloped pitched stoned paths are lethal in the rain, slick and slippery and every step had to be taken carefully. We caught our bus from Seatoller, we were dry, the rain had stopped and it was a relief not to be leaving puddles on the bus! Day 4 was 5.25 miles with 120m ascent and 550m descent. A grand few days out, shame it was spoiled by our colds. The Hubba Hubba NX is as good a tent as the Elixir in the quality of workmanship and the materials used. It isn't as warm and it is more draughty like we had expected but we are liking the kg less weight...for now! We will be back in the Elixir when the weather does get colder.                                      
Title: Re: TR 3 nighter from Gatesgarth Fri 6 Sep to Mon 9 Sep 19
Post by: beefy on 18:04:37, 10/09/19
What a great adventure, 3 Brill nights out in the lakes with fine views
Nice pics Ape O0
Fancy a wc this weekend  ;D
Title: Re: TR 3 nighter from Gatesgarth Fri 6 Sep to Mon 9 Sep 19
Post by: vghikers on 18:08:21, 10/09/19
Another terrific circuit and clear pics, great pitches again. O0

Seathwaite Fell is one of our favourites too, an abundance of superb pitches and lovely lakes. Yewbarrow too, though the descent to Wasdale Head was pretty awful as I recall, the type of very steep eroded path that they are so fond of paving.

Title: Re: TR 3 nighter from Gatesgarth Fri 6 Sep to Mon 9 Sep 19
Post by: karl h on 18:10:23, 10/09/19
Great Pics April O0
Glad the new tent got an outing

Not sure where you went as I skipped through it ;D
Title: Re: TR 3 nighter from Gatesgarth Fri 6 Sep to Mon 9 Sep 19
Post by: henryb on 18:43:50, 10/09/19
Great report and photos April from an unfamiliar area for me, nice sunset shots O0
Title: Re: TR 3 nighter from Gatesgarth Fri 6 Sep to Mon 9 Sep 19
Post by: richardh1905 on 20:05:18, 10/09/19
Looks as if you had an excellent outing, despite your colds. Glad that the Hubba is living up to expectations.


Lovely shots of Scafell in particular, and that gorgeous 'Golden Hour'...
Title: Re: TR 3 nighter from Gatesgarth Fri 6 Sep to Mon 9 Sep 19
Post by: pdstsp on 20:28:04, 10/09/19
Looks a great weekend.  Did you buy the new tent just so you could carry an extra litre of wine?


Love those fells.
Title: Re: TR 3 nighter from Gatesgarth Fri 6 Sep to Mon 9 Sep 19
Post by: Mel on 20:37:50, 10/09/19
Smashing write up and pics.  Love the sun setting on the Scafells  :)


pdstsp beat me to it on the tent weight -v- wine ratio  ;D   :D
Title: Re: TR 3 nighter from Gatesgarth Fri 6 Sep to Mon 9 Sep 19
Post by: Rob Goes Walking on 21:13:29, 10/09/19
Some lovely pics April and a superb writeup. Wish I could remember all the great places you go... My local geography is shocking. I'll have to make notes of the ones with the prettiest views!
Title: Re: TR 3 nighter from Gatesgarth Fri 6 Sep to Mon 9 Sep 19
Post by: Ridge on 09:17:48, 11/09/19
That is a lovely report April I lingered rather than skimmed.
I've just had a grumpy email exchange and reading that has made all the difference to my mood.




Title: Re: TR 3 nighter from Gatesgarth Fri 6 Sep to Mon 9 Sep 19
Post by: April on 09:49:06, 11/09/19
Fancy a wc this weekend  ;D

 :) How about a 2 nighter? Weather looks good  :)

Seathwaite Fell is one of our favourites too, an abundance of superb pitches and lovely lakes.

I hear Sprinkling Tarn is the best place to pitch  ;) Thanks vghikers  :)

Glad the new tent got an outing

It is very like the Elixir, just lighter and a bit more draughty  :)

Not sure where you went as I skipped through it ;D

 ;D

Great report and photos April from an unfamiliar area for me, nice sunset shots O0

Thanks Henry. If you haven't been up Pillar, it is a fab mountain but it is hard to get to using public transport. The nearest bus stop is Gatesgarth and it means a walk up and down Scarth Gap to get to the bottom of Black Sail Pass in Ennerdale.

Looks as if you had an excellent outing, despite your colds.

Thanks Richard, not the worst colds we have ever had but the timing!!

Did you buy the new tent just so you could carry an extra litre of wine?

 ;D We didn't as it happens, we wanted the weight saving more  :)

pdstsp beat me to it on the tent weight -v- wine ratio  ;D   :D

 ;D Thanks Mel

Some lovely pics April and a superb writeup.

Thanks Rob  O0

I've just had a grumpy email exchange and reading that has made all the difference to my mood.

 ;D Pleased to be of service  :) We are hoping to be out Fri and Sat nights because the weather looks pretty good so there might be another long one on the way next week  :)
Title: Re: TR 3 nighter from Gatesgarth Fri 6 Sep to Mon 9 Sep 19
Post by: Jac on 09:49:37, 11/09/19
The Golden Hour - just beautiful
Title: Re: TR 3 nighter from Gatesgarth Fri 6 Sep to Mon 9 Sep 19
Post by: April on 10:16:14, 11/09/19
Thanks Jac  O0
Title: Re: TR 3 nighter from Gatesgarth Fri 6 Sep to Mon 9 Sep 19
Post by: Dovegirl on 12:48:39, 11/09/19
Great photos April    :)    Love the golden sunlight
I agree that ascents are often preferable to descents!
Title: Re: TR 3 nighter from Gatesgarth Fri 6 Sep to Mon 9 Sep 19
Post by: forgotmyoldpassword on 15:24:00, 11/09/19
Enjoy the slightly longer trips, I find that when you do overnighters you don't really get into the 'open space' mentality until the last day, something which seems (at least for me) to come after you've had a full day amongst the fells.


Must admit I was reading your route and did a double take when you mentioned cutting Steeple and Scoat Fell and instead heading for Red Pike, I assumed you were heading via High Beck and on to the Red Pike at Buttermere - so was surprised when you turned up at Dore Head!  :D


Nice to see the tent getting some solid use and well done for Beefy heading out with a cold - some days I truly don't fancy it when feeling under the weather, especially if I know it'll be a heavy pack.



Title: Re: TR 3 nighter from Gatesgarth Fri 6 Sep to Mon 9 Sep 19
Post by: snoopdawg on 19:34:44, 11/09/19
Nice one April, good trip. I've camped at the top of Ennerdale in the trees just down from the footbridge.
Title: Re: TR 3 nighter from Gatesgarth Fri 6 Sep to Mon 9 Sep 19
Post by: sunnydale on 07:16:19, 12/09/19
Off walking soon April, so haven’t time to read all your report....but the photos are fab! O0
Title: Re: TR 3 nighter from Gatesgarth Fri 6 Sep to Mon 9 Sep 19
Post by: pleb on 11:10:18, 12/09/19
Love the golden hour pics  :)
As an aside, you ever tried the purifying water with tablets trick? Or is that just for urine?  :-\  Somebody at school/sixth form years ago said he had tried it but tastes disgusting! ;D
Title: Re: TR 3 nighter from Gatesgarth Fri 6 Sep to Mon 9 Sep 19
Post by: forgotmyoldpassword on 12:16:28, 12/09/19
Love the golden hour pics  :)
As an aside, you ever tried the purifying water with tablets trick? Or is that just for urine?  :-\  Somebody at school/sixth form years ago said he had tried it but tastes disgusting! ;D


It tastes like mild pool water, generally - but for day hikes when I carry minimal gear I quite like a small pack of water purification tablets instead of the faff of a filter, usually with a very fine microfiber cloth if I need to filter water with things in it.    Overall it's a minimal weigh saving, especially with the flow rate of the Sawyer Squeeze/similar being so good.
Title: Re: TR 3 nighter from Gatesgarth Fri 6 Sep to Mon 9 Sep 19
Post by: April on 12:29:55, 12/09/19
I agree that ascents are often preferable to descents!

Thanks Dovegirl  :)

I have tried to plan this weekend with minimal descending. Impossible on the Lakeland Fells  ;D

Must admit I was reading your route and did a double take when you mentioned cutting Steeple and Scoat Fell and instead heading for Red Pike, I assumed you were heading via High Beck and on to the Red Pike at Buttermere - so was surprised when you turned up at Dore Head!  :D

Thanks forgotmyoldpassword, it is nice to get out for more than one night. I should have mentioned it was the Wasdale Red Pike  ;D

I've camped at the top of Ennerdale in the trees just down from the footbridge.

It is a nice place, we've camped there 4 times now, in 4 different places.

Thanks sunnydale  O0

you ever tried the purifying water with tablets trick? Or is that just for urine?  :-\  Somebody at school/sixth form years ago said he had tried it but tastes disgusting! ;D

I have never tried the tablets or urine  :D

Title: Re: TR 3 nighter from Gatesgarth Fri 6 Sep to Mon 9 Sep 19
Post by: MarkT on 20:53:16, 12/09/19
Lovely pics, I guess I was unlucky with my trip to the lakes, but the mountains will always be there next time I return. Let's hope the wind and rain won't be  :)